Bergara factory vs custom

[Kphilli66]

I was hoping to get an opinion from people that know way more about this than myself. Currently I have a savage stealth in 6.5 creed that I started shooting local prs matches with. The more I use it the more... quirks I run into. This leads me now to wanting a new rifle, of which I am torn between going the factory option (bergara hmr pro) or more of a custom route (bighorn origin, pva prefit barrel).

The difference in cost appears to be about $600 between them by pricing them out. Does anyone have any suggestions? What would I be gaining or losing by going either way. I honestly am just afraid to “upgrade” to another factory rifle and be disappointed with more quirks or issues.

 

[anginaprinzmetal]

Custom...

 

[Iron Worker]

I just bought a Bergara Premier Ridgeback,still waiting on a scope rail. But it looks like a beautiful piece of engineering. Other have posted 1/2 MOA groups with it.

 

[xRangerx]

I just got a Bergara premier highlander scoped. No range time yet but so far it feels good too

 

[sleeplz]

Find a used custom bolt gun in the firearms section, preferably one you could change barrels without sending to smith.

 

[danbar54]

I was hoping to get an opinion from people that know way more about this than myself. Currently I have a savage stealth in 6.5 creed that I started shooting local prs matches with. The more I use it the more... quirks I run into. This leads me now to wanting a new rifle, of which I am torn between going the factory option (bergara hmr pro) or more of a custom route (bighorn origin, pva prefit barrel).

The difference in cost appears to be about $600 between them by pricing them out. Does anyone have any suggestions? What would I be gaining or losing by going either way. I honestly am just afraid to “upgrade” to another factory rifle and be disappointed with more quirks or issues.

About 1 month ago, I ordered a fully custom .223 from Bergara's custom shop. Just called today to cordially ask about how the build was going, parts in, any issues, etc. Just acting like any person giving $$$$$ sight unseen, for something that will take a few months to build. The response from builder was not very cordial. I am sure the quality is first rate, but customer service is very important to me. If you spending $3.5k-6k, I would expect a company to at least act as though they are appreciative for my business

 

[want2learn]

Danbar, you might try speaking with Chad in customer service....he's wonderful to deal with, truly very nice and very professional

 

[danbar54]

Thanks "Want2", I will...and will also provide status and the ultimate outcome of the build. I never judge a great company by one bad experience. (Love my LRP Elite!!!!!)

 

[Hybridhunternm]

Just saw an hmr pro 6.5 at Kentucky gun co for $1269, tough to go wrong at that price!!

 

[SonicBurlap]

Chad Gibbs is a great guy, he won't just give you talk, he'll see whatever he tells you Bergara is going to do through until you, the customer, are satisfied.

 

[Frgood]

I was hoping to get an opinion from people that know way more about this than myself. Currently I have a savage stealth in 6.5 creed that I started shooting local prs matches with. The more I use it the more... quirks I run into. This leads me now to wanting a new rifle, of which I am torn between going the factory option (bergara hmr pro) or more of a custom route (bighorn origin, pva prefit barrel).

The difference in cost appears to be about $600 between them by pricing them out. Does anyone have any suggestions? What would I be gaining or losing by going either way. I honestly am just afraid to “upgrade” to another factory rifle and be disappointed with more quirks or issues.

Just out of curiosity, what type of quirks? Although I understand if you don't want to answer as it may lead to more off-topic conversation.
Feel free to PM.

 

[Kphilli66]

Just out of curiosity, what type of quirks? Although I understand if you don't want to answer as it may lead to more off-topic conversation.
Feel free to PM.

No worries, I’m sure it’s a bigger deal to me than others...

Specifically for me, the trigger goes into a safe mode with any kind of side pressure, which causes issues for me in prs style matches. To go with that, my bolt has a super heavy lift that is difficult to keep my positioning anytime I am resetting the bolt.

 

[benchmstr]

After the batch of loose barrels and terrible stock bedding and channeling they have been doing, I wouldnt touch a bergara anymore...custom or otherwise.

bench

 

[Frgood]

No worries, I’m sure it’s a bigger deal to me than others...

Specifically for me, the trigger goes into a safe mode with any kind of side pressure, which causes issues for me in prs style matches. To go with that, my bolt has a super heavy lift that is difficult to keep my positioning anytime I am resetting the bolt.

