First Rifle: Bergara BMP-14 6.5 Creedmoor

[pewpeweric]

Hello all!

I didn't know where to start so here I am. I am completely new to long range/precision rifle shooting. I have been shooting USPSA, 2gun, 3gun for the past 6 years and only recently decided to give this a shot.

After about an entire year of putting it off, I finally caved and bought a rifle. I did some research and found the Bergara rifle company. I did not want to spend 2k on a rifle I wouldn't fully enjoy or be able to stretch the capabilities of nor did I want to cheap out and buy a basic rifle which would require me to dump more and more money into it; I wanted a bolt gun that was semi ready to go out of the box.

I found the Bergara BMP-14 and saw that it was already in a chassis system and magazine fed, plus it took the 700 platform which would mean easier to find parts. I chose 6.5CM because that seemed like the hottest thing right now (LOL) and .308 seemed too basic.

Anyways, so far all I have for it is a harris 6-9" bipod I stole off an AR I did not shoot much, come to find out I need a podlock of it so it would stop swiveling. Either way, anyone have experience with this rifle have any input on how to make it run better than it is out of the box? Break in procedure for the barrel is listed in the manual as shoot 1x, clean 1x for the first 5 shots then shoot 10x clean 1x, for the next 50. I hear lots of different opinions on break in procedures from cleaning the living hell out of the barrel to not at all. Lemme know your opinion.

Im also looking on suggestions for glass. Looking to spend around 1500-2k MAX.

Any suggestions for other necessary gear as I embark on the journey, I would greatly appreciate!


Thanks y'all!

-Eric

 

[kriller134]

I’d do an initial cleaning then just shoot it. As for your glass budget it’s a good budget. You can the vortex razor gen 2 or leupold Mark 5 at that price point. You can even get a really good used optic here. Use the vendors from here. I got my scope from Liberty optics for a great price. Also go to a local match and check out peoples rifles. That’ll give you an idea of what scope to get.

 

[Big Bo]

I purchased a Bergara HMR Pro and topped it with an Athlon Cronus BTR. Very happy with this combo. Cleaned the rifle and shot it. Impressive results.

 

[pewpeweric]

I’d do an initial cleaning then just shoot it. As for your glass budget it’s a good budget. You can the vortex razor gen 2 or leupold Mark 5 at that price point. You can even get a really good used optic here. Use the vendors from here. I got my scope from Liberty optics for a great price. Also go to a local match and check out peoples rifles. That’ll give you an idea of what scope to get.

I came across this as a recommendation from a buddy. What do you think?

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

 

[pewpeweric]

I purchased a Bergara HMR Pro and topped it with an Athlon Cronus BTR. Very happy with this combo. Cleaned the rifle and shot it. Impressive results.

Hows your Bergara holding up? Is it truly living up to the submoa guarantee?

 

[Jake the dog]

I have the B14 BMP. You made a good choice. It is very capable of shooting .5 moa. I started with a Vortex PST, but found a like new Razor on the PX. If you're willing to look around, you can probably pick up something used and get a bit more for your money.
Like I said, good choice. I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

 

[pewpeweric]

I have the B14 BMP. You made a good choice. It is very capable of shooting .5 moa. I started with a Vortex PST, but found a like new Razor on the PX. If you're willing to look around, you can probably pick up something used and get a bit more for your money.
Like I said, good choice. I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Thats good to hear. I have been browsing everywhere for a good deal on a scope. Everyones been pushing me to get a NF but thats so serious $$$ right now for a beginner LOL

 

[WIVigilance]

I came across this as a recommendation from a buddy. What do you think?

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

It’s a good start, if you want to spend toward the higher end of your optic budget you can do better. If you do end up liking precision shooting, a good scope can go on another rifle if you ever choose to upgrade. They can also be sold pretty easily if you find long range is not for you. Just my 2 cents talked to Doug at camera land, he will steer you right.

 

[pewpeweric]

It’s a good start, if you want to spend toward the higher end of your optic budget you can do better. If you do end up liking precision shooting, a good scope can go on another rifle if you ever choose to upgrade. They can also be sold pretty easily if you find long range is not for you. Just my 2 cents talked to Doug at camera land, he will steer you right.

Thats a good way to think about it; ive been given that same advice by other PRS shooters. As a new guy I do wanna make sure im not dropping life savings on a scope and not pursue PRS as much as I think I want to LOL

 

[Big Bo]

Hows your Bergara holding up? Is it truly living up to the submoa guarantee?

It is a wonderful rifle. I have Savages, Tikka, Rugers, all bolt actions. The Bergara is second to none of them. Sub MOA rifle it is. Fantastic choice I made in Bregara. I would buy another in a heart beat.

 

[pewpeweric]

It is a wonderful rifle. I have Savages, Tikka, Rugers, all bolt actions. The Bergara is second to none of them. Sub MOA rifle it is. Fantastic choice I made in Bregara. I would buy another in a heart beat.

Thanks for the reinforcing statements, now I know that if im missing, it's me, not the gun LOL

 

[ffjoey]

Bergara is absolutely my favorite factory rifle, it’s not even close.

 

[HMRamateur]

I bought the HMR pro and topped it with a Bushnell dmrii pro. If you're looking at the dmrii, and you have room in your budget, spring for the pro. Very solid scope and the upgraded glass makes a difference.

Bushnell is running a 29% back promotion right now, you could buy a dmrii pro or the xrs2 with the discount, and have enough for a kestrel and still be in your budget limit.

 

[spife7980]

Bushnell is running a 29% back promotion right now, you could buy a dmrii pro or the xrs2 with the discount, and have enough for a kestrel and still be in your budget limit.

Only on the lower end scopes, not the good ones you mentioned

 

[HMRamateur]

Only on the lower end scopes, not the good ones you mentioned
View attachment 7266551

Nice catch, that's disappointing