Bergara Premier Ridgeback 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle: The Pinnacle of Production Precision for Serious Shooters

For discerning shooters, precision is not just a preference; it's a necessity. Whether you're a competitive long-range marksman, a dedicated precision hunter, or an enthusiast striving for the tightest groups at extended distances, your rifle is the foundation of your success. The Bergara Premier Ridgeback 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle, model BPR2265F, stands as a testament to this pursuit, offering an unparalleled blend of custom-grade performance and production efficiencies that make top-tier accuracy accessible.

Imagine a rifle that bridges the gap between handcrafted bespoke firearms and mass-produced models. The Bergara Premier Ridgeback is exactly that: an extension of Bergara’s renowned Custom Series, incorporating standardized features that streamline production without compromising the meticulous attention to detail and performance Bergara is known for. It's engineered for those who demand unwavering reliability, exceptional accuracy, and superior handling in a wide array of demanding conditions, from the open plains to the competitive firing line.

What defines a truly exceptional long-range rifle? It's a harmonious synergy of components, each meticulously designed to contribute to consistent shot placement and user confidence. The Bergara Premier Ridgeback exemplifies this philosophy, integrating a proprietary action, a world-class trigger, a purpose-built stock, and a meticulously crafted barrel to deliver an experience typically reserved for much higher price points. This rifle isn't just a tool; it's an investment in your shooting potential, designed to help you achieve new benchmarks in precision and consistency.

Why Choose the Bergara Premier Ridgeback for Your Long-Range Pursuits?

The decision to invest in a precision rifle is significant, and many questions arise: "What rifle offers the best value for long-range shooting?" "How can I achieve consistent sub-MOA accuracy without breaking the bank?" "Which 6.5 Creedmoor rifle is best for both hunting and target shooting?" The Bergara Premier Ridgeback provides compelling answers to these questions by offering:

• Near-Custom Performance at Production Prices: This is the core value proposition. Bergara has leveraged its extensive barrel-making expertise and innovative action design to deliver a rifle that performs remarkably close to custom builds, but at a price point that makes it attainable for a broader audience of serious shooters.
• Unwavering Accuracy out of the Box: Thanks to Bergara's proprietary honing process for their Premium 416 stainless steel barrels and the precise lock-up of the Premier action, the Ridgeback consistently delivers exceptional accuracy, allowing shooters to confidently engage targets at extended ranges.
• Exceptional Durability and Reliability: Components are crafted from high-quality materials and finished with robust coatings like Cerakote and Nitride, ensuring the rifle withstands harsh environmental conditions and rigorous use while maintaining smooth, reliable operation.
• Superior Ergonomics and Adjustability: The Grayboe Ridgeback stock with its adjustable cheekpiece ensures optimal shooter comfort and consistent cheek weld, critical for precision shooting. Its M-LOK system offers versatile attachment points for accessories.
• Optimized for the 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridge: This rifle is perfectly chambered for the immensely popular 6.5 Creedmoor, a cartridge renowned for its excellent ballistic coefficients, flat trajectory, and manageable recoil, making it ideal for both long-range target shooting and ethical hunting.

The Heart of Precision: Bergara Premier Action

At the core of the Bergara Premier Ridgeback's exceptional performance lies the proprietary Bergara PREMIER action. This isn't just another bolt action; it's a meticulously engineered system designed for ultimate consistency, smooth operation, and enhanced safety.

The Premier action is a robust two-lug system, distinguished by its innovative separate floating bolt head. This critical design feature ensures complete and consistent contact with the lug abutments within the action, which translates directly into superior accuracy and reliable lock-up. Unlike designs where manufacturing tolerances might lead to uneven lug contact, Bergara's floating bolt head self-aligns, optimizing the interface for every shot.

Further enhancing its operational excellence, the Premier action features a cone-shaped bolt nose. This subtle yet significant design element facilitates incredibly smooth feeding of cartridges from the magazine into the chamber, minimizing hang-ups and ensuring rapid follow-up shots when needed. Complementing this is a spring-loaded sliding plate extractor, precisely located in the front of the lower locking lug, which provides reliable and positive extraction of spent casings.

