Thoughts on these rifles

[TXbowman]

I know Bergara is pretty well respected. I’m wanting a 300 Win Mag. Would the brake on the Wilderness Ridge be any help? I’ve heard lots of mixed opinions on brakes. I don’t have it narrowed down to these two, just curious if anyone has experience with them or has opinions on them. Thanks.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/bergara-b-14-wilderness-ridge-woodland-camo-bolt-action-rifle-300-winchester-magnum-24in/p/1641753

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/bergara-b-14-hunter-bolt-action-rifle/p/p42882

[Bard]

Years ago I bought a 300 winmag from a buddy that said it kicked so bad he couldn't shoot it. Well, it didn't really kick at all because the muzzle break tamed it down but it was so loud it was just scaring him. lol Wear ear protection if using a break, it does help with kick, muzzle rise etc...

[ColinR]

I have a Wilderness HMR 300 WM, it has the Bergara break on it and it doesn't kick at all. Loud as heck but has very little recoil. I will say I have a NF scope on it which is very heavy and the HMR is a heavy rifle to begin with so that in itself reduces felt recoil. My 13 year old son can sit there and shoot a full box of ammo through it at the range no proplem at all.

[Johnny Dangerr]

I had one. Shot it 4 or 5 times and traded it...

[DuramaxDude]

Bergara has developed a pretty good rep and I believe has some parts that are interchangeable with Rem 700 like stocks etc.. My uncle has one and loves it! He is a small time gun smith, weapons instructor etc.. big gun nut. I bet you will be please with it especially if you try to shoot a few different factory loads and grain weights through it to see what it likes. You will most DEFINITELY want the muzzle brake on it. I have several brakes and have shot several rifles with brakes and they make a difference. I have a Savage 110 on 300WM and a custom 7mm mag and have brakes on both.

[RR 314]

I cannot imagine a (good) reason to need a brake on a .300 Win. Threaded is great if you latter go with a can, but recoil should not be an issue. There is some merit to reduce recoil for follow up shots, etc., but again, the negative (noise) seems to outweigh the positive in recoil reduction. if shooting from a blind exclusively, with hearing protection, go with the MB.

[npe001]

Hopefully it kicks less than my 300 WM Model 70 with a Boss lol shot it this week just because, put it away after about 10 rounds.

[Lawhunter]

I just purchased a Tikka lite in .300 win mag with a factory brake on it. Recoil is less than my 30-06. I also own a Bergara in 7mm Rem Mag. Recoil on that is minimal as well. I have spent all day at the range with both of these guns without any issues.

[RifleBowPistol]

I cannot imagine a (good) reason to need a brake on a .300 Win. Threaded is great if you latter go with a can, but recoil should not be an issue. There is some merit to reduce recoil for follow up shots, etc., but again, the negative (noise) seems to outweigh the positive in recoil reduction. if shooting from a blind exclusively, with hearing protection, go with the MB.

I agree 100%. I always hunt without hearing protection 98% of the time I shoot rifles outdoors, meaning not under a tin roof of a gun range, or something similar. But out in the open I never notice the shot being loud, does not really matter the caliber. But with a break, your ears will be hurting, the concussion of the muzzle blast can be really bad, at least for someone standing next to the person shooting. I have never shot a gun with a break, just been next to people using them, I hate those things. I have no problem dealing with the recoil.

[wytex]

I'm curious as to if you need a bigger caliber for a specific hunt or just want a mag 30 cal?

I love my 300wsm and the recoil is not bad at all, for me anyway. Pretty close ballistics to the 300WM and a short action without the need for a break. Ammo availability for you down there might be tight though so I see your logic on the 300WM.

[kc5rkg]

I bought a Bergara B14 Ridge in 300wm last year. It did not come with a break, but I am running it suppressed. I really like the rifle, especially for the price point.

[Blitz]

I agree 100%. I always hunt without hearing protection 98% of the time I shoot rifles outdoors, meaning not under a tin roof of a gun range, or something similar. But out in the open I never notice the shot being loud, does not really matter the caliber. But with a break, your ears will be hurting, the concussion of the muzzle blast can be really bad, at least for someone standing next to the person shooting. I have never shot a gun with a break, just been next to people using them, I hate those things. I have no problem dealing with the recoil.

If you don't notice the shot being loud without hearing protection, chances are you already have hearing damage done.

[Yelladog]

I have 2 of the ridges In 6.5 creedmoor and PRC. Id recommended if your interested in the hunter to get the ridge instead it’s a little heavier. They both shoot fantastic. I think if I was getting one in 300wm I’d get one with a brake.


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[TXbowman]

wytex, I don’t need the rifle. Just wanting a 30 caliber and figured a 308 or 30-06 was still fairly close to my 270.

[Mossback]

I have the premier version of that gun in 300 WM with a vx5 HD 3-15 x44. I have the other Style Bergara brake on mine and it kicks less than my wifes 7mm-08 with 180 grain accubonds. They are great guns and shoot lights out with factory ammo. Make sure the action screws are torqued to spec when you get it, don't ask me how I found that out. You could prb get away without a brake, its a fairly heavy gun.