I’m 54 bought a Remington 700 BDL in .243 when I was 20. I did bed it and freefloat barrel. It shoots same hole every time from a sand bag. Even with a run of mill Vortex 2-7x34 scope Warne rings and two piece base. It’s been my experience that the older 700 rifles were real tack drivers.
I picked up the carbon fiber barrel version. I put the Athon Aers ETR 4.5-30x56 w/ APRS1 reticle. I have it on a 40moa base. I can dial about 28.4 mils. I upgraded the trigger with a Triggertech 2 stage special and added the Area. 419 Improved Bipod picatinny rail. I’ll be attending the 2 day Rifles Only Rimfire Academy with it.
The Area 419 12 & 14inch universal arca rail bolts right up to stock. It uses the two sling stud screw holes (with provided screws) and the provided front action screw(cut to length) to hold it in place. Have not had to drill additional holes in the stock. So far it has been rock solid.
WOW, what a straight forward review, concise and very informative, just about the best presentation i have seen on here. i'm pleased with your findings because i have just ordered the very same rifle. Thank you for the review.
I had the carbon one for about 1 and a half years. It shot great at 50 yards and 1/2 inch groups all the time with good ammo (Eley Club and SK Standard Plus). What I didn't like was how rough the action was and its weight. I eventually sold it to shoot longer range with a 17 hmr.
Just bought one used for $800. First outing mustering marksmanship knowledge and skills from High Power Rifle Competition I produced some .3 inch 5 shot groups at 50 yards from the bench shooting CCI Competition ammunition. Very pleased with performance and completely satisfied with the rifle. In other words no interest in pursuing other rifles. This one clearly will reveal minuscule shooter errors which is the whole idea isn’t it?
I have been working with a Bergara B-14R barreled action dropped in a McMillan A6 Adj with a Hawkins Precision bottom metal, which matches my 6.5 PRC PRS/NRL rifle. When delivered the barreled action had a very stiff bolt, which required 500 rounds to smooth out to an acceptable level. The biggest issue is that the chamber had zero chamfer on it and had a significant burr on one edge at the left extractor notch. This poorly finished chamber would prevent half the rounds from feeding and would damage the bullet on the other half. The end result was 5 unfired rounds and a poor grouping of the other half with every magazine. I ended up making a chamfer mill extension and properly chamfering the chamber by hand, then polishing the chamfer to promote smooth feeding. I am still working to break in the barrel but accuracy has been so far acceptable. Its a shame that Bergara (Spain) didn't QA the barreled action very well. At this point I can't recommend the product until their QA improves. If you decide to purchase one anyway, inspect the chamber before purchasing.
Great review and I agree on everything you said. I have over 4,000 rounds through mine and no issues so far. As for accuracy it mirrors yours, with sk match and lapua center x .
Good review. It's easy to load the mags if you use the top edge of the mag to steady the round you're loading instead of pushing straight down on the already loaded round. Kind of push it in at an angle. It also helps if you use your thumb or index finger of the hand you're holding the mag with to push down on the rear of the already loaded round.
Thanks for the suggestions, the video doesn’t represent my actual loading technique since I was at an awkward angle for the camera and trying to stay in focus. 90% of the time it’s a non issue. But occasionally that grease makes it easy for one to get away.
I purchased a steel barreled action from Brownells and put it in a Magpul chassis to mimic my 6.5CM. It also loves the SK Standard Plus and Match. Surprisingly, it really likes CCI Standard as well, regularly printing sub MOA at 50 with that bargain stuff. These really are great rifle for training either yourself or younger shooters.
Ol David Tubbs can help you out with a workout regime to get you in shape to carry that rifle. He can give some pointers on marksmanship as well. If you have questions about firearms in general to include reloading get in touch with him.
I have this rifle and as it breaks in I’m really beginning to enjoy it. Finding the best ammo for it has been a chore given shortage of ammo available. Finally got an optic and looking forward to having the bolt break in and barrel to be ready to go!
I have one mounted in a Cadex chassis. My only complaint about it is the 90 degree bolt throw gets in the way with optic throw levers when zoomed in.. fingers keep hitting the lever. A 50-60 degree throw would have been better for competition...
