Gear And Accessories
#SundayGunday: Bergara BMR-X Steel
Bergara’s new precision rimfire rifle delivers competition-grade performance and small-game capability
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍United States
This weeks #SundayGunday feature takes a deep dive into the Bergara BMR-X Steel, a precision rimfire rifle designed to serve both competitive shooters and small-game hunters. Available in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, the BMR-X Steel delivers a blend of affordability, accuracy, and customizability that makes it one of the most versatile training rifles on the market. For those who participate in precision rifle series matches or simply want a low-cost option to practice with, the BMR-X Steel provides a realistic, scaled-down platform that mirrors the feel of a centerfire precision rifle. The rifle is built around an 18-inch Bergara Number 6 4140 chromoly steel barrel with a match-grade chamber, ensuring consistent precision. The muzzle is threaded x28 for suppressor compatibility or other muzzle devices, and it ships with a knurled thread protector. The scaled-down Bergara Micro Rimfire action is drilled and tapped for optics and comes pre-equipped with a 30 MOA rail, giving shooters an ideal starting point for mounting high-quality scopes with plenty of elevation adjustment for long-range rimfire shooting. Bergaras bolt system uses a two-piece design with dual extractors for reliable case removal, and a standing ejector placed near the magazine well for consistent ejection patterns. The oversized bolt knob offers a confident, positive grip, making it easy to run the action quickly in timed stages. A small red dot on the back of the firing pin acts as a cocking indicator, and the two-position safety allows the rifle to be unloaded safely without disengaging it entirely a welcome feature for those who prioritize safety on the range. Feeding is handled by a detachable box magazine, and Bergara includes both a 5-round and 10-round magazine out of the box. The magazine release is located in front of the trigger guard for intuitive manipulation. The adjustable Bergara Performance Trigger breaks at a clean 2.25 pounds from the factory, with no perceptible take-up or overtravel, which is ideal for precision-focused shooting. The synthetic X-Stock design emphasizes shooter comfort and adjustability. Length of pull can be tuned using three removable spacers, allowing the rifle to fit a wide range of body types. The stock features ambidextrous QD sling swivel sockets both fore and aft, along with traditional swivel studs, giving shooters multiple carry and support options. A nearly vertical pistol grip encourages a natural trigger finger position, and textured grip panels help maintain control during extended shooting sessions. The thick recoil pad, while mostly redundant on a rimfire, helps maintain a consistent shoulder position. Performance testing shows the BMR-X Steel is capable of sub-MOA groups at 50 yards across a variety of ammunition types. The action cycles smoothly, feeding and ejecting reliably, which is critical in competition settings. Its precision makes it a prime candidate for NRL22 and other rimfire competitions where consistency, ergonomics, and repeatability are key. Priced at an MSRP of $799, the BMR-X Steel sits in the mid-range of precision rimfire rifles but delivers many features found on more expensive platforms. Its accuracy, build quality, and readiness for competition make it an excellent value for shooters who want to maximize training time without burning through costly centerfire ammunition. For small-game hunters, the rifle offers precise shot placement, minimal noise when suppressed, and a customizable fit that promotes confidence in the field.