Durability and longevity are paramount, and Bergara addresses this through superior material science and finishing processes. The one-piece bolt body is crafted from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring inherent strength and resistance to corrosion. A strategically placed pad at the rear of the bolt body accommodates the threaded-in bolt handle, allowing for easy customization or replacement. Critical components such as the bolt head, the non-rotating gas shield, the bolt handle, and the bolt shroud are all fully Nitrided. This advanced treatment enhances extreme durability, provides exceptional wear resistance, and imbues the components with self-lubricating properties, contributing to the action's remarkably smooth cycling even under adverse conditions.

One often-overlooked safety feature integrated into the Premier action is its two-position safety, which is part of the TriggerTech trigger assembly. This design allows for the bolt handle not to lock in the closed position while the safety is engaged. This ingenious combination allows the rifle to be safely unloaded with a chambered round while the rifle remains in the "safe" position, a significant advantage for field safety and range protocols.

Unrivaled Trigger Control: TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology

A rifle's trigger is often considered the most crucial interface between the shooter and the firearm, directly impacting accuracy and shot consistency. Recognizing this, Bergara has equipped the Premier Ridgeback with a TriggerTech trigger featuring Frictionless Release Technology.

This advanced trigger system provides a crisp, clean break with zero creep and virtually no overtravel. Unlike traditional triggers that rely on friction between engagement surfaces, TriggerTech's innovative design utilizes a patented free-floating roller. This eliminates friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and consistent pull that feels identical shot after shot.

For the precision shooter, this translates into:

• Predictable Break: Knowing precisely when the shot will break allows for better breath control and follow-through, reducing anticipation and promoting tighter groups.
• Enhanced Accuracy: The absence of creep and overtravel minimizes unintended rifle movement during the shot, directly contributing to superior precision.
• User Adjustability: TriggerTech triggers are renowned for their ease of adjustment, allowing shooters to fine-tune the pull weight to their exact preference, optimizing it for different shooting disciplines or conditions.

This combination of the Premier action and the TriggerTech trigger provides a symbiotic relationship, ensuring every pull is clean, every lock-up is solid, and every shot has the maximum potential for accuracy.

Foundation of Stability: The Highlander Stock

The stock of a precision rifle serves as its stable platform, connecting the shooter to the barrel and action. The Bergara Premier Ridgeback features the Grayboe Ridgeback stock, a hand-laid fiberglass stock designed for uncompromising stability, adjustability, and integration.

Key features of the Highlander (Grayboe Ridgeback) Stock include:

• Hand-Laid Fiberglass Construction: This method ensures exceptional rigidity and minimal flex, providing a rock-solid foundation for the barreled action. Fiberglass is also known for its durability and resistance to environmental changes, which can impact POI (Point of Impact).
• Easily Adjustable Cheek Rest: A critical feature for long-range shooting, the adjustable cheek rest allows the shooter to achieve a perfect, consistent cheek weld behind their optic. This consistency is vital for repeatable head position, which directly impacts eye relief, sight picture, and overall accuracy. Whether you're using a high-magnification scope or adjusting for different body positions, the cheek rest can be quickly and securely tailored.
• Full M-LOK System Support: The Ridgeback stock is designed to fully support the M-LOK accessory attachment system. This modular interface offers abundant mounting points along the forend for bipods, barricade stops, weights, and other accessories without adding unnecessary bulk. This adaptability allows shooters to customize their rifle's setup to specific shooting scenarios, whether prone, from a bench, or utilizing various positional aids.
• Ergonomic Design: The stock's shape and grip angle are designed for comfortable and stable handling, reducing shooter fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The digital camouflage pattern (Woodland Camo) provides a rugged, field-ready aesthetic.

The Soul of Accuracy: Bergara Premium Barrel

Bergara's reputation was built on its barrels, and the Premier Ridgeback upholds this legacy with a Bergara Premium 416 stainless steel barrel. Manufactured at Bergara's state-of-the-art facility in Bergara, Spain, these barrels undergo a proprietary honing process that creates an incredibly smooth and consistent bore. This process is crucial for minimizing bullet friction, reducing fouling, and optimizing accuracy.

Upon arrival at the Bergara USA factory, each barrel receives a durable Graphite Black Cerakote finish. Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating known for its exceptional resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and chemicals, protecting the barrel from the elements and ensuring its longevity, especially when used in demanding outdoor environments.

