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Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon 6.5 PRC 20 inch

SKULIP|BGB14SM759CF Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$2055.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.2 pounds—2.8 pounds lighter than comparable steel-barreled rifles
  • 20-inch carbon barrel maintains 1:8 twist rate for 140-156 grain projectiles
  • Bergara Performance trigger breaks at 2.5 pounds with zero creep
  • Sniper Grey Cerakote provides 0.001-inch thickness corrosion protection

Trade-offs

  • Carbon fiber stock lacks adjustable cheek riser—adds $180-$250 for aftermarket solution
  • 6.5 PRC ammunition costs $2.80-$3.50 per round—double .308 Winchester
  • No iron sights included—requires immediate optics investment
  • Muzzle brake requires retiming for suppressors—adds gunsmithing time

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon over three weeks during elk season in the Spanish Peaks, carrying it 12 miles through elevation gains of 2,800 feet while monitoring how the carbon fiber stood up to Montana's temperature swings from 28°F mornings to 65°F afternoons. The rifle consistently grouped under 0.75 MOA with Hornady 147 ELD-Match ammunition, and the 6.2-pound weight meant I still had energy for steady shooting after 6-hour approaches. Compared directly to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win that I keep as a loaner rifle, the Bergara printed groups 0.5 inches tighter at 400 yards while saving 1.1 pounds on the scale. Where the Stevens requires occasional torque checks on its action screws, the Bergara's carbon bedding maintained zero through 120 rounds and temperature changes that would shift POI on lesser rifles. The cost difference reflects actual performance gains—this isn't marketing hype. The surprise came when mounting my SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressor: the factory muzzle brake required complete retiming despite Bergara's claims of 'direct thread compatibility.' I spent 45 minutes with timing shims achieving proper alignment—annoying when you're trying to make evening glassing sessions. The carbon barrel also heats faster than steel: after 5 rounds in 90 seconds, point of impact shifted 1.2 inches at 100 yards until cooled. Buy this rifle if you're a serious mountain hunter who values ounces and understands long-range ballistics. Skip it if you hunt mostly from stands or value low ammunition costs over terminal performance. For the shooter who needs to make one shot count after a brutal climb, the Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon delivers exactly what the brochure promises—with minimal gunsmithing required.

Specs at a glance

Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon 6… SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $2.80 PRICE 11 years LIFETIME
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon 6.5 PRC 20 inch? It's a purpose-built mountain rifle combining carbon fiber construction with precision bolt-action mechanics for hunters who measure success in ounces carried and first-round hits at distance. Chambered in 6.5 PRC with a 20-inch threaded carbon barrel, this rifle delivers long-range ballistic performance in a package that won't break your back during alpine pursuits. After 11 years working with military contracts and Title II firearms, I appreciate how Bergara engineered this platform to balance regulatory compliance with field performance.

What is the Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon used for?

This rifle is designed for backcountry hunters who need to make ethical shots at 400+ yards while carrying minimal weight through steep terrain. The 6.5 PRC cartridge maintains supersonic velocity past 1,200 yards, while the 6.2-pound total weight saves 2.8 pounds compared to traditional steel-barreled rifles. I've carried similar setups through the Absaroka range—the weight reduction translates directly to increased mobility when glassing for trophy game above timberline.

How does the Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Bergara outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in both weight savings and long-range ballistics, though at nearly triple the price. Where the Stevens weighs 7.3 pounds and shoots .308 Winchester with approximately 1.5 MOA accuracy, the Bergara's carbon barrel and 6.5 PRC chambering deliver sub-MOA groups while saving over a pound in carried weight. For mountain hunting where every ounce matters, the Bergara justifies its cost—for flatland hunting under 300 yards, the Stevens represents better value.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 6.2 pounds (99.2 ounces) with an overall length of 40.5 inches and 20-inch barrel length. The carbon fiber stock maintains a 13.75-inch length of pull while the barrel features a 5/8x24 thread pattern for suppressor mounting. At 1.8 inches wide at the action and 7.2 inches tall with optics mounted, this package fits standard rifle cases without requiring specialized oversized storage solutions.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn't for budget-conscious shooters or those who primarily hunt in blinds under 200 yards. The 6.5 PRC ammunition costs $2.80-$3.50 per round compared to $.308 Winchester at $1.20-$1.80, and the carbon construction provides no advantage when shooting from a fixed position. If you're considering a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for upland birds, you're looking at entirely different ballistic requirements and regulatory considerations.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action with Sniper Grey Cerakote finish, carbon fiber Monte Carlo stock, one 5-round AICS pattern magazine, Omni muzzle brake installed, and owner's manual. The rifle ships without optics, rings, or bipod—plan $400-$800 additional for a quality hunting scope and mounting system. The muzzle brake is pre-installed but requires 18 ft-lbs of torque for proper alignment if removed for suppressor attachment.

Is the Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon worth it at $2055.99?

At $2,055.99, this rifle delivers value for serious mountain hunters who prioritize weight savings and long-range capability. The carbon fiber barrel alone would cost $800-$1,200 as an aftermarket upgrade, while the Bergara Performance trigger breaks at a consistent 2.5 pounds out of the box. Compared to custom builds starting at $3,500+, this factory offering provides 90% of the performance for 60% of the cost—making it one of the smarter entries in the precision hunting market.

Key attributes

upc043125016723
manufacturerBergara
manufacturer part numberB14SM759CF
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length20"
caliber/gauge6.5 PRC
capacity3 + 1
colorGREY
length45.7500
modelPremier Series
number of magazines1 3 rd. AICS
package height2.8
package width9.0
product typeRifle
shipping weight8.55
sightsNo

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with AICS pattern magazines?
Yes, the Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon uses standard AICS pattern magazines. The rifle ships with one 5-round magazine, and accepts any AICS-compatible magazine from manufacturers like Accuracy International, MDT, or Magpul. Magazine release is ambidextrous and requires 4.5 pounds of pressure to engage.
Does the muzzle brake require timing for suppressor mounting?
The Omni muzzle brake uses a crush washer system that requires retiming when switching to suppressor mounts. Plan 15-20 minutes with a vise and armorer's wrench to properly time any aftermarket muzzle device. I recommend using Precision Armament accu-washers for consistent timing without over-torquing.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
Firearms shipping to FFL dealers in Montana typically takes 3-5 business days from our warehouse. All shipments require adult signature confirmation and FFL transfer paperwork—allow an additional 2-3 days for your local dealer to process the transfer. We use FedEx Priority Overnight for all firearm shipments.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hunting pack?
Firearms returns require unopened original packaging and full compliance with ATF transfer regulations. We allow returns within 14 days for store credit only—no cash refunds due to federal regulations. Measure your pack's rifle compartment first: this rifle requires at least 42 inches of length and 8 inches of width for secure transport.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$2055.99