Bergera B-14 .22 vs. Bergera BMR .22 - What's the difference?

[gunsrfun1]

A friend told me about the Bergera .22 LR rifles, and I started investigating. I'm having trouble telling the difference between the B-14 and the new (for 2021) BMR. Both are bolt action rifles. It appears the BMR is cheaper; is that their "budget" entry? I can't seem to find anything on the web or on Bergera's site explaining the difference between the two models.
Is one considered a step above the other, in terms of accuracy, quality, or some other measure?
Furthermore, how to they compare to the CZ 452/455 line of .22 LR rifles in terms of accuracy? (I have a CZ 452 Trainer already.)
Thanks

 

[wiscoaster]

I have a PDF copy of the Bergara 2020 catalog and in there they have a detailed table comparing the specs among the various models. The BMR model you mentioned isn't in the rimfire series, so I'm assuming it's new for 2021. You might want to check back on their website to see if they offer a download of their 2021 catalog. If they don't, let me know and I'll take and upload a screen shot of their table in the 2020 catalog that compares the B-14 and BXR, which I'm assuming is probably the predecessor model of the one you want specs on.

 

[LoonWulf]

Im still waiting on the BMRs to become available, even the web page for the BMRs still lists the pictured gun as a prototype.

From what I can glean, the differences are really that the BMR is a rimfire sized bolt gun, where as the b14R is a full sized short action rifle in rimfire chamberings. That would likely mean they dont share many common parts.

My FFL buddy has the BMR on his radar for me,.and i believe they are gonna go for somewhere around 600.

 

[Sniper66]

The BMR means "Bergara Micro Rimfire" which is a bolt action compared to their BXR which is a semi. The two are similar in weight with short 18" barrels in steel or carbon, the carbon being about a pound lighter. I have a BXR carbon; very nice rifle, light as a feather and very accurate with the right ammo, SK Standard Plus. Bergara has always offered the B-14 in .22LR. It is a heavy target model, about twice the weight of my BXR. It's called a "trainer" and is advertised as helpful in "training" people who want to shoot long distance bigger calibers. It has become a competitor in it's own right and is a popular among competition .22 shooters.
In 2021, the B-14 is now offered in 22Mag and 17HMR with 20" barrels, both carbon and steel. The BMR will weigh half as much as the B-14 and cost about half as much. As LoonWulf said, the BMR will run around $600. The B-14 I ordered from Reed's in Walker, MN will be $1100 + tax and shipping, they said. I also got a quote from a local gun shop of $1225 out the door. We'll see who gets one first. The cost is about the same.

 

[gunsrfun1]

OK, thanks all. Let's drill down a bit and only discuss the B-14 vs. the BMR. (Only interested in a bolt action.) I do see the weight and price difference between the two. However ... I am told that you can buy just the B-14 barrel and action for ~ $600, and then drop it into a Rem 700 stock. That's what I might be interested in doing. I don't need the bells-and-whistles Bergera stock. So, some questions:
1) Is the B-14 a more accurate barrel and action than the BMR barrel and action? (Or, are they essentially the same, or does nobody really know yet.)
2) How does the B-14 stack up against the CZ 452/455/457 in accuracy?
Thanks

 

[LoonWulf]

Is the B-14 a more accurate barrel and action than the BMR barrel and action? (Or, are they essentially the same, or does nobody really know yet.

No hard info on the BMRs as of yet, not that I've seen.

I am told that you can buy just the B-14 barrel and action for ~ $600, and then drop it into a Rem 700 stock. That's what I might be interested in doing.

Yes the B14r shares the foot print of a 700 clone, ive got a beat up old 700 stock you can have if you want it.

2) How does the B-14 stack up against the CZ 452/455/457 in accuracy?

Ive not handled or shot a B14-R yet either, but honestly Id EXPECT them to be about as accurate on average as any of the 45 series.

I have a Christensen Ranger, and a 457 with a heavy Lothar Walther barrel, and neither would best the top group posted in the reviews of the B14-R Ive watched, but average accuracy is looks to be about the same.
My original .22lr barrel for my 457 was hard pressed to shoot tighter than about 1.5" at 50yds with all the ammo I had available....none of which was match, but I expected better.

 

[d2wing]

OK, thanks all. Let's drill down a bit and only discuss the B-14 vs. the BMR. (Only interested in a bolt action.) I do see the weight and price difference between the two. However ... I am told that you can buy just the B-14 barrel and action for ~ $600, and then drop it into a Rem 700 stock. That's what I might be interested in doing. I don't need the bells-and-whistles Bergera stock. So, some questions:
1) Is the B-14 a more accurate barrel and action than the BMR barrel and action? (Or, are they essentially the same, or does nobody really know yet.)
2) How does the B-14 stack up against the CZ 452/455/457 in accuracy?
Thanks

I have been checking reviews and reports. Most Bergara owners are very happy with them. Some say they are better than a CZ some say the CZ is better. They appear to be close. Some put CZ, Tikka, Bergara as pretty much equal depending on rifle, shooter and ammo.. It is a mass produced rifle like the others. It is easier to put a custom barrel on a CZ.

 

[Sniper66]

My buddy shoots long distance .22 competitions and has plans to buy a Bergara barreled action for around $600 and put it in a custom chassis. They describe the product as Rem 700 compatible, which usually means it will accept typical 700 after-market products. I assume that means stocks too. It will not be as easy as you hope for.......IMO. But, I hope it works out great.

 

[Sniper66]

Oh....and if accuracy is the ultimate goal, some shooters recommend a trigger change to some thing like a Trigger Tech Diamond, which will set you back another $300.

 

[LoonWulf]

I saw on @Walkalongs new .22 range thread that he had a B14r on the bench...maybe he can add some info.

Oh....and if accuracy is the ultimate goal, some shooters recommend a trigger change to some thing like a Trigger Tech Diamond, which will set you back another $300.

Ive got three TT Primary triggers and a Field, love the things. I keep my triggers at about 2lbs, so the Primary is all Ive really had reason to buy/keep. The Fields 2.5 and I can feel a difference but it still feels better than any of my "stock" triggers. I might eventually get a diamond, not sure what Id put it on tho.
I had a B-14 and the trigger was excellent also, not quite as good as a TT, but noticeably better than a tuned 700. Id put the B-14 trigger on par with the Timneys I've had on a couple hunting guns....not competition versions.

 

[Sniper66]

Good to know. I replaced two Rem 700 triggers with Timneys, which are pretty good. Have a Shilen in another rifle that is about the same as the Timneys. Good to hear that the B-14 trigger is good. My BXR trigger is good, but a bit quishy.