The LRP Elite I tested turned out to be a rockstar as it consistently delivered sub-MOA five shot groups with factory ammo. Even more surprising was that the rifle I tested wasn’t a shiny, new media sample – it was the same rifle they took on the road for demos. The LRP’s only problem: its price. At a shade over $2600, it’ll take a chunk out of the ole wallet.
I was similarly impressed by their B-14 Woodsman hunting gun. It’s not nearly the tack driver that the LRP Elite was, but it can be a third the price. Of course the B-14 Woodsman lacks some of the gizmos on the LRP Elite, and definitely wouldn’t be at home on the competition circuit.
Now Bergara’s seen fit to remedy all that by making a tactical/competition/hunting rifle built off the much less expensive B-14 platform. Enter the B14 HMR. Here’s their press release:
Lawrenceville, Ga. (January 2017) – Bergara Rifles is pleased to introduce the B14 Series Hunting and Match Rifle (HMR) for 2017. Completely built at the Bergara, Spain facility, the HMR is a huge addition to the incredible lineup of rifles in the B14 Series. It is a feature-rich rifle, designed to meet the needs of hardcore hunters, precision rifle shooters, and those desiring absolute quality and accuracy.
The B14 HMR features a solid molded synthetic stock with a built in machined aluminum mini-chassis. The sturdy aluminum mini-chassis is built into the HMR stock using precise molding and machining techniques, and is designed to offer repeatable bedding for each B14 action installed on the rifle. It also allows for the support to fully free float the Bergara Barrel, which in turn ensures extreme accuracy for this rifle. The world-renowned Bergara barrel, produced using a proprietary vertically honed, button rifled barrel, on the HMR is designed to be light enough for a hunter to carry, yet heavy enough to deliver the utmost in performance and precision.
The finish of the stock on the HMR is completed using a multiple stage method, which gives it proper texture and adds protection to the stock itself. The HMR uses a precision-machined bottom metal and is designed to accept AICS style magazines. The rear stock of the HMR is specifically created to offer a multitude of adjustments for many different types of shooters, both right and left handed. The cheek piece, or cheek riser, is fully adjustable up and down to accommodate proper eye alignment with the optic for different size shooters. Length of pull is fully adjustable for shooters of all types and sizes. Equally as important, most of the quick adjustment can be made completely by hand, and without the requirement of a tool. The stock offers multiple flush cup mounts for QD attachments, as well as multiple sling swivel studs for traditional bipod and sling attachments. The HMR stock is created and precisely machined to reduce weight, yet offer extreme functionality for every shooter out there.
The Bergara B14 HMR will initially be offered in .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor, utilizing the world famous Bergara barrel and backed by a 100% accuracy guarantee. The Bergara barrel is produced using a proprietary vertically honed button rifled barrel and is threaded 5/8”x24 to accept most compatible muzzle devices and suppressors. All B14 HMR’s are guaranteed to produce sub-1.0 MOA groups, or less, at 100 yards using factory match-grade ammunition.
Looking at their presser, and talking to their team, my interest is piqued. Truth be told, my plan for the B-14 Woodsman I had on hand was to pull the barreled action out, toss it in one of those new Grayboe stocks, give it a detachable bottom metal, and have myself one of those “shooters on a budget” everyone seems to love. It seems that Bergara has a similar idea that relied less on shadetree gunsmithing and more on thoughtful design. The best part? The price. MSRP on the rifle pictures (sans scope) is $1150. Given that the B14 Woodsman I tested can be found for $150 back of MSRP, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see the HMR on the street for less than $1000 – right in Ruger Precision Rifle territory and a perfect fit for the newly formed Production division of the Precision Rifle Series.
Given that some shooters, myself included, never warmed to the chassis rifle concept, the HMR is a tantalizing prospect. The extra pound off vs. the RPR doesn’t hurt either. Like I did after SHOT, I’ll withhold judgement until I get one in my hands for a thorough and proper review. If it lives up to the press release and the performance matches up with what I’ve seen from their other rifles, it should be a standout. We’re in line for a test rifle, so check this space for the full review.
B14 HMR Rifle Specifications:
- Caliber: .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor
- Weight: 9.15 lbs.
- Mini- Chassis Material: 7075 T6 aluminum
- Action: 2-lug action / sliding plate extractor / cone bolt nose and breech to ensure smooth feeding and extraction
- Magazine: AICS style mag compatible – Includes a Magpul® PMAG AICS Magazine
- Barrel: Bergara barrel – 4140 CrMo steel barrel
- Barrel Thread: 5/8” x 24 with thread protector
- Barrel Caliber/Length/Twist Ratio:
- .308 Win – 20 inch barrel – 1:10
- 6.5 Creedmoor – 22 inch barrel – 1:8
- Trigger: Bergara B14 series adjustable trigger
- MSRP: $1,150.00