In recent years Bergara added several models to their catalog and this dynamism continues in 2023, with the introduction of carbon fiber barreled variants to the B-14 Wilderness Series rifles. Both the Wilderness Hunting & Match Rifle (HMR) and the Wilderness Ridge will now be offered with this weight-reduction feature.
Bergara @ TFB:
Bergara HMR Carbon Wilderness
In Bergara’s words, from their website:
HMR rifles have garnered global respect as one of our most popular models, thanks to superb ergonomics and accuracy. New for 2023, we’ve added a carbon fiber barrel. Enjoy the weight savings and increased accuracy needed for the most extreme environments.”
Bergara’s reputation is based on the best drilling, honing, and rifling processes that guarantee sub-MOA precision. The No. 6 carbon fiber barrel with 410 stainless is equipped with a threaded 5/8-24 Omni muzzle brake, in (20, 22 or 24 inches, depending on the caliber).”
All Wilderness Series rifles are complete with our own super-smooth B-14 Action in Sniper Grey Cerakote® finishes for advanced protection in extremely harsh weather. This two-lug system with a sliding plate extractor and a coned bolt nose and breech to ensure a smooth feeding and extraction of the cartridge.”
A 5-round AICS detachable magazine is standard with our Wilderness HMR rifle (3 round mag: 6.5PRC)
Specifications:
- Barrel: No. 6 Carbon Fiber
- Finish: Sniper Grey Cerakote®
- Stock: Bergara HMR molded with mini-chassis
- Calibers: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 300 Win Mag
- MSRP: starting at $1,850.00
- Weight: starting at 7.5 lbs
- Accuracy: Sub-MOA Guarantee
For more details, you can visit the Bergara website.
Bergara Ridge Carbon Wilderness
In Bergara’s words, from their website:
The Wilderness Series® Ridge is designed for the serious hunter. Those who brave the elements and need an accurate rifle that can keep up, without the extravagant price tag. Now, we’ve added our proprietary-blended carbon barrel. We can tell you the weight savings will gain you a few extra miles on foot. Or that the increased accuracy will add to your confidence. But, there’s also nothing wrong with simply one-upping your buddies.”
Bergara’s reputation is based on the best drilling, honing, and rifling processes that guarantee sub-MOA precision. The No. 6 carbon fiber barrel with 410 stainless is equipped with a threaded 5/8-24 Omni muzzle brake, in (20, 22 or 24 inches, depending on the caliber).”
All Wilderness Series rifles are complete with our own super-smooth B-14 Action in Sniper Grey Cerakote®finishes for advanced protection in extremely harsh weather. This two-lug system with a sliding plate extractor and a coned bolt nose and breech to ensure a smooth feeding and extraction of the cartridge.”
A hinged floor plate is standard with our Ridge Carbon Wilderness rifle. (4 standard capacity & 3 magnum capacity)
Specifications:
- Barrel: No. 6 Carbon Fiber
- Finish: Sniper Grey Cerakote®
- Stock: American-style synthetic with SoftTouch finish
- Calibers: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 300 Win Mag
- MSRP: starting at $1,599.00
- Weight: starting at 6.4 lbs
- Accuracy: Sub-MOA Guarantee
According to Bergara’s Social Media, these rifles will be shipping this month (Jan 2023) to their distributors.
The carbon fiber barrels are most likely adopting the patent-pending Cure process, launched by Bergara in 2022. This process is said to provide weight reduction and stiffness typical of composite barrels, while at the same time improving heat transfer away from the bore.
The HMR barrels should see a weight reduction, compared to the all-steel models, ranging from 200 to 400 grams (about 7.0 to 14.1 ounces), depending on caliber. To offer a real-world example, a .308 model would weigh 7.5 lbs, while a similarly equipped rifle from the Wilderness HMR line would weigh 9.5 lbs.
To get an idea of the value these rifles can provide, we suggest you read Adam‘s review of the HMR Pro in 6.5 Creedmoor.
All photos from the Bergara website.
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