With its BMR-X bolt-action rifles, fed by 5- or 10-round magazines and equipped with a barrel with a threaded muzzle, manufacturer Bergara is targeting discerning hunters and sport shooters who like the proven Remington 700 platform or Bergara's B14R series models but do not want to spend too much money. According to Bergara's European website, the two new BMR-X Steel and BMR-X-Carbon models with 51-cm barrels and an overall length of just 88 cm are priced well under 800 euros: 749 euros (stainless steel version) and 779 euros (carbon steel).
The new synthetic X stock has been specially developed for precision shooters. The grip, now almost vertical, improves handling and provides a natural stance that helps the shooter in longer shooting strings. In addition, the flat fore-end enhances the contact with the bearing surface and avoids the canting that is so important to achieve consistent accuracy. Thirdly, the high cheekpiece reduces neck muscle fatigue, as does the variable adjustment of the stock LOP with spacers to adapt the rifle to any shooting position.
The differences can already be guessed from the name: the BMR-X Carbon weighs only 2.4 kg with its carbon fiber-coated barrel (23-mm diameter), while the Steel version (barrel diameter, 21.5 mm) weighs 500 grams more. This makes this version suitable for precision shooting, which is mostly static, while the lighter BMR-X Carbon should appeal mainly to hunters who carry the rifle over their shoulder.
The common features of both X models: a 30 MOA rail for riflescopes and long distances is standard, as is the externally adjustable match trigger and the cartridge chamber made to match tolerances. Information is available on the Bergara website.