The Ridgeback Rifle is available with various barrel lengths, including a 24-inch threaded barrel model (BPR2265F), which offers an excellent balance of ballistic performance for the 6.5 Creedmoor and manageable overall length. The 5/8"x24 thread pattern on the muzzle is standard, allowing for easy attachment of muzzle brakes, compensators, or suppressors, further enhancing recoil management and shooting comfort. The medium Palma taper barrel profile strikes an ideal balance between rigidity for accuracy and a reasonable weight, preventing excessive point of impact shift due to barrel heating. With a 1:8" twist rate, the barrel is perfectly optimized to stabilize a wide range of popular 6.5 Creedmoor bullet weights, ensuring superior ballistic performance.

Versatility and Capacity: AICS Magazine Compatibility

The Bergara Premier Ridgeback comes standard with a 5-round AICS style magazine for the 6.5 Creedmoor, offering reliable feeding and sufficient capacity for most precision shooting and hunting applications. The AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) magazine standard is widely adopted in the precision rifle community for its robustness, reliability, and widespread availability. This ensures that spare magazines are easily sourced and that the rifle is compatible with a broad ecosystem of accessories. For other calibers like 6.5 PRC, a 7-round magazine is standard, further underscoring the rifle's adaptability across different chamberings.

Chambering Excellence: The 6.5 Creedmoor Advantage

The choice of the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering for the Bergara Premier Ridgeback is no accident. The 6.5 Creedmoor has rapidly become one of the most popular long-range cartridges worldwide, and for good reason:

• Exceptional Ballistics: The 6.5mm projectiles typically have high ballistic coefficients, meaning they retain energy and velocity efficiently downrange, resisting wind drift more effectively than many other calibers.
• Mild Recoil: Despite its impressive long-range capabilities, the 6.5 Creedmoor produces relatively mild recoil, allowing shooters to maintain their sight picture through the shot and reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions. This is particularly beneficial for competitive shooting and practice.
• Versatility: It's an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from precision target shooting and long-range steel matches to hunting medium-sized game like deer, antelope, and even elk with appropriate bullet selection.
• Factory Ammunition Availability: The widespread popularity of the 6.5 Creedmoor ensures a vast selection of high-quality factory ammunition, making it easy to find loads optimized for specific applications or performance goals.

When paired with the precision engineering of the Bergara Premier Ridgeback, the 6.5 Creedmoor truly shines, allowing shooters to unlock its full potential.

Real-World Performance & Applications of the Bergara Premier Ridgeback

The Bergara Premier Ridgeback is more than just a collection of high-quality components; it's a complete system designed for superior performance in real-world scenarios.

Long-Range Shooting Excellence

For the precision enthusiast focused on punching paper or ringing steel at distances exceeding 500 yards, the Ridgeback is a formidable tool. Its inherent accuracy, combined with the predictable TriggerTech pull and the stable Grayboe stock, enables shooters to achieve tighter groups consistently. The 24-inch medium Palma barrel balances velocity retention with maneuverability, while the threaded muzzle opens up options for muzzle devices to further mitigate recoil and muzzle rise, allowing for faster follow-up shots and spotter calls. Its compatibility with Remington 700 bases and 8x40 screws means a vast array of scope mounting solutions are readily available, ensuring you can tailor your optic setup perfectly.

Precision Hunting Companion

While designed with precision shooting in mind, the Ridgeback's robust construction and reliable operation make it an excellent choice for precision hunting. The 6.5 Creedmoor is an incredibly effective hunting cartridge for medium game, offering flat trajectories and sufficient energy delivery. The rifle's manageable weight of 10.20 lbs provides stability for precise shot placement in the field, while the Cerakote finish on the barrel and receiver ensures durability against environmental factors encountered during hunts. The adjustable cheek rest ensures a comfortable and consistent shooting position, whether you're taking a shot from a bipod or a makeshift rest.

Competitive Edge

In the competitive shooting arena, where every fraction of an inch counts, the Bergara Premier Ridgeback offers a significant advantage. Its "near custom" performance at a production price point allows competitors to invest in a highly capable rifle without the prohibitive cost of a full custom build. The quick-detach AICS style magazine, smooth action, and highly tunable TriggerTech trigger contribute to faster stage times and more precise shot delivery, crucial elements for success in disciplines like PRS (Precision Rifle Series) or NRL (National Rifle League).