Another great method would be cutting small OD PEX to size. Slip them over and you’ll never have to worry about it collapsing or loosening over time. Works great on an AICS and others with post-style adjustment guides.
I bought one with the steel barrel. Mine shoots like yours. Great shooting gun. I wanted it for it's AICS mag's and R700 footprint and triggers over the CZ457. If I ever decide to shoot in a match, only choice in my area is NLR22. No X matches around.
A 24" Shilen 4 grove ratchet really helps this rifle. I have two of these rifles. Both have Shilen competition triggers set at 8 oz. The Shilen barrel rifle shoots 1/2 groups at 100yds with several lots of SK Long Range and Lapua Center - X. The stock barrel is not far behind after I added a steel muzzle brake. The Vudoo is over priced. Their mags suck.
Agreed, and you can buy these for $750 and a new barrel and inst. is going to run $700 and you are still a ton less $$ than the Voodo. so spend the $$ on a new scope and ammo etc.
Base class rules states the maximum allowd msrp for base class is $1200 that includes the scope. The current bergara b14r msrp is $1150 so this rifle will not qualify for the base class according to 2023 rules on NRL site.
nice bit of kit, but, why can some one explain why the crown was such a mess, or have i misunderstood that a clean correct milled angle is necessary with a .22
Well, I got one of these today. Haven't even shot it. It's junk. The action seizes up and when it doesn't, the bolt skips and chatters down the raceway. I got the carbon fiber barrel and thought it was far out of alignment in the stock, but then realized it might not be. The barrel is a tiny, tiny pencil barrel with a carbon fiber tube over it to make it look like a carbon wrapped bull barrel. The tube on mine is off center. The barrel itself might be centered up. Airsoft gun type construction. Fake stuff meant to look real. Luckily, I didn't sell my 10/22.
That really doesn’t sound right. I have shot and handled more than a few of the B14R steel and carbon versions and while they aren’t on the same level as some of the custom actions they sure aren’t what you are describing. Have you contacted Bergara?
@@8541tactical I have not contacted them. I purchased the steel barrel version and will be dumping the carbon barrel one at a loss. There are pics on snipershide of the tiny pencil barrel with the big carbon tube over it. On mine, it is obvious it is a carbon fiber tube and not a carbon fiber wrapped barrel. I can feel the edges of the tube proud on one side of the barrel, but below flush on the other. If there are issues with the steel barrel one, I'll contact Bergara. AFAIK the carbon one is very substandard because of the design.
The Area 419 12 & 14inch universal arca rail bolts right up to stock. It uses the two sling stud screw holes (with provided screws) and the provided front action screw(cut to length) to hold it in place. Have not had to drill additional holes in the stock. So far it has been rock solid.
I've tried a few brands of ammo through my B-14r steel barrel, eg SK Standard Plus/SK Rifle Match/SK Long Range/Eley Match/CCI Standard and Norma Match. After some pretty extensive testing at 50 and 100 yards i've settled on the SK Standard Plus. This ammo just works for me, very consistent and accurate. One test i have not done yet is to compare the rifle with/without a suppressor, anyone have any thoughts on the difference in accuracy, if any on which is best?
Great review, thank you. I do have a small request tho.... when you do take it out of the stock to drop it in the new MDT stock, could you grab the B&C M40 stock drop it in there and snap a pic for “The Gram” please. I think that would make a killer walking around squirrel/rabbit getter.
It’s already in the ACC. 😂 However, there wouldn’t be any advantage in using the B&C M40 over the factory Bergara stock. I don’t think you would save much weight at all and you would lose the adjustability.
@@8541tactical Damn... I was looking at it from an aesthetics POV. Literally a pseudo M40a1 or DARPA XM3 in 22LR. Would look even better with the straight taper barrel like you suggested.
@@8541tactical I just got a scale to check these things. My HMR weighs 3-11 and my B&C Classic weighs 2-1. So it’s 59 oz’s vs 33 so the weight savings is significant. HOWEVER as I’ve learned how important cheek weld is since getting my HMR a comb that fits me has become non-negotiable. So I also have HS Precision hunting stocks also. The B&C has a monte carlo cheek piece that makes putting on an aftermarket riser unfeasible. The HS doesn’t have the monte carlo so adjustable cheek pieces mounted up very well. They weigh 2-6 or 38 oz’s. I was debating the CZ 457 vs this gun. I’m hearing CZ is very ammo picky but your review states the Bergara shoots all well. Since I have 3 700 footprint stocks, triggers and bases I’m now leaning towards the barreled action. This would make a bunch of what I have both interchangeable and more affordable. Thanks for the review.
