The new Bergara Approach rifles have been receiving much buzz by consumers and dealers alike after debuting at the SHOT Show in January.
The Approach is the latest addition of the popular Bergara Premier Series rifle line. The Approach sports certain features that all Premier Series rifles have in common. These features include the new stainless steel Bergara Premier Action, a 416-stainless steel Bergara barrel, and a TriggerTech trigger which features Frictionless Release Technology.
According to Ben Fleming, VP of Sales for Bergara, “Given the successful history we’ve had with the Premier Series Rifles, we had a tall order when looking to design something that could take Bergara to the next level.” He continued, “In the design of the Approach rifle, we wanted a hunting rifle that was also set up as a true long-range shooter.” When Ben Fleming picked up the final version of the Approach rifle, he knew Bergara had created something very special. He also added, “Our wonderful partnership with Ryan McMillan and the Grayboe team offered us the ability to design something totally unique and exclusive when it came to the stock for the 2018 Bergara lineup.”
Bergara has always been known for their premium barrels that boast incredible accuracy. The Approach not only is topped with a premium Bergara barrel with a #5 contour, which is threaded at 5/8x24”, making it applicable for both hunting and long-range target shooting. The Approach is equipped with the Bergara Premier action which is Bergara’s proprietary design and incorporates a floating bolt head, as well as, a quick detach firing pin access, allowing the shooter to pull the entire firing pin mechanism with only a 1/4 turn. The stainless-steel action and barrel are further protected with a hand-painted Cerakote finish. The Approach will accept standard AICS magazines, and for scope mounting the action is compatible with Remington 700 bases using 8x40 screws. All Premier series rifles are guaranteed to produce groups of 1.0 MOA or less with factory match grade ammunition.
In developing the Approach, the Bergara design team wanted a fiberglass stock that offered all the ergonomics and function necessary for a sport hunting rifle, yet gave a full welcome to long range shooting situations. The Approach stock is made in the USA using proprietary production methods, and it’s smooth and classic lines make it a natural handling and intuitively pointing stock. The vertical hunting style grip merged with a classic raised cheek comb allow this rifle to be suitable for a variety of situations. It is finished in an attractive hand-painted camo pattern that is exclusive to Bergara. There are 3 QD flush cup mounts located on the stock, plus the standard sling swivel mounting options. Two swivels are located in front, and one QD swivel mounted in the rear, which can be quickly removed to reveal a QD Flush Cup. With a 3-inch spread between the swivels in the front, these can easily be removed and replaced with an aftermarket Picatinny rail if desired. MSRP on the Approach is $1960.
Ben Fleming concluded with, “Aside from looks, feel, and fit, I can personally say the Approach Rifle is a tack driver, and I was lucky enough to experience this personally. I’ve shot many rounds through the Approach rifle up to this point, but none of those shots meant as much to me as the one that allowed me to harvest my first New Mexico Bull Elk late last fall. I couldn’t be more impressed with this long- range hunting rifle, and I look forward to seeing these Approach rifles in the hands of our Bergara shooters soon!”
All Approach rifles are hand built at Bergara’s USA headquarters in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and each one is accuracy verified by a member of the Bergara staff and sub-MOA guaranteed (test target included).
Rifle Specs:
• Weight: 8.55 lbs (.223 Rem, .308 Win), 8.75 lbs (.22-250 Rem, 6.5 CM), 8.85 lbs (6mm CM)
• Magazine/Capacity: 5 Round AICS Style Magazine
• Trigger: TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology
• Barrel Length: 20” (.223 Rem, .308 Win), 24” (.22-250 Rem, 6.5 CM), 26” (6mm CM)
• Barrel Taper: #5
• Muzzle: Threaded 5/8-24” with knurled thread protector
• Stock: Fiberglass • Scope Mount: Fits Remington 700 bases with 8 X 40 screws • Integrated QD flush cup sling mounts and swivel mounts
• Action: Bergara Premier
Caliber/twist: .223 Rem/1:8, .22-250 Rem/1:9, 6mm Creedmoor/1:8, 6.5 Creedmoor/1:8, .308 Win/1:10
*All Premier Series Rifles come with TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology *All Approach Rifles feature a hand laid fiberglass stock and 5/8x24” threaded barrel