Bergara B14 HMR vs Tikka T3 CTR

[chromebonez]

Hi, I'm looking to get my first 308 bolt action. I want to get the Bergara B14 HMR but I've been doing a bit of research and it seems like the Tikka T3 is the way to go just because it's such a proven rifle and has a track record that the Bergara doesn't? So far, I've seen nothing but good things about the Bergara B14s performance wise and value wise, but it seems like very few people has had experience with Bergaras and there isn't much solid info floating around compared to the Tikkas.

I'll be shooting for groups at 100-200yards most of the time because the ranges around me only go up to 200yards max, of course once I get better, I'd like to push out further and hit some steel plates, see what my rifle and I are capable of. For now, I just want to make sure I get a quality rifle out of the box that I can mount a quality scope on and practice practice practice.

Input is much appreciated as always. Thanks.

 

[dannySH]

Both rifles are in the same price range. If you are going to keep the rifle "as is" w/o upgrading anything I would go with the B14 HMR. It has a better stock with mini chassis, adjustable comb riser and metal floor plate that accepts AICS magazines. As you said and I agree, the Tikka T3 CTR it's a proven workhorse, super accurate, with an excellent and super smooth action and more aftermarket options but IMHO the stock on the CTR is not the best and of couse you can shoot it but an upgrade will always be recommended. I went with the CTR but it's up to you to weight the pros and cons.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

 

[rookie7]

Not trying to be argumentative, but dannySH's statement "more aftermarket options" in regards to the Tikka T3 CTR is incorrect.

The Bergara rifle has a Remington 700 footprint which means just about anything that is made for bolt action rifles will fit it since Remington has the largest aftermarket support in the industry.

 

[dannySH]

Not trying to be argumentative, but dannySH's statement "more aftermarket options" in regards to the Tikka T3 CTR is incorrect.

The Bergara rifle has a Remington 700 footprint which means just about anything that is made for bolt action rifles will fit it since Remington has the largest aftermarket support in the industry.

You are right rookie7 Thanks for the correction.

 

[chromebonez]

Thanks for the info guys, great to know both can be upgraded later on down the road, I don't plan on making any Mods to my rifle until I know what I'm doing. My main concern is performance wise out of the box, accuracy and reliability. For now I just want to put a quality scope on a quality rifle and go out there and practice as this is going to be my first bolt action rifle. Any advantages going one over the other? Will both do it's job as well as the other given the right ammo and me doing my part as the shooter?

 

[Hoier]

I think either one would be good. Just do yourself a favor and get a 6.5 Creedmoor. Skip the 308

 

[TacT-MecH]

The hmr come standard with a 22inch barrel (at least on the 6.5 creedmoor model). I called bergara yesterday and the rep told me the hmr will be available with a premounted scope mount and 24 inch barrel available through a large chain "fish pro shop". So you may wait for that. I couldn't wait and purchased the bmp model.

 

[ChadL]

"fish pro shop".

Hmmmm...I wonder who that could be?

I saw recently Cabelas is now carrying the 22" version. I haven't seen one in person, but it certainly seems like a nice rifle. I'm seriously considering the CTR as well. One of my local shops recently got a 24" version in and it's a very nice rifle. I would like to see the Bergara in person though. Unfortunately the two cabelas near me don't have any in stock. I'll have to watch the Fish store near me to see if they get any Begaras in. Thanks for the tip.

 

[SDet]

Hmmmm...I wonder who that could be?

I saw recently Cabelas is now carrying the 22" version. I haven't seen one in person, but it certainly seems like a nice rifle. I'm seriously considering the CTR as well. One of my local shops recently got a 24" version in and it's a very nice rifle. I would like to see the Bergara in person though. Unfortunately the two cabelas near me don't have any in stock. I'll have to watch the Fish store near me to see if they get any Begaras in. Thanks for the tip.

I've had good luck with sportsmans warehouse carrying them as well
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[Delicatessen]

I went tikka ctr around the time they switched to t3x and the older t3 where pretty cheap. You may want to see if there are any older t3 ctrs. I am happy with it, easily accurate for what you want. I am still what I would consider moderate to novice but can regularly hit 2" at 500 yards (have to drive a bit to go out to 1000). This is hand loading. I too would advise 260 or 6.5 creedmore. If you don't reload the hornandy 260 130 match shoots pretty well out of mine ~ 0.6 moa but nowhere near handloads. If that is the route it is probably better to go creedmore though as there are more factory match loads. For 260 in mine, even with 20 in barrel and well under max pressure getting enough to stay supersonic out around 1300 yards.