Already have one with the carbon barrel in an XRS chassis. Shoots great but can someone explain to me the V-slots on either side of the chamber? I've twice had cases get wedged in there and had to dig them out mid match. Very annoying considering the action is stupid smooth and strips and spits rounds merely by tilting 20 degrees forward and back.
A couple of years ago, you did a very brief mention of the B14 HMR centrefire, and promised an in-depth review later. Did that in-depth review ever occur, and if so, where can I find it?
After 1100 rounds and smoothing out the bolt rotation, this rifle remains very difficult to activate the bolt. A little better with Lapua & SK, unbearable with Eley. Impossible to stay on target while activating bolt. This issue alone makes this riffle NOT fun to shoot. A real shame!!!! Worse yet is the fact that Bergara offers NO solution.
What would you say the difference between the steel and carbon are for Performance aspect. I’m looking to using It for a trainer to cut cost on long range training.
The Bergara B-14R is the worst precision rifle I've ever had the misfortune to own. I spent hundreds of dollars on ammunition (Hornady ELD-M Factory) in an attempt to get my groups under 1 MOA, with the best falling shy of 2 MOA. I sent it back to Bergara where they re-crowned the barrel, trued the bolt lugs and re-torqued the action screws. Took it out again and it was still far from 1 MOA. Save your money and buy a Tikka. Just my opinion.
Wow… talk about hard to watch… Everything you complain about is the fact it’s a “trainer”. It’s supposed to mimic everything about a center fire prs rifle or their HMR platform. Letting you have a platform that lets you train with cheap .22LR.
I’m 54 bought a Remington 700 BDL in .243 when I was 20. I did bed it and freefloat barrel. It shoots same hole every time from a sand bag. Even with a run of mill Vortex 2-7x34 scope Warne rings and two piece base. It’s been my experience that the older 700 rifles were real tack drivers.
Still the best, most thorough review of the B14R available. Thanks for putting in so much work.
This is the most thorough review I've seen. Thanks a million!
You are welcome!
I love my B14R. Over 7k rounds always less than 1” at 50 yards. Many 5 groups all touching. .18 best measured group.
I picked up the carbon fiber barrel version. I put the Athon Aers ETR 4.5-30x56 w/ APRS1 reticle. I have it on a 40moa base. I can dial about 28.4 mils. I upgraded the trigger with a Triggertech 2 stage special and added the Area. 419 Improved Bipod picatinny rail.
I’ll be attending the 2 day Rifles Only Rimfire Academy with it.
The Area 419 12 & 14inch universal arca rail bolts right up to stock. It uses the two sling stud screw holes (with provided screws) and the provided front action screw(cut to length) to hold it in place. Have not had to drill additional holes in the stock. So far it has been rock solid.
I swear every time I watch your videos I feel like I just took a college course in long range shooting. Thanks for sharing your expansive knowledge 👍
Thanks for the o-ring trick for the cheek piece height! I’ll be using that one.
Sorry about your issues with our extensions, I would be happy to assist you with getting the extensions working.
When are the magazines going to be back in stock?
WOW, what a straight forward review, concise and very informative, just about the best presentation i have seen on here. i'm pleased with your findings because i have just ordered the very same rifle.
Thank you for the review.
Excellent comprehensive review. Very much appreciate the excellent content. Great footage and highly informative. Thanks!
I had the carbon one for about 1 and a half years. It shot great at 50 yards and 1/2 inch groups all the time with good ammo (Eley Club and SK Standard Plus). What I didn't like was how rough the action was and its weight. I eventually sold it to shoot longer range with a 17 hmr.
