Gun Of The Week: Bergara BMR-X Steel

by
posted on September 5, 2025
** 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 invested heavily into the rimfire market with the launch of its original Bergara Micro Rimfire, or BMR, model at the beginning of 2021. These initial models were smaller than Bergara’s other rimfire offerings, which were notably full-size stand-ins for the company’s centerfire models. The actions were sized for popular rimfire cartridges, and they all featured detachable box magazines and traditionally styled synthetic stocks. In 2025, Bergara updated this line with the BMR-X offering, giving these rimfire rifles an “X Factor” in the form of several enhancements designed to make them even more capable for competition use. Watch our video above to see this new bolt-action in use on the range.

GUN OF THE WEEK AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG text banner over man shooting Bergara BMR-X Steel bolt-action .22 Long Rifle rifle outdoors rear quartered view barrel smoke

At the heart of the BMR-X Steel is Bergara’s heavy, No. 6 profile, 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel, which provides the stability and weight needed to ensure consistent performance across competition stages. The 18” long barrel is topped by a threaded muzzle, giving competitors the ability to add suppressors that can not only reduce sound but also improve accuracy and ballistic performance, too.

One of the other notable differences on these X models is the change in stock design from the original BMR. Inspired by the company’s BXR stocks, the BMR-X stock gives shooters an adjustable length of pull, thanks to the addition of three stock spacers. The fore-end has been flattened to provide added stability when shooting off bags or other rests, and there’s a generously sized hook on the underside of the butt that allows shooters to further stabilize the rifle for the longer shots typically seen in precision rimfire competition. A vertical grip completes this ergonomic package, giving competitors the feel of a full-size rifle.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN GUN OF THE WEEK text in center tile mosaic screenshots of video of guns men shooting outdoors Bergara BMR-X Steel bolt-action rimfire rifle

Internally, Bergara has also built in a number of other competition-oriented features, too. This BMR-X features a tightened match chamber designed to improve downrange performance. The company’s performance trigger is also adjustable and can be dialed in by turning a screw located at the top of the trigger guard, just forward of the trigger shoe. Pull weight can be adjusted from 2.8 to 4.4 lbs.

On the range, we had a lot of fun with the BMR-X. Even with its heavy-profile barrel, the rifle was still handy at an unloaded weight of about six and a half pounds. The two-position safety selector was located within easy reach of our right-hand thumb, and the oversized and textured bolt handle made operation a breeze. We also appreciated Bergara’s detachable magazines, which come in 5- and 10-round configurations, which loaded easily and ran reliably in our experience. Another notable benefit was the addition of the 30-m.o.a. optic rail at the top of the receiver, which provided us with plenty of elevation for those longer shots. If you’re looking to have a dedicated rimfire rifle for competition or even casual precision shooting at the range, the Bergara BMR-X is loaded with features you’ll love.

GUN OF THE WEEK AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG banner over Bergara BMR-X Steel bolt-action rifle left-side view shown on white background held in place clear acrylic stands white table burris riflescope

Bergara BMR-X Steel Specifications
Action Type: bolt-action, repeating, rimfire rifle
Chambering: .22 Long Rifle
Barrel: 18" chrome-moly steel; 1/2x28 TPI muzzle
Receiver: Bergara Micro Rimfire; steel 
Magazine: 5- and 10-round detachable box
Sights: none; 30 m.o.a. Picatinny rail
Stock: synthetic, adjustable LOP
Trigger: Bergara Performance Trigger; adjustable 
Overall Length: 38"
Weight: 5 lbs., 11.2 ozs.
MSRP: $799

Latest

Bushmaster V-Radicator
Bushmaster V-Radicator

Review: Bushmaster V-Radicator

The business of dispatching unwanted critters requires a platform capable of a high degree of accuracy. Nuisance animals such as prairie dogs are both small and skittish in nature, meaning that they tend to keep their distance and scurry away upon the arrival of incoming fire.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson FPC in 5.7x28 mm

The folding carbine line expands to include the 5.7 mm chambering.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New For 2026: Vortex Optics AMG 1-10X 24 mm FFP Riflescope

The Vortex Optics AMG 1-10X 24 mm FFP riflescope is the shortest and lightest FFP 1-10X low-power variable optic made available to the U.S. commercial market.

New for 2026: Armasight Pro Series Thermal Platform

Armasight launches a professional-grade thermal-imaging platform designed to perform.

KelTec Launches KelTec Direct

KelTec begins its 35th anniversary celebration by launching KelTec Direct.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.