Introduction
I am no stranger to Bergara rifles, I’ve been lucky to experience a great deal of shooting with a variety of their rifles. Like other brands I have become familiar with, I have come to expect good things from their products. Today’s subject however, is a little different story. That subject is the Bergara Premier Canyon rifle chambered in 308 Winchester.
The Premier Canyon rifle is built around Bergara’s Premier action. Like their popular B14 action, it is a Remington 700 footprint action which allows for a plethora of aftermarket support. Things like triggers, magazine systems, scope mounting options etc. are mostly compatible with these 700 clones. That alone is one good reason for them, but the Premier goes deeper.
The Bergara Premier Action
The Premier action is a two-lug design, it also uses a floating bolthead. This feature has been popular with some custom actions as it allows even contact with mating surfaces. The bolthead has a sliding extractor built into the right lug and dual plunger ejectors for reliable cartridge cycling. With its conical nosed bolt, the action feeds cartridges smoothly. Behind the bolthead there is a gas shield safety feature as well, for dangerous situations like a case-head separation. The whole assembly has been nitrided for durability and reliable service life.
The bolt-body itself is stainless steel, and the bolt-handle threads into the back. A handsomely faceted bolt-shroud at the rear also houses a cocking indicator that can be seen and felt protruding when the rifle is cocked. Additionally the Premier action uses larger 8-40 screws to attach the scope mounting base, these are more robust than the traditional 6-32 screws. The trigger options are unlimited using the Remington pattern, Bergara went with a very safe and popular option by using one of Trigger Tech’s models.
Other Premier Canyon Features
Bergara is famous for their barrels, and this model uses one of their one-in-ten twist barrels finished at 20-inches. In my opinion, this is the optimal use of the 308 Winchester. The barrel is fluted to reduce weight, and threaded to accept the muzzle brake or other devices.
The barreled action is mated to an AG Composites carbon fiber stock. Underneath it features a detachable AICS pattern magazine and comes with a 3-round magazine. All these features make a well balanced rifle that weighs in at 6.2 pounds, making it ideal for rugged hunting country like mine.
Specifications
| Caliber | 308 Win |
| Twist | 1:10 |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs |
| Overall Length | 41 inches |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Magazine | AICS 3-round included |
| Finish | Sniper gray Cerakote |
Rifle setup
This rifle was bound for several Rocky Mountain big game hunts. Keeping with its light weight theme I decided to put a scope that doesn’t overload the rifle, but doesn’t give up abilities either. Using a set of Warne rings, I mounted a Lucid Optics MLX 3-18 riflescope. I’ve used this scope extensively, and it performs well and would allow this rifle to be used to its effective envelope.
I also attached the Quake Industries sling that came with the rifle. Its rubber pad would stick to the shoulder while hiking. I also attached a Harris Bipod, because most of our shooting is done supported. A backpack could suffice, but I like the bipod option better.
For ammo, I grabbed a selection of Hornady Precision Hunter, American Whitetail as well as a 175-match selection from DTM. A good spread of 150, 175 and 178 grain bullets would give an idea what the rifle likes.
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Since the Premier Canyon performed so well for me, I wanted to give it a fair shake in the woods. I let a good friend named Jacob borrow the rifle for a Rocky Mountain elk hunt. We spent some time together practicing with the rifle at various ranges until he felt comfortable shooting and carrying the rifle.
After watching many different elk over several days, Jacob decided to take a shot. Early one morning, he spotted a bull pushing a group of cows through the sagebrush-covered canyon bottom. They worked their way down near an aspen grove.
The bull appeared and gave a shot opportunity while facing away at 460 yards. The downhill angle gave Jacob a clear view of the bull and his back, allowing for a quartering shot. The 175-grain bullet impacted behind the bull’s shoulder and exited the front of his chest. He stumbled into the aspen, where he would lie down in the crunchy yellow leaves for the last time. The little Bergara made a perfect companion for Jakeās hunt.
We also managed to put the Bergara Premier Canyon to use on the deer hunt. This handsome buck took a single shot from the Premier from 150 yards. The mobility of the rifle made it easy to quickly shoulder the rifle and put him down.
