Bergara B14R .22 LR Steel rifle review

Bergara’s reputation

Bergara is well known for its high-quality barrels and affordable rifles. The B14R mirrors the Remington Model 700footprint, which means you can use a wide range of aftermarket stocks, triggers, and mounts.

This model is available as a complete rifle or as a barrelled action for custom builds. The stock supplied is the HMR (Hunting and Match Rifle) model, the same as Bergara’s centrefire line, giving rimfire shooters the feel of a full-sized tactical rifle.

For more on rimfire rifles, see our best .22 rifles for hunting and target shooting.

Stock and ergonomics

The HMR stock has an adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull, altered by spacers from 12.5in to 14.5in. A hook cut-out under the stock helps stability when shooting prone with a bipod.

The synthetic construction is reinforced with an aluminium skeleton, ensuring rigidity. Stippled panels on the grip and forend improve handling. Sling swivel studs and QD mounts allow for bipods or carry options.

Despite being polymer, the stock is heavy at 1.63kg, giving the rifle stability when aiming at small long-range targets.

Barrel and action

Bergara is famed for its barrels, and the B14R is no exception. The 4140 chrome moly steel barrel is 18in long with a match chamber, 1-in-16 twist, and threaded muzzle. A carbon-fibre barrel option is also available.

The action is round-bodied and smooth, with twin mid-position locking lugs and forward guide lugs. Operation is aided by a straight bolt handle with a teardrop knob. A visible cocked indicator sits at the rear shroud.

The detachable 10-shot AICS-style magazine is polymer and feeds reliably. It’s also ambidextrous, with a release catch accessible from both sides.

Trigger and safety

The Bergara Performance trigger is crisp and predictable. On test it broke at 2lb 2.8oz, with adjustment from 2lb to 3.5lb. While aftermarket options like TriggerTech or Timney are compatible, most shooters won’t need to upgrade.

The safety is simple and effective: forward for fire (red dot visible) and rearward for safe, while still allowing bolt operation.

Range test and results

For testing, the rifle was fitted with a Bushnell Match Pro 5-30x56mm scope and an A-Tec Wave moderator. Zeroed at 50 yards, several types of long-range rimfire ammunition were tried.

The standout performer was the RWS R Plus Long Range 43gr, producing consistent 0.55in groups at 50 yards with a supersonic velocity of 1199fps.

Other strong results included:

• Lapua Center X 40gr – 0.72in groups, 1092fps

• RWS Match S 40gr – 0.75in groups, 1199fps

• RWS R100 40gr – 0.77in groups, 1155fps

At 200 yards, the R Plus Long Range gave first-shot hits on steel silhouettes, proving its capability beyond normal rimfire expectations.

For more, see our guide to the best .22 LR ammunition.

Conclusion

The Bergara B14R handles like a full-sized centrefire, yet delivers the economy and versatility of a rimfire. It’s accurate, reliable, and adaptable — whether you shoot vermin, steel plates, or precision rimfire competitions.

With its superb barrel quality, strong stock design, and excellent trigger, the Bergara B14R stands out as one of the best rimfire rifles available in the UK.