Bergara BMR-X .17 HMR 18 in Steel Barrel

About this product

The Bergara BMR-X .17 HMR 18-inch Steel Barrel is a purpose-built competition rimfire rifle that delivers match-grade precision through its Micro Rimfire action and externally adjustable trigger. This rifle prioritizes repeatable mechanical performance over traditional hunting aesthetics, featuring a synthetic stock with an adjustable length-of-pull and a 30 MOA integral rail. Chambered for the inherently flat-shooting .17 HMR cartridge, it bridges the gap between plinking and serious smallbore competition without the regulatory complexities of Title II firearms.

What is the Bergara BMR-X .17 HMR used for?

This rifle is primarily designed for organized NRL22-style rimfire precision matches and dedicated target shooting. Its 30 MOA integral rail, externally adjustable trigger, and 1:9″ twist barrel are engineered for mounting high-magnification optics and achieving tight groups at 50, 100, and 200-yard lines. Secondary uses include varmint control where pinpoint accuracy is required, though its 6.6 lb weight and 38.5-inch overall length make it less ideal for stalking compared to compact hunting rifles like the Stevens 334 Rifle.

How does the Bergara BMR-X .17 HMR compare to a Ruger Precision Rimfire?

The Bergara BMR-X provides superior out-of-the-box barrel and action quality, with a cold-hammer-forged barrel that delivers more consistent bore geometry compared to the Ruger's button-rifled barrel. Where the Ruger Precision Rimfire offers more AR-style chassis adjustments, the Bergara's simpler synthetic stock and Micro Rimfire bolt yield a smoother, 2.5-pound trigger pull that breaks cleaner with less grit. For a shooter prioritizing first-shot cold-bore accuracy and trigger feel, the Bergara is objectively better; for a shooter who wants maximum modularity and an AR-platform manual of arms, the Ruger chassis system is the superior choice.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle has an unloaded weight of 6.6 pounds (approximately 2,994 grams) and an overall length of 38.5 inches. The 18-inch barrel provides a 1:9″ twist rate, optimized for stabilizing 17 and 20-grain .17 HMR projectiles. The synthetic stock adjusts for length-of-pull over a 1.25-inch range, accommodating most adult shooters from a 12.5-inch to a 13.75-inch pull. This combination makes it heavier and 4 inches longer than many compact hunting rifles, a trade-off for the stability needed on a competition bench.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for hunters seeking a lightweight, quick-handling brush gun or a first-time shooter looking for an inexpensive plinker. The $699.99 MSRP, competition-focused trigger, and lack of iron sights place it squarely in the dedicated target shooter's domain. If your primary need is a general-purpose .22 LR or a shotgun for clays, consider a more versatile platform like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle, one 5-round magazine, one 10-round magazine, and a basic thread protector. Notably absent are any optics, rings, or a hard case; Bergara assumes the serious competitor will supply their own preferred scope mounting system. The magazines are proprietary to the Micro Rimfire action and are not interchangeable with other .17 HMR platforms, so ordering spares from Bergara directly is advised if you shoot multi-stage matches.

Is the Bergara BMR-X .17 HMR worth it at $699.99?

At its price point, this rifle is worth the investment for the shooter committed to rimfire competition, as it delivers action smoothness and out-of-the-box accuracy typically found in centerfire rifles costing twice as much. The value is in the cold-hammer-forged barrel, the tunable trigger, and the integral 30 MOA rail—features that would cost over $300 to add to a base model. For the casual plinker or a new shooter, the cost is hard to justify when a basic .22 LR bolt-action can be had for under $300.