Just bought one used for $800. First outing mustering marksmanship knowledge and skills from High Power Rifle Competition I produced some .3 inch 5 shot groups at 50 yards from the bench shooting CCI Competition ammunition. Very pleased with performance and completely satisfied with the rifle. In other words no interest in pursuing other rifles. This one clearly will reveal minuscule shooter errors which is the whole idea isn’t it?
I have been working with a Bergara B-14R barreled action dropped in a McMillan A6 Adj with a Hawkins Precision bottom metal, which matches my 6.5 PRC PRS/NRL rifle. When delivered the barreled action had a very stiff bolt, which required 500 rounds to smooth out to an acceptable level. The biggest issue is that the chamber had zero chamfer on it and had a significant burr on one edge at the left extractor notch. This poorly finished chamber would prevent half the rounds from feeding and would damage the bullet on the other half. The end result was 5 unfired rounds and a poor grouping of the other half with every magazine. I ended up making a chamfer mill extension and properly chamfering the chamber by hand, then polishing the chamfer to promote smooth feeding. I am still working to break in the barrel but accuracy has been so far acceptable. Its a shame that Bergara (Spain) didn't QA the barreled action very well. At this point I can't recommend the product until their QA improves. If you decide to purchase one anyway, inspect the chamber before purchasing.
Bergara has *zero* QC.
Terrible company.
The B14 action is 700 footprint and will fit into any 700 stock, a 700 action wont drop into a b14 stock without inletting for the bolt release.
Excellent review John!
Great review and I agree on everything you said. I have over 4,000 rounds through mine and no issues so far. As for accuracy it mirrors yours, with sk match and lapua center x .
Thanks for the thorough review!
Thanks for watching!
Good review. It's easy to load the mags if you use the top edge of the mag to steady the round you're loading instead of pushing straight down on the already loaded round. Kind of push it in at an angle. It also helps if you use your thumb or index finger of the hand you're holding the mag with to push down on the rear of the already loaded round.
Thanks for the suggestions, the video doesn’t represent my actual loading technique since I was at an awkward angle for the camera and trying to stay in focus. 90% of the time it’s a non issue. But occasionally that grease makes it easy for one to get away.
Been away awhile glad to see your still at it brother. Semper Fi
Forgot to mention that I dropped the action screws torque to 40 in/lbs. Both out group several of my friend's Vudoo rifles.
By far the best review I have seen. Great work
Very informative just got mine and shot my first match with it. Absolutely love it for the money!
Thanks for the thorough review.
Fantastic review. 10/10
I purchased a steel barreled action from Brownells and put it in a Magpul chassis to mimic my 6.5CM. It also loves the SK Standard Plus and Match. Surprisingly, it really likes CCI Standard as well, regularly printing sub MOA at 50 with that bargain stuff. These really are great rifle for training either yourself or younger shooters.
Great review, thanks for taking the the time to do this.
Ol David Tubbs can help you out with a workout regime to get you in shape to carry that rifle. He can give some pointers on marksmanship as well. If you have questions about firearms in general to include reloading get in touch with him.
I have one the Carbon. Been shooting benchrest with it. Added a bunch of stuff. I bought a proper Benchrest rifle. I'm selling mine. Great review.
I have this rifle and as it breaks in I’m really beginning to enjoy it. Finding the best ammo for it has been a chore given shortage of ammo available. Finally got an optic and looking forward to having the bolt break in and barrel to be ready to go!
try SK that works the best with my B14 carbon barrel
The two stage catcher on the bolt can be fixed with a Dremel tool real quick
I have one mounted in a Cadex chassis. My only complaint about it is the 90 degree bolt throw gets in the way with optic throw levers when zoomed in.. fingers keep hitting the lever. A 50-60 degree throw would have been better for competition...
I agree. I would love to see Bergara release a 60 degree throw version.
A 60 would be cool, but your hitting your throw lever because you have it set up wrong
I noticed the legs were threaded so I made two studs got my height dialed in and now I have solid stops on my comb height. Keep the good info coming!
Another great method would be cutting small OD PEX to size. Slip them over and you’ll never have to worry about it collapsing or loosening over time. Works great on an AICS and others with post-style adjustment guides.
You can get metal fittings at a hardware store that tighten with an Allen wrench. Works great on my McMillan A3-5 stock.