I could see how those types of 'little' things would drive one nuts. I think it is the details that drive us to spend more money on a new product. The 'get what you pay for' line is getting a little thin in my book.
Secondly, tuning the quirks sometimes leads to worse issues. I have a few 'fixed' items throughout my house that now have 'personal quirks' heh heh

 

[pineoak]

Bergara makes great barrels

Get EXACTLY what you want and don’t look back

You’ll forget how much you paid

But you’ll enjoy the benefits for years

In the thousands, but this sport is really not THAT expensive for top shelf gear

Best value/great quality might save you $1-4k

Figure out what you want in a rifle and get the best one that fits that

Don’t skimp on scope rings/unimount

Get the scope that works for you (people are different)

Some guys are good with a $4k rifle and a $1200 scope
Other guys like a factory Tikka with a Tangent Theta

Just make sure it tracks properly

 

[MakeSawdust]

Depending on your preference for stock/chassis a Bighorn Origin, a krg Bravo, a TT Diamond, and a Savage prefit makes for a pretty good, inexpensive build. At that point you have a lot of options to upgrade in the future, but a really solid gun to compete with in the meantime.

 

[mjh30]

A custom is just that, you don't even mention if you prefer a chassis or a reg stock. Hard to beat the likes of a Axiom, Defiance, Impact with a quality barrel attached. I would rather have a good rem 700 action, mated to a benchmark barrel, that a good smith has installed with a tt trigger in a krg bravo that some of these so called custom offerings by production manifacturers.

 

[Kphilli66]

To clarify. The custom would be a bighorn action. I’m not sure which way I want to go for stock. Whether it’s something like a grayboe, mpa, or manners stock. Quite a range but different feels for sure.

 

[ffjoey]

I am pleased with my Bergara. I feel it punches above its weight class for what I paid for it. Premier LRP Elite, paid 1,900. Its 1/4 MOA as long as I do my part easily.

 

[SonicBurlap]

To clarify. The custom would be a bighorn action. I’m not sure which way I want to go for stock. Whether it’s something like a grayboe, mpa, or manners stock. Quite a range but different feels for sure.

Can't go wrong with either option, I own several Bergaras and am currently building another Bighorn Arms TL3 on a Bravo chassis with PROOF Research carbon fiber barrel. The Bergaras are ready out of the box, however the custom will be exactly what you want but price will likely be more, even if you go with the Origin. I decided I really want the integral recoil lug, and the DLC coating, so unless you are in a hurry to get everything done and to the range (always a handicap with this addiction, because of lead times and usually higher cost for instant, or 2-3 week availability) you do have the option of taking a little longer to complete the build but getting exactly all the features you want - as the old song said "one piece at a time."
If you decide to get the Origin but you are toying with the idea of getting a TL3 later on, I'd recommend getting one of the HLR (Hunts Long Range) Origin 0.150 Thick Recoil Lugs to replace the 0.250″ thick standard lug that comes with the Big Horn Origin. That way you can use TL3 pre-fits with the Origin and you'll be able to exchange barrels between the Origin and the TL3 when you end up getting one as long as they are both either SA, or both LA.

 

[danbar54]

Danbar, you might try speaking with Chad in customer service....he's wonderful to deal with, truly very nice and very professional

What is relationship within Bergara between Chad and Buck??

 

[want2learn]

So sorry, I'm not an insider. I've only met and spoken with Chad who was awesome.

 

[SonicBurlap]

Same here, I've dealt with Chad repeatedly and he provides excellent customer service. I've met their CEO Nate Treadaway, BPI/Bergara, and talked with him also on the phone, met their VP of Sales Ben Fleming, their PR Director Tony Smotherman, and their Tech Development Manager Dan Hanus who used to be the Production Chief & Chief Instructor for the USMC Precision Weapons Section but how their internal organizational company hierarchy is set up I don't have a clue.

 

[danbar54]

Same here, I've dealt with Chad repeatedly and he provides excellent customer service. I've met their CEO Nate Treadaway, BPI/Bergara, and talked with him also on the phone, met their VP of Sales Ben Fleming, their PR Director Tony Smotherman, and their Tech Development Manager Dan Hanus who used to be the Production Chief & Chief Instructor for the USMC Precision Weapons Section but how their internal organizational company hierarchy is set up I don't have a clue.

