NRA Gun Of The Week: Bergara Premier MgLite

Though the Bergara Premier action closely resembles one of the most popular bolt-action rifle designs of the modern era, the Remington Model 700, the Premier also includes a feature many folks are accustomed to seeing in the actions of Model 110s from Savage: the floating bolt head. This feature is intended to produce more consistent and concentric lockup without the need for hands-on custom tuning of the action. And, like the Model 700, this rifle requires a 90-degree throw and provides a generously sized handle for operation. Watch the video above to see the Bergara MgLite in use on the NRA Tech Range.

Bergara employs a completely new barrel system called the CURE, which is a hybrid design structured with carbon fiber and other proprietary components for consistent performance and long-term durability while saving on weight and preventing heat build-up. Adding to the functionality of this hunter-centric lightweight precision rifle is the barreled action’s XLR Industries Element 4.0 Magnesium lightweight chassis system. It comes fully featured with a carbon fiber grip, buttstock and adjustable comb. All told, the magnesium chassis weighs in at just 28 ozs. In addition, the fore-end supplies a 1.5” dovetail for ARCA-Swiss compatible components. The chassis accepts AICS-pattern detachable box magazines, and since the XLR design provides a multi-point radial-cut inlet, there is no need for action bedding or V-block type foundations.

The rifle we have here on the range came chambered for 6.5 mm Creedmoor, though Bergara offers the Premier MgLite in other fan favorites such as 6.5 PRC, .308 Winchester and .300 Win. Mag. Barrel lengths vary between 22 and 24 inches depending upon the chosen chambering, and twist rates for Bergara’s CURE carbon barrels are optimized respectively. Our testers took the Premier MgLite to the range with a variety of loads for function testing and found no problems whatsoever. The gun exhibits fine accuracy potential, too, and Bergara provides a 1 M.O.A. guarantee for factory-made match-grade ammunition. Considering the gun’s field-ready design, the provision for a folding stock with adjustments is handy. Our testers thoroughly enjoyed the implementation of TriggerTech’s trigger system, which provides a crisp break and buttery-smooth operation. In addition, we found the CURE barrel and Omni muzzle brake to be real performers on the range.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Bergara
Action Type: bolt-action, centerfire rifle
Chambering: 6.5 Creedmoor
Receiver: stainless steel
Barrel: 22" CURE composite-over-stainless
Sights: none; Picatinny rail for optics
Chassis: XLR Element 4.0 chassis
Buttstock: folding, carbon fiber cheekpiece
Grip: carbon fiber
Trigger: TriggerTech adjustable
Magazine: AICS, 10-round capacity
Overall Length: 43"
Weight: 6 lbs., 11.2 ozs.
MSRP: $3,299