outlawjw
Member
Anyone have any opinions either way with experience to back it up . I'm interested
Begara rifles
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Ive got a b-14 timber. They are basically rem700 copies, with some minor but worthwhile additions and modifications.
Mine, and the other ones ive handled, were better finished than the newish 700s and on par with the very newest ive seen on the racks.
The one downside on the Timber (for some, i personally like it) is the wrist is pretty thick, the woodsman and synthetic stocks arnt as thick. The other is they arnt as lite as the current crop of tube guns, dimensionally they are the same as the 700s, and have a heavier barrel, thus weigh more by a bit. They also have fairly heavy bottom metal. Just going to an aluminum 700 guard will drop a 1/4lb
My .30-06 comes in at 8 1/4lbs scoped.
Mine, and the other ones ive handled, were better finished than the newish 700s and on par with the very newest ive seen on the racks.
The one downside on the Timber (for some, i personally like it) is the wrist is pretty thick, the woodsman and synthetic stocks arnt as thick. The other is they arnt as lite as the current crop of tube guns, dimensionally they are the same as the 700s, and have a heavier barrel, thus weigh more by a bit. They also have fairly heavy bottom metal. Just going to an aluminum 700 guard will drop a 1/4lb
My .30-06 comes in at 8 1/4lbs scoped.
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outlawjw
Member
What sort of accuracy , & trigger quality
I bought a B14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 22 inch barrel a month ago from Cabelas. I have fired 40 rounds in two outings at the range, Hornady 140gr American Gunner, using a 6 X 24 Weaver scope at 24X. Once I got the scoped dialed in (4 shots), all groups at 100 yard have been under 0.8 MOA, best five shot group was 0.47 MOA. All groups shot from a Caldwell Rock front rest and generic sandbag rear rest. Trigger was 1.9 pounds outta the box as measured with a Lyman gage, with a fair amount of creep, but nice and crisp once it broke. The action of the bolt is silky smooth. I plan to work up some handloads soon.
My guns shoots 1-1 1/4 with the two loads ive tried, and the way i usually shoot it. If im nice to it and dont dump 20rnds thru it in a couple mins, it consistently does better.
The stock trigger pull, and release, are pretty good, id put it on par with the best of the off the shelf triggers, worst comment i have in regards to feel is there is a little wobble in the trigger, its not alot tho. Oh, there isnt an over travel stop which bugged me, so thats why i figgured out the stuff below.
Where its lacking is in adjustments. As it comes from the factory all you have is pull weight.
BUT all the holes for the other adjustment are started and threaded, you just need to finish punching them. One of the nice features is the triggers side plates are easily removeable, it makes visualizeing how the trigger works, and cleaning it thoroughly, very easy. It also makes shimming the previously mentioned wobble out.
The stock trigger pull, and release, are pretty good, id put it on par with the best of the off the shelf triggers, worst comment i have in regards to feel is there is a little wobble in the trigger, its not alot tho. Oh, there isnt an over travel stop which bugged me, so thats why i figgured out the stuff below.
Where its lacking is in adjustments. As it comes from the factory all you have is pull weight.
BUT all the holes for the other adjustment are started and threaded, you just need to finish punching them. One of the nice features is the triggers side plates are easily removeable, it makes visualizeing how the trigger works, and cleaning it thoroughly, very easy. It also makes shimming the previously mentioned wobble out.
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outlawjw
Member
Sounds like the tikka still has a slight edge over them , but will wait for more experiences before deciding
If tikka offers a model you like and you like the design they are a good buy. But along the same lines, the Rar is similar to the tikka, and cheaper. Not available in as many configuration tho, and the stocks and mags arnt as nice.
Only reason i dont own more Rars is i dislike closed top recivers. Ill invariably find a way to jam a cartridge in them at some point.
Only reason i dont own more Rars is i dislike closed top recivers. Ill invariably find a way to jam a cartridge in them at some point.
rayatphonix
Member
I have a Bergara Stalker which is one of their Premium series. Very, very good rifle. Fit and finish is excellent and it shoots 5/8" groups. It uses a Timney trigger and Bergara receiver and is assembled in GA.
I have several older Tikkas. Good rifles that shoot very well. You can't hardly go wrong with either.
I have several older Tikkas. Good rifles that shoot very well. You can't hardly go wrong with either.
Captcurt
Member
I have had 3 B-14's to play with. A Creedmoor and a 7mm Mag that I ordered for friends and Creedmoor of my own. All three have nice triggers that I adjusted to 2 3/4 lbs. The 7 Mag shot it's second group under 1/2". Impressed me enough to order mine. My gun was a little picky about ammo but even with my starting workup loads I could keep my shots in a 6 inch bull at 500 yards. I think I have found a load that will work now.
The synthetic guns are nicely stocked, slick bolt, nice trigger, and as noted, are heavy. I would recommend one if it is in your price range.
The synthetic guns are nicely stocked, slick bolt, nice trigger, and as noted, are heavy. I would recommend one if it is in your price range.
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outlawjw
Member
Thanks guys I think I will try a premium in 280 rem
rayatphonix
Member
That's a great choice Outlaw. That was one of my two choices. Do you have brass or will you make some?
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outlawjw
Member
I have plenty to convert to 280 , I have a couple 7mm rem mag ,but getting a little old for shooting them weekly . And my 25-06 is fun to shoot , but just not my idea of an everything gun. I have several other calibre's , but my love of 7 mm just makes me want a 280 rem , from squirrels to elk it should do just fine.
rayatphonix
Member
CaptCurt, you may want to try some "Prime Ammo" for your Bergara. It shoots very well in my Bergara Creedmoor. I've reloaded for years and am struggling to come up with something better. It's priced fairly for it's quality. Uses Norma brass and bullets.
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