 

[Bakwa]

I was just in the same position as you. From my research, I don't think you could go wrong with either. Bergara is gaining more and more popularity with their B14 series for a reason. So far as the HMR, you may need to wait a bit for availability. I have a CTR in 6.5 on lay-away currently, but this time next year I wouldn't at all be surprised to have an HMR in my collection as well.
Cheers

 

[Digitalfoot]

Johnny Morris of Bass Pro got Bergara to do an exclusive 24" barrel for the Bergara B14 HMR 6.5 Creedmoor rifle sold "very limited build" only through Bass Pro.. I bought one and it performs exactly as you can read about on the internet.. 1/2 MOA at 100 yds. Using a Burris 5-25x50mm Veracity FFP SCR-MOA #200652 scope. Good mid-price scope for this <$1000 rifle.

 

[blbennett1288]

You can't go wrong with either and will be pleased with whatever you get. Honestly, handle both and go with whatever action you like more. For me it was pretty much a wash and I went with the Tikka just because I found one locally, got a good deal on it, and it had a 24" barrel.

As previously stated skip the .308 and go 6.5CM. The Bergara will have more aftermarket options as it is built around a R700 action, but the Tikka's aftermarket grows everyday and I have not had any issues finding parts that I want.

 

[gunfrog]

Chromebonez, I am in the same boat trying to decide between the Tikka T3X CTR and Bergara B14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor. As long as the Bergara shoots as good as reported , Im leaning in that direction as I like the stock as is, and would end up replacing the Tikka stock for one like the Bergara.

So did you get one yet?

 

[chromebonez]

Chromebonez, I am in the same boat trying to decide between the Tikka T3X CTR and Bergara B14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor. As long as the Bergara shoots as good as reported , Im leaning in that direction as I like the stock as is, and would end up replacing the Tikka stock for one like the Bergara.

So did you get one yet?

Hey Gunfrog, I did get one and so far I'm very happy with my decision, between the Tikka and Bergara, I really don't think you can go wrong with either. One thing for sure is this rifle is more capable than I am, for now atleast >:].

Check out the thread below for my setup and how I'm doing with it at 100 yards so far. I absolutely think this is a great rifle for the money especially with the features it provides compared to the Tikka. I've had it for 4 months now and am about to reach the 400 round mark, haven't had any problems with it so far.

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-setting-up-behind-rifle-for-shooting-benched

 

[j741]

Tikka CTR 6.5 24" Stainless is on sale at Whittaker Guns presently for 15% off. Use code "SALE"

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-24843

$899 - 15% = $764.15 + Shipping (~$24 fully insured)

 

[darrenk75b]

Tikka CTR 6.5 24" Stainless is on sale at Whittaker Guns presently for 15% off. Use code "SALE"

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-24843

$899 - 15% = $764.15 + Shipping (~$24 fully insured)

Unfortunately, that model isn't listed as eligible for the sale. The other CTRs are though.

 

[j741]

Unfortunately, that model isn't listed as eligible for the sale. The other CTRs are though.

Odd, it was listed as eligible last night. And I ordered one from them at the sale price and its already shipped to my FFL. Maybe they were selling too many and taking a hit with the discount.

 

[j741]

Looking again now, I'm seeing both the 20" and 24" Stainless T3x CTRs in stock and available for the SALE promo as they note "Eligible for Grand Opening Sale" in the listing.

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-24843
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-8091241

ETA:
looks like blued in stock as well and available on promo price
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/ss-5598042

 

[Carnage]

I have just gone through the dilemma you are in picking between the Bergara B14 HMR and the Tikka T3 Tactical. I can say after holding both, the Bergara is a superior product. The "superb" Tikka action does not differentiate itself from the Bergara's so cudos to Bergara for making a great action. The stock that comes with the Tikka should make the gun several hundred dollars cheaper, because it's the worst stock ever created. It doesn't feel like polymer, it feels like PLASTIC. I instantly cringed when I touched it. The Bergara has such a great stock for the price that it saves you from having to go down the custom stock road. Get 6.5 Creedmoor too.

 

[nrspence]

I want to handle a HMR B14 iN the worrest way. I hate to say this but it seems like a better bang for the buck over the Tikka T3 CTR.