Apparently one deals with a different person(s) when using Bergara’s custom shop during a build as opposed to post-build. Also, is the custom shop operated by Bergara employees, or as a contract-shop e.g. C&H Precision Weapons??

 

[SonicBurlap]

Apparently one deals with a different person(s) when using Bergara’s custom shop during a build as opposed to post-build. Also, is the custom shop operated by Bergara employees, or as a contract-shop e.g. C&H Precision Weapons??

That much I know, their custom shop is in house and operated by Bergara USA employees, many of their employees are either former Army, or USMC armorers.

 

[danbar54]

I have been dealing with a Buck Holly at Bergara's Custom shop. Is he the same Buck Holly that is affiliated with C&H Precision Weapons? Sorry to be anal, but I am hearing different names and references, and I am just trying to establish who is actually building my $$$$ custom rifle. Thanks for indulging me!!!

 

[SonicBurlap]

I'd just ask the guy point blank next time you're on the phone with him. Their custom shop is located in Lawrenceville, GA that's where they manufacture what you order, unless they changed things and are so overbooked that they have started contracting out, but then they would owe you full disclosure as to by whom , and where exactly your rifle is being built.

 

[Iron Worker]

Fired my Bergara Premier Ridgeback 6.5 PRC for the first time yesterday . Shooting factory ammo and 3 different handload powder charges . All the ammo right out the gate surpassed Bergara guarantee of Sub MOA at a 100. They said 3 shots ,I was shooting 5 shot groups and all were 1/2 MOA.

 

[ffjoey]

Very similar to how my Premier LRP Elite .308 shoots.

 

[Iron Worker]

Should've bought a long time ago.

 

[Codiekfx400]

This would make a nice rifle. https://straightjacketarmory.com/product/oryx-rifle/ As would this https://guns2ammo.com/product-search-results?search_text=Mpa+pmr

 

[FLhog]

About 1 month ago, I ordered a fully custom .223 from Bergara's custom shop. Just called today to cordially ask about how the build was going, parts in, any issues, etc. Just acting like any person giving $$$$$ sight unseen, for something that will take a few months to build. The response from builder was not very cordial. I am sure the quality is first rate, but customer service is very important to me. If you spending $3.5k-6k, I would expect a company to at least act as though they are appreciative for my business

I called them on a possible 300WM build. By the time we got done I had thoroughly decided not to let their custom shop build me a rifle. I have a Bergara Premier and love it but to hell with their custom shop.

i felt like a nuisance to the guy from the moment he answered. After telling him what I wanted he went on a rant about how I needed a 6.5 PRC. No fucking thanks. PVA or SAC for me.

 

[Pappasniper]

I have the Bergara LRP in 6.5CM, and it is a tack driver. I have multiple custom Remmy's with Kreiger-Badger-McMillian-Timney...

I am very impressed with my Bergara. Still love my semi customs but these factory guns are nice. I wouldn't buy a custom build from Bergara, why?

PB

 

[SonicBurlap]

I called them on a possible 300WM build. By the time we got done I had thoroughly decided not to let their custom shop build me a rifle. I have a Bergara Premier and love it but to hell with their custom shop.

i felt like a nuisance to the guy from the moment he answered. After telling him what I wanted he went on a rant about how I needed a 6.5 PRC. No fucking thanks. PVA or SAC for me.

Sounds to me like a personality conflict. The guy doesn't own Bergara, he only works for them. You should've asked to be transferred to a different representative, either on the phone, or in writing on their contact e-mail. After all you are the paying customer and the reason they have a job. Fact is their custom shop builds some excellent rifles and their business and reputation hinges on satisfying the needs and wants of their customers.

 

[FLhog]

Sounds to me like a personality conflict. The guy doesn't own Bergara, he only works for them. You should've asked to be transferred to a different representative, either on the phone, or in writing on their contact e-mail. After all you are the paying customer and the reason they have a job. Fact is their custom shop builds some excellent rifles and their business and reputation hinges on satisfying the needs and wants of their customers.

It could have been. They do build excellent rifles.