2018 Rifle of the Year: Bergara B-14

by
posted on April 23, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bergara_b14.jpg

Now in its 16th year, the NRA Golden Bullseye Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement within the shooting, hunting and outdoor trade.

In 2017, after years of record-breaking sales, many industry observers wondered what ingenious introductions might still be unveiled. After all, any product worthy of our gold standard must meet or exceed American Hunter’s expectations of innovation—and they absolutely must provide hunters with value for their money. But once again, we were surprised when we collected nominations and tallied our votes.

 

Rifle of the Year: Bergara B-14
The B-14 is Bergara’s production-line action, developed in-house and based on a two-lug system with a sliding-plate extractor and plunger ejector; a coned nose and breech produce smooth cartridge feeding and extraction. Its barrel is Bergara’s own, too, made from 4140 bar stock, and straightened and honed to ensure minimal deviation. Its two-position toggle safety does not lock the bolt. Its curved trigger, set at about 3 pounds, delivers crisp, clean pulls.

Built in Spain at the company’s modern factory, the B-14 delivers a level of quality and performance that’s hard to beat in its price range ($825-$1,699). Six models are available: Hunter, Ridge, Timber, Woodsman, HMR and BMP. Pick your poison as it concerns chambering, from .22-250 to 6.5 Creedmoor to .30-06, .300 Win. Mag. and more—it all depends what unit you choose and how it’s configured.

All B-14 rifles are capable of producing sub-MOA groups at 100 yards using factory match ammo. Executive Editor Adam Heggenstaller is partial to the HMR (Hunting Match Rifle) chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor (“Hardware,” April 2018).

For more information, go to bergarausa.com.

Editor's Note: NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an exclusive breakfast during the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Dallas, Tx., May 4-6.

Latest

LEDE Count Some Quail
LEDE Count Some Quail

Count Some Quail, Tally Some Turkeys

The Arkansas turkey season ended in May, but there’s still good reason for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to keep the birds in mind when they head out to their favorite hiking trail or drive the backroads of The Natural State. Outdoorsmen who scare up coveys of quail are welcome in the survey as well.

2025 Online Firearm Sales Continue to Grow

While nationwide firearm sales have held steady this spring, guns.com is reporting significant growth, surpassing 10-percent year-over-year gun sales growth in the first half of 2025, according to the company's internal data.

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.