I bought one with the steel barrel. Mine shoots like yours. Great shooting gun. I wanted it for it's AICS mag's and R700 footprint and triggers over the CZ457. If I ever decide to shoot in a match, only choice in my area is NLR22. No X matches around.
same here .
what persuaded me to initially buy my B14 carbon barrel was the mag.
the mag gave the rifle a better look !
A 24" Shilen 4 grove ratchet really helps this rifle. I have two of these rifles. Both have Shilen competition triggers set at 8 oz. The Shilen barrel rifle shoots 1/2 groups at 100yds with several lots of SK Long Range and Lapua Center - X. The stock barrel is not far behind after I added a steel muzzle brake. The Vudoo is over priced. Their mags suck.
Agreed, and you can buy these for $750 and a new barrel and inst. is going to run $700 and you are still a ton less $$ than the Voodo. so spend the $$ on a new scope and ammo etc.
Very informative video
Could you do the same for the new Springfield 2020 22lr
just checked again and i would say its residue after shooting, my bad.
Base class rules states the maximum allowd msrp for base class is $1200 that includes the scope. The current bergara b14r msrp is $1150 so this rifle will not qualify for the base class according to 2023 rules on NRL site.
nice bit of kit, but, why can some one explain why the crown was such a mess, or have i misunderstood that a clean correct milled angle is necessary with a .22
Did Bergara just come out with a 20” barrel? Great review, I’m more interested in buy this rifle with the help of your review.
not that i have heard of.
At 3:04 that barrel crown looks pretty ruff
Carbon from suppressed shooting.
L3I makes plus 2 round magazine plates
Well, I got one of these today. Haven't even shot it. It's junk. The action seizes up and when it doesn't, the bolt skips and chatters down the raceway. I got the carbon fiber barrel and thought it was far out of alignment in the stock, but then realized it might not be. The barrel is a tiny, tiny pencil barrel with a carbon fiber tube over it to make it look like a carbon wrapped bull barrel. The tube on mine is off center. The barrel itself might be centered up. Airsoft gun type construction. Fake stuff meant to look real.
Luckily, I didn't sell my 10/22.
That really doesn’t sound right. I have shot and handled more than a few of the B14R steel and carbon versions and while they aren’t on the same level as some of the custom actions they sure aren’t what you are describing. Have you contacted Bergara?
@@8541tactical I have not contacted them. I purchased the steel barrel version and will be dumping the carbon barrel one at a loss. There are pics on snipershide of the tiny pencil barrel with the big carbon tube over it. On mine, it is obvious it is a carbon fiber tube and not a carbon fiber wrapped barrel. I can feel the edges of the tube proud on one side of the barrel, but below flush on the other.
If there are issues with the steel barrel one, I'll contact Bergara. AFAIK the carbon one is very substandard because of the design.
I used a lugged Weaver scope base.
I would like to see how you mount an ARCA rail mounted on there.
The Area 419 12 & 14inch universal arca rail bolts right up to stock. It uses the two sling stud screw holes (with provided screws) and the provided front action screw(cut to length) to hold it in place. Have not had to drill additional holes in the stock. So far it has been rock solid.
Verygood
I've tried a few brands of ammo through my B-14r steel barrel, eg SK Standard Plus/SK Rifle Match/SK Long Range/Eley Match/CCI Standard and Norma Match.
After some pretty extensive testing at 50 and 100 yards i've settled on the SK Standard Plus. This ammo just works for me, very consistent and accurate.
One test i have not done yet is to compare the rifle with/without a suppressor, anyone have any thoughts on the difference in accuracy, if any on which is best?
OK after the Vudu how about the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis
Why do you have a skull on your bench?
Great review, thank you. I do have a small request tho.... when you do take it out of the stock to drop it in the new MDT stock, could you grab the B&C M40 stock drop it in there and snap a pic for “The Gram” please. I think that would make a killer walking around squirrel/rabbit getter.
It’s already in the ACC. 😂 However, there wouldn’t be any advantage in using the B&C M40 over the factory Bergara stock. I don’t think you would save much weight at all and you would lose the adjustability.
@@8541tactical Damn... I was looking at it from an aesthetics POV. Literally a pseudo M40a1 or DARPA XM3 in 22LR. Would look even better with the straight taper barrel like you suggested.
