Gun Of The Week: Bergara BMR-X Steel

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.

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.

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.

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