NEW: Bergara MgMicro Lite In-Depth

The MgMicro Lite is one of the new guns I had an opportunity to shoot at Bergara’s Long Range Academy. With one in hand, I’m putting it through the paces at the Ultimate Reloader Ranch and consulting with Ray Helms, X-RING on YouTube, who also attended the academy with me.

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About the Bergara MgMicro Lite

This compact rifle is available in .308 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6.5 PRC.

We have the 6.5 PRC in house, the same model I shot out to 1,000 yards with at the Bergara Long Range Academy.

(I have also previously covered the Bergara MG Lite.) It has a 1:8 18” barrel with CURE Carbon barrel technology, a Premier action, TriggerTech trigger, folding buttstock, carbon grip, and XLR Magnesium ATOM chassis.

This chassis incorporates an adjustable mag catch, integral level, and integral ARCA rail.

Four small holes on the side of the chassis accommodate additional accessories from XLR.

From Bergara:

Introducing the NEW FOR 2024 Premier Series MgMicro Lite. The MgMicro Lite is a testament to our commitment to innovation, offering a solution for those who refuse to compromise on performance even in the most demanding and weight-sensitive scenarios. Its ultralight magnesium micro chassis provides a foundation for unparalleled stability and accuracy. The MgMicro Lite is a compact powerhouse of features. From the carbon barrel’s directional accuracy to the carbon fiber buttstock and grip’s lightweight versatility, every component is carefully chosen to enhance your shooting experience without burdening you with unnecessary weight.

Specifications:

- Barrel – CURE Carbon Barrel
- Finish – Graphite Black Cerakote
- Stock – XLR Magnesium ATOM Chassis with Folding Stock
- Calibers – .308 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC
- MSRP – Starting at $3,099
- Weight – Starting at 5.8 lbs
- Capacity – 5 Rounds (Magazine-Fed)

This rifle is designed to be lightweight and compact. The stock folds quickly and easily, converting the rifle into a form that could be carried in a backpack.

What’s in the Box

Per usual, the rifle comes in custom-cut foam with the bolt packaged separately.

Also included is a thread protector, 3-round AICS magazine, and printed materials.

(The .308 WIN and 6.5 Creedmoor come with a 5-round AICS magazine.)

Set-Up, Loading, and Shooting

The first thing I did was add a 30 MOA Picatinny rail and install the Element Optics Helix HDLR 2-16×50.

The Helix HDLR is a new optic to me and I didn’t desire excessive magnification for this rifle.

I secured the rifle in the Arrow Products Rock Vise, added blue Loctite to the rail screws, and mounted the scope in medium-height Element Accu-Lite Rings with a Wheeler F.A.T. wrench.

It took some time to figure out exactly where I wanted my eye relief, especially since I usually run my optics on maximum magnification. I installed a sunshade and boresighted the rifle. From here I walked the rifle in until I had a solid 100-yard zero.

I was so excited to test the rifle that I didn’t realize I didn’t have as much 6.5 PRC ammunition as I thought I did. What I did have was a variety of handloads topped with Hornady’s 140 grain ELD-M bullets, Berger 140 grain Elite Hunter bullets, and Hornady A-Tips.

I used this ammunition to get on paper before switching to the small amount of Hornady’s 6.5 PRC 143 Grain ELD-X Precision Hunter ammunition and factory Hornady match ammunition that I had.

Across all of this ammunition, I had two groups measuring under 0.75 MOA. The factory 143 grain ELD-X ammunition yielded the largest group.

I generally look for 0.5 MOA groups, but I was not disappointed with the results given the size of this platform and the fact I was using a bipod and rear bag as opposed to a proper rest.

Next came shooting D-M steel targets at the ridgeline off a tripod. I had no issues making consistent hits at 200 yards.

Consulting Ray Helms

Ray Helms, X-RING on YouTube focuses on shooting instruction and education. He has competed in a variety of disciplines over the last several decades, though long range and team ruck matches are his favorites.

He currently competes for the MPA pistol team and Team Cobalt.

We attended the Bergara Long Range Academy together in Wyoming earlier this year and partnered up to shoot this rifle.

With a multitude of targets in the field at varying distances, Ray drafted a sector sketch detailing the target yardages and locations.

He inputted the data into a Kestrel so that they could quickly and easily get the correct dope for each target.

My furthest hit with this rifle, suppressed, was at 990 yards. What struck me most about this rifle was the mild recoil for how lightweight the rifle is.

Ray also pointed out that the folding stock allows this rifle to fit in smaller cases for travel, which may be financially advantageous when flying.

Conclusion

The Bergara MgMicro Lite is ideal for backcountry hunting, varminting, and for use anywhere you need a light, portable rifle. The foldable stock makes it especially convenient to keep in a vehicle or carry in a backpack.