@@8541tactical I just got a scale to check these things. My HMR weighs 3-11 and my B&C Classic weighs 2-1. So it’s 59 oz’s vs 33 so the weight savings is significant.
HOWEVER as I’ve learned how important cheek weld is since getting my HMR a comb that fits me has become non-negotiable. So I also have HS Precision hunting stocks also. The B&C has a monte carlo cheek piece that makes putting on an aftermarket riser unfeasible. The HS doesn’t have the monte carlo so adjustable cheek pieces mounted up very well. They weigh 2-6 or 38 oz’s. I was debating the CZ 457 vs this gun. I’m hearing CZ is very ammo picky but your review states the Bergara shoots all well. Since I have 3 700 footprint stocks, triggers and bases I’m now leaning towards the barreled action. This would make a bunch of what I have both interchangeable and more affordable. Thanks for the review.
For a while you were a KRG Whiskey 3 fan. Do you now like MDT better?
I'm looking at either this rifle or the Howa 1500 HCR in 6.5 Creed. Any preference between the 2?
If I bought
a B-14R, could I drop a R700 .308 upper into the stock?
Also, if they went 17 WSM I'd buy one. I'd buy anything anybody came out with like this, in the caliber.
They are offering them in 17 hmr and 22 wmr now
Yeah, it's too much to hope for. There's like 4 people that shoot it.
Already have one with the carbon barrel in an XRS chassis. Shoots great but can someone explain to me the V-slots on either side of the chamber? I've twice had cases get wedged in there and had to dig them out mid match. Very annoying considering the action is stupid smooth and strips and spits rounds merely by tilting 20 degrees forward and back.
Those slots you mentioned I believe are clearance slots for the extractors
@@scottrhoads593 that makes complete sense but does tend to be a case magnet sometimes. Would have been better if it was slotted imo
You plan on doing a bergara bmr review and vs of b14r and bmr? Great review
Possibly. I have a request in for a carbon BMR.
A couple of years ago, you did a very brief mention of the B14 HMR centrefire, and promised an in-depth review later. Did that in-depth review ever occur, and if so, where can I find it?
I would still like to read your in depth review of the B14 HMR. Any chance I will see one?
Can you change only the bolt knob?or is ot one peace?
W W J D ?
Great Video Thanks .
After 1100 rounds and smoothing out the bolt rotation, this rifle remains very difficult to activate the bolt. A little better with Lapua & SK, unbearable with Eley. Impossible to stay on target while activating bolt.
This issue alone makes this riffle NOT fun to shoot. A real shame!!!! Worse yet is the fact that Bergara offers NO solution.
What muzzle brake can I mount?
What would you say the difference between the steel and carbon are for Performance aspect. I’m looking to using It for a trainer to cut cost on long range training.
The main difference between the two is weight. There isn’t really much of an accuracy difference.
can u send me a link about bipod?
The Bergara B-14R is the worst precision rifle I've ever had the misfortune to own. I spent hundreds of dollars on ammunition (Hornady ELD-M Factory) in an attempt to get my groups under 1 MOA, with the best falling shy of 2 MOA. I sent it back to Bergara where they re-crowned the barrel, trued the bolt lugs and re-torqued the action screws. Took it out again and it was still far from 1 MOA. Save your money and buy a Tikka. Just my opinion.
Awesome video where did you buy the rifle I’ve been looking everywhere for one
You will likely just need to have your favorite gun shop order one for you. Stock is extremely volatile right now.
Yeah I tried that but their distributor is out of stock but thanks again great video appreciate you taking your time to making it
Great video!
It might have slipped my attention, but how is the length of pull on the bolt, compared to a R700SA?
Much shorter.
Wow… talk about hard to watch…
Everything you complain about is the fact it’s a “trainer”. It’s supposed to mimic everything about a center fire prs rifle or their HMR platform.
Letting you have a platform that lets you train with cheap .22LR.
Anyone have a review on bergara 22 wmr
If you look long enough and hard enough you will always find a problem even with the highest grade of rifle. Even Voodo`s have problems.
I think you gave a very good review. But just remember not everybody has the monkey strength you do.
It is still a very heavy gun for A 22LR