Bergara Ridgeback 6.5 CM first shots

[lhp63190]

Guys — took a quick break from turkey hunting yesterday to shoot this new rifle. I've had it since the end of last year but haven't had time to play with it until this covid outbreak.

After messing with the scope for a couple of shots, this was the first 3 shot group @ 100 yards (see attached) I'm pretty impressed, factory gun and factory ammo (143 elf-x). This isn't a rifle I'd hike around with at 13lbs 2 scope but will be good for the whitetail stand and for the wife/kids to shoot.

I wanted to play with it some more but my hunting partner was anxious to get back To chasing turkeys. Gonna upgrade the scope and will give a better review soon but it looks very promising.

 

[Kmccord]

Very nice I have two B14 HMRs one in 6.5 CM for myself, the other in 7mm Rem Mag for my Grandson graduation present. I was thinking about getting the Ridgeback in either 300 PRC or maybe another 28 Nosler, how do you like it so far on fit and features?

 

[lhp63190]

It's definitely heavy. First time I've owned a tactical weight rifle. I short cycled the bolt a couple of times but that's my only complaint. My main purpose of this gun is volume shooting (practice) so I don't burn out the barrel in my 28 Nosler. I'll also shoot some whitetails from a stand. 28 nosler barrel life is typical 800-1000 rounds. 300 PRC is about 1500 from what my smith told me. I hope to get 3500-5000 rounds out of this CM

I'm very happy with my choice but I wouldn't get a ridgeback in 28 Nosler or 300 PRC as those are better hunting calibers with added velocity but more recoil and shorter barrel life and the ridgeback is too heavy to carry all day or up a mountain in IMO.

I'm a bit fan of the 28 and 300 PRC. Both are great calibers and I think the 28 Nosler is the best all around hunting caliber and I really want a 300 PRC too. If I build a 300 PRC it will be a dedicated elk gun at approx 10 lbs (scoped) and I probably won't shoot it all that muc.

 

[Bob Wright]

Wow! Looks like a shooter to me.

 

[Kmccord]

Yeah I understand about the weight, my custom built 28 Nosler with a 26 in barrel is about 8.5-9.0lbs without a scope, but those Ridgeback rifles look to be pretty awesome. My B14 HMR 6.5 Creedmoor is around 12 lbs with a scope, I plan to use it for WT, hogs in the day and Mulies when I get a chance.

 

[Joefrazell]

Nice rifle, nice group and nice birds! Looks like it's gunna be a great shooter.