Bergara Ridge Carbon Wilderness 6.5 Creedmoor 22 in
About this product
The Bergara Ridge Carbon Wilderness 6.5 Creedmoor 22in is a lightweight, precision-oriented bolt-action rifle built for hunters and long-range shooters who need field durability without sacrificing accuracy. This rifle combines carbon-fiber barrel technology with proven Remington 700-pattern mechanics in a package that addresses the critical balance between weight savings and mechanical consistency. After 11 years as a lead armorer handling military contracts, I can confirm that this configuration represents what modern hunters actually need, not just what marketing departments want to sell.
What is the Bergara Ridge Carbon Wilderness used for?
This rifle is built for alpine hunting and precision shooting where every ounce matters and shots may exceed 400 yards. The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge delivers flat trajectories with manageable recoil, while the carbon-wrapped 22-inch barrel maintains stiffness without the weight penalty of traditional steel. This is not a benchrest rifle but a field instrument that performs when carried more than it's shot.
How does the Bergara Ridge Carbon Wilderness compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Bergara outperforms the Stevens 334 in precision engineering and materials, but costs approximately $600 more. Where the Stevens 334 uses a budget-conscious synthetic stock and basic barrel, the Bergara features a carbon-wrapped barrel that reduces weight by 1.2 pounds while maintaining superior harmonics. For backcountry hunting where weight and accuracy both matter, the Bergara justifies its premium; for casual range use, the Stevens 334 might suffice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 42.5 inches in overall length with the 22-inch barrel. The carbon fiber barrel shaving maintains a 0.85-inch diameter at the muzzle for stiffness while cutting significant weight compared to steel alternatives. This balance makes it manageable for extended carries while maintaining the barrel rigidity needed for consistent 0.75-MOA groups with match ammunition.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious shooters or those who primarily shoot from benches at distances under 200 yards. The carbon barrel technology and precision machining command a premium that's wasted if you're not pushing the cartridge's potential. If you need a basic hunting rifle for standard ranges, consider the more affordable Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round AICS-pattern magazine and the factory-installed Omni muzzle brake threaded 5/8×24. You'll need to supply your own optics mounting solution, as Bergara assumes serious shooters will select their preferred base system. The package includes basic documentation but no tools or cleaning kits, which reflects the professional-grade expectation of the buyer.
Is the Bergara Ridge Carbon Wilderness worth it at $1399.99?
At $1399.99, this rifle delivers value for hunters who specifically need its weight-to-precision ratio. The carbon barrel alone represents a $300-400 upgrade over comparable steel-barreled rifles, and the Remington 700-pattern action ensures aftermarket compatibility that protects your investment. If you're hiking more than 5 miles per hunt and taking shots beyond 300 yards, this is one of the few production rifles that balances these requirements effectively.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Carbon-wrapped barrel reduces weight to 6.8 lb — 1.2 lb lighter than equivalent steel barrel
- 1:9.50 twist rate stabilizes 140gr match ammunition for consistent sub-MOA groups
- Remington 700 footprint ensures compatibility with aftermarket triggers and chassis systems
- 5/8×24 muzzle threading accepts suppressors without adapter requirements
Trade-offs
- SoftTouch stock lacks adjustable comb or length of pull — $200-400 upgrade for precision shooting
- No optics base included — adds $50-150 to initial setup cost
- Gray Cerakote shows wear more visibly than matte finishes after 500+ rounds of field use
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 043125016020 |
| manufacturer | Bergara |
| manufacturer part number | B14S522CF |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 |
| color | GREY |
| length | 50 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 8.7 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
| barrel finish | Carbon |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Remington 700 accessories?
- Yes, the action uses Remington 700 footprint for triggers, stocks, and bottom metal. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for Rem 700-style bases with 6-48 thread pitch. You'll need to confirm specific chassis compatibility as some require minor inletting adjustments.
- Does it work with standard 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition?
- It handles all SAAMI-spec 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition from 120gr to 147gr projectiles. The 1:9.50 twist rate stabilizes most hunting and match bullets up to 140 grains effectively. For optimal precision, I recommend Hornady ELD-Match or Federal Premium Gold Medal Berger.
- Can I attach a suppressor to the muzzle threads?
- The 5/8×24 threading accepts most modern suppressors directly, though the Omni brake must be removed first. Thread engagement is 0.60 inches deep, sufficient for secure suppressor mounting without timing issues. Always check local NFA regulations before purchasing suppressor hardware.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically take 3-5 business days via UPS or FedEx after processing. All firearms ship within 48 hours of FFL verification completion. We require signed hard copy FFL documents before shipment per ATF regulations.
- Does the safety lock the bolt when engaged?
- No, the two-position safety only blocks the trigger mechanism, allowing bolt manipulation while on safe. This follows standard Remington 700 pattern for quick unloading without disengaging safety. The bolt handle lifts approximately 60 degrees for cycling with safety engaged.