The Big Difference

By Robert Sadowski

The Bergara B-14 rifle launched in 2014, hence the model number B-14. It’s the rifle that truly put Bergara (a division of BPI Outdoors) on the map. Before that launch the Spanish manufacturer was mainly known as a barrel maker, most notably for CVA’s line of muzzleloaders. Those barrels gave CVA muzzleloaders a well-deserved reputation for accuracy. Such acclaim taught the company just how important barrels were to a rifle’s overall accuracy and performance. The next step was the formation of Bergara Barrels in 2006, a step that allowed the manufacturer to expand into the production of centerfire rifle barrels.

At this point, Bergara tapped Ed Shilen, of Shilen Barrels fame, as a consultant to ensure the barrels coming out of Spain consistently printed tiny groups. Major gun manufacturers were soon lining up to take orders of Bergara barrels for their guns. By 2012 Bergara decided to test-building their own rifles and launched Bergara Custom Rifles. From the start, Bergara’s custom rifles were a hit with hunters and shooters. It only made sense to design their own action and start offering quality rifles with the Bergara reputation for accuracy to the masses.

The B-14 action was introduced in 2014 and is based on an enhanced Remington 700 action. What this means is the B-14 uses any stock, trigger, or scope mount compatible with the Remington 700. By going this route Bergara didn’t have to reinvent the wheel; using the same footprint as the Model 700 allowed Bergara to capitalize on the huge variety of Model 700 aftermarket parts. Timing is everything, they say, and as Remington teetered into bankruptcy, an enormous door of opportunity opened for Bergara. They did what Remington should have done years earlier and evolved the 700 action while still keeping to a reasonable the price point. The rest, as they say, is history.

The B-14 series gives you a lot for your money, but doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money. The B-14 Wilderness line is a good example of what Bergara offers. Consisting of seven models, these are no-nonsense performers built to withstand the rigors of backcountry hunting (SRP: $969-$1,749.) The B-14 HMR Carbon Wilderness has a synthetic stock and carbon-fiber barrel. The HMR stock, designed by Bergara, features a mini chassis embedded in a synthetic stock with adjustable length of pull and cheek riser. These rifles feature hand-painted stocks and premium Cerakote metal finishing. They also feature a threaded barrel and an omnidirectional muzzle brake.

Some Wilderness series rifles feature Bergara’s CURE carbon-fiber barrel. This came out a few years ago and uses a manufacturing process that differs from epoxy carbon and carbon sleeve barrels. Instead, the CURE uses a fine mesh of stainless steel to dissipate barrel heat, which is a problem for some carbon-fiber barrel manufacturers. The stainless strands in the carbon fiber conduct heat away from the chamber and down the barrel to more efficiently dissipate heat.

If you want a lightweight rifle, the B-14 Squared Crest Carbon rifle weighs 6.2 to 6.5 pounds, depending on the caliber. The  Crest Carbon is born from a stock crafted entirely in carbon fiber with an internal spine making it the pinnacle of strength and rigidity. This 100-percent carbon-fiber stock is designed with industry-leading technologies to withstand anything you throw at it.

The B-14 action became so successful it spawned a number of other Bergara rifle families, some of which sell at the other end of the price spectrum. The Premier series, for example, consists of hand-built production rifles designed for tactical, hunting, and competition shooting. Although B-14 rifles are manufactured in Spain and undergo quality control in Bergara’s facility in Georgia, Premier series rifles are completely built in Georgia by former USMC gunsmiths with actions made in Georgia and barrel blanks from Spain. Given their precision, they carry a higher price, starting at $1,749.

The big news this year is Bergara is offering Premier barreled actions (short and long) so customers can build their own rifle. SRP: $899.99. Premier barreled actions come in a variety of popular calibers, lengths, and tapers. Even Bergara’s CURE carbon-fiber barrel is being offered. SRP: $1,200 to $1599.99, depending on barrel style.

Another recent success with Bergara has been with the rimfire rifle line. The BMR (Bergara Mirco Rifle) bolt-action is popular with small-game hunters and shooters and is priced to be used in NRL22 competitions.

“There have been several factors that have attributed to the success of the Bergara B-14 line of rifles,” says Chad Schearer, Bergara’s director of advertising and media relations. “When Bergara launched the B-14 we focused on a style of rifle that had been proven and around for many years. Known for renowned barrels and actions, Bergara knew we could deliver an exceptional rifle with a good price point. Bergara also added innovation and features that other brands weren’t focusing on at the time.  Bergara knew that to succeed with the B-14 line it was going to be important to deliver quality that wasn’t previously produced at that price point. Ten years down the road Bergara continues to focus on what was important when the B-14 was introduced, and we continue to develop other models in this great line. It’s the people at Bergara who make the difference.” That last line echoes an early Bergara tag line: “Our barrels make the difference.” What was true then is true today.  (bpioutdoors.com)