NEW: Bergara Premier Actions + 7mm SAUM Build

We’ve got good news! Bergara is now offering stand alone rifle actions! We crafted a 7mm SAUM around Bergara’s new Premier Action. (Use code UR15 to save 15% from Bergara!) Watch the video to see the build components, machining, assembly, and Cerakote work as well as the finished product! 

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About Bergara Premier Actions

Much of Bergara’s fame comes from their barrels and Remington 700 clone actions, which are compatible with a myriad of products to build a truly custom gun.

Until recently, shooters had to buy a full Bergara rifle just to make it their own. (I did this in my full-custom 7mm PRC build.

Now they can order a Premier Action on its own or a No. 4 Contour, No. 5.5 Contour, No. 6 CURE, or No. 7 Contour barreled action. 

From Bergara

For years, we’ve been asked if Bergara offers Premier Series Actions or Barreled Actions, and until now, the answer has been no. But due to popular demand, we’ve ramped up production to bring you exactly what you’ve been waiting for: the freedom to build your rifle, your way, with Bergara’s Premier Series Actions and Barreled Actions!

Available now, our Premier Actions are precision-crafted in the USA from 416 Stainless Steel, designed to fit most Remington 700 style stocks and chassis. These actions feature an enlarged bolt handle, spiral-fluted body, dual ejector, sliding plate extractor, and are compatible with Rem 700 style scope bases with an 8-40 screw pattern.

For our barreled actions, choose from four barrel contour options, including our 416 Stainless Steel Bergara Barrel and lightweight CURE carbon fiber barrel, offered in a variety of calibers and barrel lengths. This selection allows you to build a rifle that’s perfectly tailored to your specifications.

Please expect a delivery timeframe of 6-8 weeks, with no customization options to ensure consistent quality and craftsmanship as specified in our detailed spec sheets.

These actions have a $899 MSRP and are available in short action, short action PRC, and long action.

Bill of Materials

Bergara’s Collin Russell joined me to watch the build come to life.

I needed a short action with magnum bolt face for the 7mm SAUM.

I paired this with a 20 MOA Picatinny rail and a 20” 1:8 barrel from Oregon Mountain Rifle Company.

This barrel is very unique with a Krieger core and Oregon Mountain proprietary carbon process and formula that has lower resin, more  carbon, and is stiffer.

This longitudinal wrap is designed to keep the barrel functioning as normal when the barrel heats up rather than attempting to prevent it from getting hot. We were able to secure one of the brand new MDT CRBN stocks for this build.

Shooters can order this carbon fiber stock with no bottom metal or with one of MDT’s bottom metals: hunting and precision.

I mounted a Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 on the rifle. Its small size and tactical features made it a perfect choice. 

Machining 

I paired Manson Precision reamers and gauges with the Precision Matthews PM-1440HVT-2. 

Before every build, I start with preparation work. I was elated to learn that Bergara has publicly released the tenon print and receiver drawings to make it faster and easier for gunsmiths to build on their actions! 

Pre-Drilling the Chamber
Reaming the Barrel
Threading the Muzzle

Everything went together smoothly with stellar performance.  Watch the video for the full details!

Cerakote 

Next came spraying. 

I practice selective Cerakote application – I do not coat any of the areas the bolt touches.

I 3D printed a masking fixture for the Bergara Premier in preparation for Cerakote.
Custom 3D-Printed masking Fixture for Bergara Premier

Cerakote is not a low-friction coating.

Sandblasting the Bergara Premier Action

After sandblasting, I utilized Built American’s DBSE-1500 spray booth and their BAE-200 oven to cure. (Use the code UR5 to save 5% sitewide on BuiltAmericanEquipment.com!) 

Assembly

Putting the rifle together was a breeze.

I torqued the barrel onto the receiver in an SAC bravo barrel vise and verified proper functioning with a go gauge.

Next I added a muzzle brake and Picatinny rail, securing the rail screws with blue Loctite. (Oregon Mountain Rifle Company included a very handy tool with their muzzle brake for convenient installation.)

Also worth a mention is Bergara’s tool-free bolt disassembly for easy maintenance.

With the barreled action in the stock, I turned to scope mounting.

I found my eye relief and lightly secured the scope within the rings. While this sat off to the side, I leveled the scope using the Arrow Products precision scope leveling mount. 

Shooting

Once again, going back to the correctness formula, having quality components is critical to great accuracy.

I loaded a number of different loads in ADG 7mm SAUM brass. One strange thing about the 7mm SAUM cartridge — different loading manuals have very different data for it. 

Collin and I forged through a blizzard to zero and shoot this finished rifle. 

 Boresighting was just about impossible, but I had nice, round groups across several different bullet types.

This rifle seemed to like heavier bullets best, including the 185 grain RDF. 

Conclusion

Bergara has already made a significant name as a quality manufacturer.

No longer will shooters and hunters have to strip their gun to parts to get the fit and setup they desire —they can build their own around Bergara’s Premier Action and barrels! 

Get the Gear

Bergara Premier Actions – Use code UR15 to save 15% sitewide! 

Oregon Mountain Rifle Company Carbon Barrel 

MDT CRBN Rifle Stock

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 at Midsouth Shooters Supply

Oregon Mountain Rifle Company Muzzle Brake

ADG Brass at Creedmoor Sports

Use the code UR5 to save 5% sitewide on BuiltAmericanEquipment.com!

DSBE-1500 Spray Booth

BAE-0200 Standup Capacity Cerakote Convection Oven

Manson Precision Reamers and Gauges

Precision Matthews PM-1440HVT-2 Lathe 

Longshot Ranger

Longshot Hawk

Short Action Customs Bravo Barrel Vise 

SAC Vise Stand

SAC Multi-Base

Arrow Products Precision Scope Leveling Mount

Arrow Products Rock Vise 

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Thanks,
Gavin Gear

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