Bergara CIMA CF Lightweight All Carbon Fiber Hunter

Bergara just announced their newest lightweight hunting rifle — the CIMA CF (Carbon Fiber). This rifle is the lightest in the B-14 series at 5.8 lbs. and has a carbon fiber stock and CURE carbon barrel.

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About the Bergara CIMA CF

I was thrilled to have the very first Bergara CIMA CF out for testing. Note that the 20 MOA rail shown does not come with the rifle, but as a REM 700 clone, the CIMA CF accepts all REM 700 accessories.

The CF comes equipped with a muzzle brake, thread protector, sticker, manual, and optional length of pull spacers.

Per usual, I decided to expand the stock to the maximum length. The rifle comes with an M5 hinged floor plate magazine that also makes it compatible with other M5 bottom metals. I always prefer Hawkins Precision M5 DBM and detachable box magazine, even though it adds a bit of weight.

I took a few minutes to examine the carbon mini chassis in detail. To my surprise, it looks just as nice on the inside as it does on the outside.

Bergara produces the CIMA CF in seven different calibers: .308 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, .22-250 Rem, 6.5 PRC, .300 Win Mag, 7mm PRC, and 300 PRC.

From Bergara:

The Cima CF (Carbon Fiber) delivers for hunters who appreciate the balance and feel of a classic sporter-style rifle. It’s built for those who also demand modern innovation and reduced weight. Weighing in at just 5.8 pounds, it’s the lightest rifle ever in our B-14 lineup.

While the industry continues to push toward lighter rifles, few have done so without compromising on performance and reliability. The Cima CF changes that. Engineered with cutting-edge materials and proprietary manufacturing methods, it’s designed to deliver unwavering accuracy, repeatable performance, and rugged dependability in the harshest conditions.

The foundation of the Cima CF is its RTM sporter stock, crafted using a Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process. This advanced method results in a 100% carbon fiber stock that’s not only rigid, but also incredibly light—just 18 ounces.

Inside, an SMC carbon mini-chassis is precision-fit to provide the action with a solid bedding platform. This ultra-light chassis adds critical stiffness and rigidity without unnecessary weight, maximizing both structural integrity and accuracy.

Paired with our Bergara CURE carbon barrel, every element of the Cima CF is engineered for maximum weight reduction without sacrificing performance.

Setting Up the Gun

Before adding any length of pull spacers, only the rail, I weighed the gun. It came back at 6.05 lbs.

Next, I replaced the factory sling swivel studs with an ARCA rail.

I also mounted an Ares ETR 4.5-30×56 mm from Athlon Optics with some help from Wheeler F.A.T. Stix and the Arrow Products Rock Vise.

This isn’t the scope I’d choose for a long hunting trip, but I always like to start with a larger scope that allows me to take more accurate shots.

Shooting

I loaded Sierra’s new .30 caliber expanding 200 grain MatchKing-X bullets over Varget in brand new .308 Win Lapua cases, seating them on the Area 419 Gen 2 ZERO press.

After getting the gun on paper, I fired a three-shot group measuring 0.221” at 100 yards, documented by the Longshot Ranger target camera.

While five-shot groups are preferred, I fired three shots as this is generally the number of shots manufacturers use to certify rifle precision specifications.

I achieved this stellar precision with the bare muzzle – adding the brake had a negative effect on group size. This isn’t uncommon. I’ve found that performance can vary with the addition of a brake or suppressor.

After determining the capability of the rifle and load, I decided to test a variety of hunting scenarios, starting with shooting off a tree limb at 200 yards.

I engaged a number of my D-M Targets’ steel rock chucks from varying positions including standing, kneeling, off a tripod, and from a side by side.

I enjoyed following the path from our Hidden Rock Chuck stage of the Rock Chuck Olympics, looking to find and engage the target as soon as possible.

My goal was to test this rifle in the way that it is intended to be used. It balanced well with a SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressor and the ARCA rail allowed me to utilize a bipod and tripod for greater stability.