Bergara BMR X Review

Bergara just released the BMR X 22LR rifle, the latest of their 22LR models and in order to check it out they sent me one to test.  That being said, it is the policy of every Gun University article to either own the rifle, or assure the company that no matter what, we will either send it back, or request to purchase it.  This way, the BMR X review is not affected by the receiving of the gun.    

With this all in mind, it gives me the ability to give a full and untainted review of the gun at hand without worrying if they’ll send another.  Actually because of this, it is quite rare for a company to still decide to send us one.  But as someone who usually gravitates to 22LR models (as you can see from many of my reviews on them in the past), I probably would have picked this one up considering where it sits in utility in the 22LR rifles. 

Background: Bergara BMR X

The BMR X is the latest in the Bergara 22LR models.  It’s basically a step up from the BMR with a better stock and barrel, but doesn’t quite go as far as  the more expensive B-14R.  From this, it appeared as though Bergara was looking to build the next step up in the BMR line, and sort of fill the gap between the regular BMR and the B-14R.  

But even with an improved stock and upgraded trigger and better barrel as compared to the regular BMR, it doesn’t have all the extra bells and whistles of the B-14R but nor is it near as expensive (costing $400 less on average). 

So, with all of that said, this brings in the question. If the BMR X comes in at $100 more than the BMR, are the improvements to the BMR worth the extra hundred?  Or would it be better to jump up another $400 and get the Bergara B-14?  

Well, the real answer to that question depends on your use, but from a comparative perspective, I’ll look into the differences and hope to show you whether this is a welcomed rifle to the Bergara line, or just the act of making a new rifle for the sake of making one – without anyone actually asking for it (which happens a lot in this industry – just ask Federal and their 7mm backcountry)

Bergara BMR X Features:

1 New X Stock

Improved stock as compared to the BMR with a more vertical grip, and a flat fore-end, and a high cheekpiece.

2 Bergara Performance Trigger

With an external adjustment of weight, this trigger allows us to customize it to our liking.  It is possible to replace it with a REM700 if you prefer.

3 Carbon Barrel Option

1lb lighter option

Bergara BMR X – Our Take 

First off, let me start by apologizing for the setup I have on mine.  When I got it, I didn’t have the appropriate rings for adding my scope to the rifle.  Instead, I pulled off the red dot that I use on my Ruger 1022 Takedown, and set it on this rifle for my review.  I have since bought a whole new set for it, and upon getting it and putting another 1000 rounds in this, I will update the article as needed.  

However, without my preferred setup, here are my initial thoughts on the Bergara BMR X and whether or not it is a good purchase.  

To start, let’s talk about what this rifle really is.  It’s an upgraded BMR…plain and simple.  Now, as many know, the Bergara BMR is a solid 22LR in its price range ($500-600).  However, Bergara wanted to give people a step up.  Something better, but not as costly as the major step up to the Bergara B-14R ($1,100-1,200).  

So, in reviewing this, the main things I analyzed are, how does it compare to other 22LR bolt action rifles on the market, and whether or not I’d pay the extra $100 to upgrade from the BMR to the BMR-X.  

So, with that said, let’s start with the stock.  In my opinion, this is a slight upgrade from the BMR. The stock has a rubberized texture which will be great for enhanced grip. You also get a more vertical grip, which is a bit preferential, and a flattened forend which can be more beneficial with placement.  

Next is the barrel.  It’s a threaded barrel – which I love because I personally love shooting a suppressed 22LR.  I also went with the carbon barrel option over steel, because I would personally use this for varmint hunting and I’d rather it be lighter.  With a 1lb difference, it’s fine. 

 
I’d love to see them come out with versions that allow for increased barrel length – say 22” or even a 20”. However, for personal needs of just hunting, the 18” is preferred due to less weight and still holds a negligible reduction in accuracy for my purpose.    

Out of all the 22LR magazines, I have always loved the BMR’s the best.  I’ve had plenty of issues with the Tikka magazines with stove pipes, and the CZ’s are problematic to insert into the magwell.  The Rugers are hit or miss with my personal 1022 takedown, which is the worst at inserting.  But these…they are easy to feed, and easy to insert.  Plus I love how it comes with the 5 round and the 10 round magazine, with the 5 round magazine being almost flush with the stock.  

How about the bolt action?  Smooth for the price range and for a 22LR.  I’ve definitely had worse.  Now granted, I’m a bit jaded and pampered with my Tikka, but for the model, this is an excellent bolt.  Feeding was excellent. I did have a couple of times where I short stroked it and it jammed, but that was not the rifle’s fault.   But when you do a complete cycling of the bolt, it runs smooth – especially for a 22LR bolt action.  

I didn’t find any particular negatives to the rifle.  I’d only say, for my left-handed comrades out there, you were left behind again.  There is no left-handed models….sorry.  

So, what’s my final opinion? 

Well, I personally loved this gun so much that I reached out to Bergara to buy it from them, instead of sending it back (as per Gun University policy – we never accept guns for free).  I personally think that this is one of the better bolt action 22LR rifles on the market in this price range.  So much so, that I’ve added to the list of best 22LRs, and best varmint rifles.  

It is worth upgrading from the BMR in my opinion and the capability and quality of the rifle fits in the right price range that a gun like this should be in.  
I’ve since purchased key accessories for this rifle so as to make it a staple to my varmint hunting arsenal.  In case you’re interested, I purchased the vortex 2-7×32 II rimfire riflescope, with monstrum 1” diameter scope rings with the level bubble, and even purchased a magpul rifle bipod with the sling stud QD attachment for this rifle.   Do you need a bipod for this rifle?  Probably not but why not 😉  

Bergara BMR X Pros and Cons

Accessories to Include: 

1. Vortex 2-7×32 II Rimfire Riflescope		Check Price
2. Monstrum 1in Precision Picatinny		Check Price
3. Magpul Rifle Bipod with the Sling Stud QD		Check Pricing

Important Links and Manuals for Bergara BMR X

Are you looking to pick up a Bergara BMR X but need a bit more info?  Or maybe you’ve just misplaced your user’s manual?  Either way, check out the links below.

• BMR-X Carbon Manual
• BMR-X Carbon Product Page