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The next rifle in our Bolt Gun Builds series is the Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon in .308 Win. Representing the mid-tier intermediate build, this is a step up from the budget-friendly Savage Axis XP II and should theoretically offer improved performance as a result.
Bergara's B-14 rifle is incredibly popular with hunters and sport shooters alike. The HMR Carbon variant offers several upgrades from the factory to improve performance and enhance shootability, including a performance single-stage trigger and a lightweight synthetic stock. Our gun is chambered in .308 Win, but the B-14 HMR Carbon can also be purchased in several different calibers and comes with a variety of different finishes. Below are the specs for our build.
The Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon rifle is packed full of impressive features yet it is available at a price point that is still accessible for many if not most shooters. This makes it a perfect middle-of-the-road option for casual enthusiasts as well as serious marksmen seeking a precision shooting platform.
For our intermediate build, we selected optics and accessories that matched the price tier of the rifle itself. This allowed our team to utilize the B-14 HMR Carbon at its fullest potential for a fair comparison between it and the other rifles in our Bolt Gun series.
We chose the Riton 3 Primal 3-18x50 FFP scope because it is an intermediate optic with features that are often found with more expensive models. These include removable throw levers, multiple levels of illumination, and a Fast-Focus eyepiece that aids in rapid target acquisition.
Note: For the night shoot, we mounted a Neith DS23-4MP night vision scope.
For added stability when shooting from the bench, we attached a Champion Targets metal pivot bipod with rapid adjust levers. This made it possible to quickly transition from one target to another without changing positions or compromising sight picture.
We immediately noticed the smooth action and the crisp trigger pull on this rifle, which made for a very pleasant shooting experience all around. In our initial testing, multiple shooters were able to achieve tight groupings with minimal effort - a strong reflection of the rifle's overall quality and precision.
During the competition stage of our series, Clint shot slightly low on several targets despite successfully making long-range shots prior to that course of fire. This was likely due to Clint's less-than-ideal shooting position when filming and had little to do with the rifle itself, as was demonstrated in later episodes when the B-14 HMR Carbon delivered consistent hits from various positions.
The Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon is an excellent intermediate rifle with lots of desirable features right out of the box. Paired with a quality optic and bipod, the rifle was reasonably accurate even at longer ranges and would make the perfect build for hunting or precision shooting. If you haven't already, watch our Bolt Gun series playlist to see how this rifle stacks up against our other builds!
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