Bergara Introduces a Trio of New Rifles
News Briefs - July/Aug 2022
by Eve Flanigan
Bergara, a division of BPI Outdoors, has been busy in the rifle workshop, and it is now showing off three new models for both field and range. First among the new Bergara rifles is the Premier Divide. It’s the company’s solution for fans of its HMR model who want a lighter rifle for field and duty. The aim is in the name, with “Divide” indicating the middle ground between tactical and hunting pursuits. It’s available in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .300 Win., and .308 Win. Barrels are 22 to 24 inches. The Premier Divide’s light weight of 7.2 to 7.4 pounds is achieved through a carbon stock by AG Composites and Bergara’s new Cure carbon-fiber barrel.
The Cure barrel is truly different. According to a company press release, “Bergara cured the carbon barrel disease of inconsistency by getting steel and carbon to perfectly work together by managing heat. Cure barrels are uniquely optimized both mechanically and thermodynamically via a proprietary, patent-pending, carbon weave with embedded stainless strands that move heat. Every aspect of the design was optimized to yield an ultralight, stiff, straight, rugged barrel, shot after shot. The Cure reduces barrel weight by over two pounds, without suffering impact migration problems of light-profile barrels.” SRP: $2,749-$2,799.
Another upcoming Bergara, the Premier Canyon, represents the coalesced input from the substantial portion of Bergara customers who are big-game hunters. This lightweight, muzzle-device-ready rifle has a bolt that’s ready to deliver smooth, quiet, reliable cycling in harsh environments. Barrels are 22 to 24 inches. This rifle features an AICS-style detachable magazine, except for the .375 H&H, which has a hinged floorplate. Other chamberings include 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge, .308 Win., .300 Win., 300 PRC, and 28 Nosler. The Premier Canyon weighs in a 6.2 to 6.5 pounds. SRP: $2,379-$2,429.
Last in the lineup is a rifle designed for the backcountry hunter who’s ready to be modern as well as free to move. The MgLite is built on an XLR Element 4.0 magnesium chassis and looks more like a long-range competition rifle than a hunting companion. The skeletonized carbon-fiber buttstock folds flat, making the MgLite packable. At less than two pounds, Bergara says the MgLite is one of the lightest rifle chassis system in the world. Like the Premium Divide rifle, the MgLite also makes use of a 22- or 24-inch Cure barrel. Built-in forend features include a bubble level and machined-in RRS 1.5-inch Arca-Swiss dovetail. Chamberings will be 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win., and .300 Win. SRP: $3,229-$3,349. (bergara.online)
