Buying rifle: bergara b-14 hunter or what?

Hello all,

In the market for a new rifle. My current, 80s model Winchester M70 is great, but for my intentions is less than competitive. I am looking at the Bergara B14 Hunter in 7mm rem mag -- this rifle is used to hunt black bear, elk, deer and cougar. I'm wanting a rifle that is capable of accuracy out to 500-600 yards on game, however would love to tap some steel out to around 1000.

What are your thoughts on the Bergara? I'm liking the $699 price tag, so want to stay at that price or under. I am open to other recommendations and experiences with the Bergara!

Thank you.

Your right on track. I'd go with that or a tikka. My wife went with the bergara over the tikka. Make sure you prepare to spend some $ on a optic also

I bought a Bergara Ridge ($750) 300 win mag a month or so ago and was pretty impressed with it. After I zeroed it at 100 yards I dialed to 900 yards and put 3 on the plate with berger ammunition 185 classic hunters. It was a 3/4" gun with that ammo and hornady 200 eldx

I also have a Ridge in 7mm Mag and it has been a nice gun.

I don't care for their bedding pillars though. They are flat and have a very small contact patch with the action. Simply bedding the recoil lug takes care if it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

Joefrazell said:

Your right on track. I'd go with that or a tikka. My wife went with the bergara over the tikka. Make sure you prepare to spend some $ on a optic also

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Great to hear. I agree Tikka is another great option, just a little outside of my budget unfortunately. I have a Vortex Viper PST waiting to go on it!

Sykes said:

I bought a Bergara Ridge ($750) 300 win mag a month or so ago and was pretty impressed with it. After I zeroed it at 100 yards I dialed to 900 yards and put 3 on the plate with berger ammunition 185 classic hunters. It was a 3/4" gun with that ammo and hornady 200 eldx

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Wow, that is very impressive. I've heard great things about these rifles shooting FACTORY ammo very nicely, which is extremely impressive. Now, is the only notable difference between the Hunter and Ridge the threaded barrel end on the Ridge?

WWP2012 said:

I also have a Ridge in 7mm Mag and it has been a nice gun.

I don't care for their bedding pillars though. They are flat and have a very small contact patch with the action. Simply bedding the recoil lug takes care if it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

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Understood. No need to bed the action as well? Or are the pillar beds sufficient?

Brydawg512 said:

Now, is the only notable difference between the Hunter and Ridge the threaded barrel end on the Ridge?

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Ya know I really don't know what the differences are for sure, it was on sale and an impulse buy Haha

I think the ridge has a bit thicker contour barrel

Sykes said:

Ya know I really don't know what the differences are for sure, it was on sale and an impulse buy Haha

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It's a number 4 contour barrel verses a number 3. It also has a different bolt Handel. The Ridge is set up to go distances. the Hunter is a lighter version for climbing mountains. There is probably about a lbs difference. I would have to look at the site to get the exact weights.

All you need to do to have a economical shooter is lighten the trigger up and bed the recoil lug with bedding compound.

Sykes said:

Ya know I really don't know what the differences are for sure, it was on sale and an impulse buy Haha

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I can relate LOL!

WWP2012 said:

It's a number 4 contour barrel verses a number 3. It also has a different bolt Handel. The Ridge is set up to go distances. the Hunter is a lighter version for climbing mountains. There is probably about a lbs difference. I would have to look at the site to get the exact weights.

All you need to do to have a economical shooter is lighten the trigger up and bed the recoil lug with bedding compound.

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I see. What does "barrel contour" refer to? If the Hunter is capable of 1000+, I don't even want to know the capablities of the ridge!!

Brydawg512 said:

I see. What does "barrel contour" refer to? If the Hunter is capable of 1000+, I don't even want to know the capablities of the ridge!!

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A 22lr is capable of 1000 yards too. Don't get wrapped up on that. Spend some time on their website and decide which one best suits your need for your type of hunting.

Remember the lighter you go the more felt recoil your going to get.

WWP2012 said:

A 22lr is capable of 1000 yards too. Don't get wrapped up on that. Spend some time on their website and decide which one best suits your need for your type of hunting.

Remember the lighter you go the more felt recoil your going to get.

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Ok, haven't had a chance to check their website out yet. I will be sure to do that.