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Swapping Bergara Premier Bolt Head

mpepin07

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Minuteman
Aug 30, 2018
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Denver, CO
TL;DR Is it possible to swap out the bolt head (or the whole bolt, if necessary) on Bergara Premier actions? Specifically, I would be looking to change from long action magnum to standard long action. I have seen conflicting answers on this so I wanted to ask here.


For some background info, I was planning for my next rifle build recently and decided that it would be chambered in 280AI and dropped into a Grayboe Ridgeback stock. I later came across the Bergara Ridgeback Rifle and was thrilled. It is reasonably priced (very reasonable IMO), uses the exact stock that I want and has a decent trigger. Unfortunately, it is not offered in 280AI which would normally not be a big deal. I would normally just pick whichever caliber is most easily available and have the barrel swapped. BUT, it turns out the Bergara Ridgeback is not offered in ANY calibers using a standard bolt-face long action, which is required for the 280AI. I know a lot of you will say to just go custom, but if I am able to simply swap out bolt heads (or the whole bolt) on the Bergara, true the action and have it rebarreled, the value factor is tough to beat. Additionally, I would like to be shooting this rifle here in a month or two when it warms up, and lead times on this stock and most of the custom actions I've looked at are loooong. I mention all of this as I am open to any suggestions/comments on the subject.


Thanks

- Mason
 
Yes. I have a premier action and have both a standard and 223 bolt head for it. Swap is very easy and straightforward

Barrel nut from preferred barrels or call Deep South tactical and they can help you with the barrel. I’m sure there are more, those are just who I’ve delt with.

Pm me if you need more details
 
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Where did you get the bolt head from? I’m trying to go the other direction, standard magnum to a 338 bolt face.
 
Where did you get the bolt head from? I’m trying to go the other direction, standard magnum to a 338 bolt face.
I emailed Bergara customer service and they gave me a number to call and order. I think it was around $45.

You may want to check and see if the bolt diameter is larger for a 338, I suspect it may be. If that’s the case you likely can’t just swap the bolt head out.
 
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