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining the Bergara Premier Ridgeback is straightforward, ensuring its longevity and consistent performance. The Cerakote and Nitride finishes offer excellent resistance to corrosion and wear, simplifying exterior cleaning. Regular bore cleaning with appropriate solvents and brushes, along with routine lubrication of the bolt and action, will keep the rifle operating at its peak. The robust construction means it can withstand the rigors of frequent use, making it a reliable partner for years to come.

Answering Common Questions About the Bergara Premier Ridgeback

To provide even greater clarity for potential users and to address common queries directly, here are some frequently asked questions about the Bergara Premier Ridgeback 6.5 Creedmoor rifle:

• Q: Is the Bergara Premier Ridgeback suitable for beginners?
  • A: While it's a high-performance rifle designed for serious shooters, its user-friendly features like the adjustable cheek rest, smooth action, and mild-recoiling 6.5 Creedmoor caliber make it manageable for a dedicated beginner who is serious about learning precision shooting fundamentals. However, it truly shines in the hands of an experienced shooter looking to elevate their game.
• Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect from the Bergara Premier Ridgeback?
  • A: With quality ammunition and a skilled shooter, the Bergara Premier Ridgeback is consistently capable of sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy. Many users report achieving 1/2 MOA or better groups, a testament to Bergara's barrel and action quality.
• Q: Can I easily customize or upgrade the Ridgeback?
  • A: Absolutely. The Ridgeback is built on the Remington 700 footprint, allowing for a wide range of aftermarket triggers, scope bases, and other accessories. The M-LOK system on the stock provides extensive customization options for attachments like bipods and weights, allowing you to tailor the rifle to your specific needs and preferences.
• Q: How does the "floating bolt head" improve performance?
  • A: The separate floating bolt head ensures that the bolt lugs make full and even contact with the lug abutments within the action. This optimized contact reduces stress on the action, improves lock-up consistency, and minimizes potential for flex, all contributing to enhanced accuracy and smoother bolt operation.
• Q: What type of shooting is the 6.5 Creedmoor best for with this rifle?
  • A: The 6.5 Creedmoor in the Ridgeback is exceptionally versatile. It excels in long-range target shooting (out to 1000 yards and beyond), competitive precision rifle matches, and ethical hunting of medium-sized game. Its flat trajectory and mild recoil make it a joy to shoot for extended periods.
• Q: Where is the Bergara Premier Ridgeback manufactured?
  • A: The Premier Ridgeback benefits from Bergara's global expertise. The Premium 416 stainless steel barrels are produced and honed at their renowned barrel-making facility in Bergara, Spain. The final assembly, Cerakote finishing, and integration of the Premier action and other components take place at the Bergara USA factory, ensuring rigorous quality control at every step.

Visual Overview: Bergara Premiere Ridgeback Rifle Video Review

The Bergara Premier Ridgeback 6.5 Creedmoor rifle is a comprehensive package for the dedicated shooter seeking top-tier precision without the custom shop price tag. Its meticulous engineering, high-quality components, and thoughtful design features combine to deliver a shooting experience that is both rewarding and consistently accurate. If you are serious about long-range performance, precision hunting, or gaining a competitive edge, the Ridgeback stands as an exceptional choice. These products are all available at DEGuns.

Bergara Premier Ridgeback 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Bergara Rifles
Series	Ridgeback
Model	Premier
Caliber	6.5 Creedmoor
Action	Bolt
Gun Platform	Rem 700-Style
Capacity	5+1
Max Capacity	5 Rounds
Hand	Right Hand
Barrel Length	24 inches
Barrel Finish	Graphite Black Cerakote
Barrel Profile	Medium Palma Taper
Muzzle	Threaded
Thread Pattern	5/8"-24
Twist Rate	1:8"
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Graphite Black Cerakote
Sights	Drilled & Tapped
Trigger	TriggerTech Frictionless Release
Safety	Two-Position
Stock Material	Synthetic (Hand-laid Fiberglass)
Stock Description	Grayboe Ridgeback with Adjustable Cheek Piece
Stock Finish	Woodland Camo
Stock Finish Group	Digital Camouflage
Overall Length (OAL)	43.50 inches
Weight	10.20 lbs
Application	Field, Long-Range, Competition
Size	Full Size
SKU / MPN	BPR2265F
UPC	043125065127