The Bergara Premier Highlander in 7mm Rem Mag, with its 24-inch threaded barrel, is a rifle built for the serious American hunter who needs to reach across canyons in the Rockies or connect on a mule deer at extended ranges across the plains. For the precision shooter who demands sub-MOA performance without a custom gunsmith’s wait time, this factory rifle delivers a level of consistency that directly translates to ethical, one-shot harvests. It’s a tool for those who understand that a clean kill at 500 yards requires a firearm that performs as a system, not just a collection of parts.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Bergara Premier Highlander is a factory-built, long-action bolt-action rifle chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum. It is designed for the hunter who prioritizes long-range accuracy and reliability in a lightweight, weather-resistant package. This rifle is for the backcountry hunter who carries their rifle for miles, the Western hunter who needs to shoot across drainages, and the target shooter who wants a platform that can transition from the range to the field without compromise. It is not a home defense or concealed carry firearm; it is a dedicated long-range hunting and precision shooting instrument. This rifle appeals to the collector who values American engineering and the shooter who understands that a quality action and barrel are the foundation of consistent accuracy.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: 7mm Remington Magnum (7mm Rem Mag)
- Action: Bergara Premier Long Action, based on the Remington 700 pattern
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Barrel Profile: #6 taper, threaded 5/8×24 TPI with a thread protector
- Barrel Material: 416R stainless steel
- Barrel Finish: Satin stainless
- Twist Rate: 1:8.5 inches
- Stock: Bergara Premier Highlander carbon fiber stock, painted in a camo pattern (varies by production run)
- Stock Finish: Textured grip panels, adjustable length of pull via spacers
- Trigger: Bergara Performance Trigger, adjustable from 1.5 to 3.5 pounds
- Magazine: Detachable box magazine, 3-round capacity (AICS pattern)
- Overall Length: Approximately 44 inches
- Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded, without optics)
- Sights: None; drilled and tapped for scope bases (Remington 700 short action pattern)
- Safety: Two-position tang safety
- Recoil Pad: Bergara Mineral Bed polymer recoil pad
- Country of Origin: USA
Feature Deep-Dive
The heart of the Bergara Premier Highlander is its barrel, which is cold hammer-forged from 416R stainless steel. This process creates a barrel with a consistent bore diameter and a smooth, uniform surface that contributes to the rifle’s inherent accuracy. The 1:8.5 twist rate is specifically optimized for the heavier, high-ballistic-coefficient bullets used in long-range hunting, such as the 168- and 175-grain projectiles commonly loaded in premium ammunition. This barrel is threaded 5/8×24, allowing for the direct attachment of a suppressor or a muzzle brake, which is a practical feature for hunters who want to manage recoil or reduce noise signature in the field. The #6 contour provides a balance of stiffness for accuracy and manageable weight for carry.
The action is a Bergara Premier, which is a proprietary design that uses a Remington 700 footprint. This means the rifle accepts virtually all aftermarket triggers, stocks, and scope bases designed for the 700 platform, offering the owner a wide range of customization options. The action features a coned bolt nose and a one-piece bolt body with dual oversized locking lugs for smooth cycling and positive extraction. The bolt is fluted to reduce weight and features a spiral-fluted bolt handle. The two-position tang safety is intuitive and allows the bolt to be operated with the safety engaged, which is a standard feature for safe unloading. The trigger is a Bergara Performance Trigger, adjustable for pull weight, and is known for a clean, crisp break with minimal overtravel.
The stock is where the Highlander name comes from. It is a carbon fiber construction that sheds significant weight compared to traditional synthetic or wood stocks. The carbon fiber layup is designed to be rigid, which helps the rifle maintain consistency as the barrel heats up. The stock features a full-length aluminum bedding chassis that provides a stable platform for the action and free-floats the barrel. The grip area has a textured finish for a secure hold in wet or cold conditions, and the forend is flat-bottomed for stable shooting from a rest or a pack. The length of pull is adjustable via included spacers, allowing the shooter to fit the rifle to their body and clothing layers.
The detachable box magazine is an AICS-pattern magazine, which is a widely available and reliable design. The magazine release is located at the front of the trigger guard and is ambidextrous. The 3-round capacity is standard for a hunting rifle in this class, and the magazine can be loaded from the top while still in the rifle or removed for loading. The magazine well is flared for easy insertion. The entire rifle is coated in a satin stainless finish that resists corrosion, making it suitable for use in humid or wet environments. The combination of a stainless barrel and a carbon fiber stock means this rifle is built to withstand the elements without rusting or swelling.
Bergara’s quality control is a significant factor in the Highlander’s value. Each rifle is test-fired and inspected before leaving the factory. The barrel is hand-lapped and the action is trued, which are steps typically associated with custom rifles. This attention to detail results in a rifle that consistently shoots sub-MOA groups with factory ammunition. For the hunter who wants a rifle that can deliver precision out of the box without the need for immediate gunsmithing, this is a meaningful advantage. The rifle is also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including barricade stops, bipods, and muzzle devices, because it uses standard industry dimensions.
Ideal Use Cases
- Long-Range Hunting: The 7mm Rem Mag is a proven cartridge for game such as elk, mule deer, black bear, and pronghorn at extended distances. The Highlander’s light weight and accuracy make it an effective tool for spot-and-stalk hunting in open country.
- Precision Target Shooting: The rifle’s accuracy and adjustable trigger make it suitable for shooting at steel targets or paper out to 1,000 yards. The threaded barrel allows for the addition of a muzzle brake to reduce recoil for extended shooting sessions.
- Backcountry Hunts: At just over 7 pounds, this rifle is light enough to carry over rough terrain without fatigue. The carbon fiber stock and stainless barrel are durable and weather-resistant for multi-day hunts.
- Competition (PRS/NRL Hunter): While not a dedicated competition rifle, the Highlander’s action, barrel, and stock are compatible with the requirements of hunter-class precision rifle competitions, where weight and caliber restrictions often apply.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This rifle is chambered for 7mm Remington Magnum. It will function with all factory-loaded ammunition in this caliber, including 140- to 175-grain loads. For best accuracy, test several brands and bullet weights. Reloaders can use standard 7mm Rem Mag dies and components.
- Optics and Mounts: The receiver is drilled and tapped for Remington 700 short action scope bases. Use quality steel or aluminum bases and rings. A scope with a 30mm or 34mm tube and magnification up to 15x or 20x is appropriate for the rifle’s range capabilities.
- Magazines: Uses AICS pattern long-action magazines. Factory magazine is 3-round capacity. Aftermarket magazines from Accurate-Mag or MDT in 3- or 5-round capacities are compatible.
- Muzzle Devices: The threaded barrel is 5/8×24 TPI. Direct-thread suppressors and muzzle brakes with this thread pitch will attach directly. Ensure the device is rated for 7mm Rem Mag pressures.
- Stocks and Chassis: The action fits Remington 700 short action inlet stocks and chassis systems. The trigger and bottom metal are also compatible with aftermarket options.
FAQ
1. Can this rifle be shipped directly to my home in the U.S.?
No. Per federal law, this rifle must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We ship to any licensed FFL dealer in the United States. You will need to coordinate with your chosen FFL to receive the transfer. We do not ship to P.O. boxes; a physical street address for the FFL is required.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will require a signed copy of your receiving FFL’s license. You can have your FFL email it to us. Once we verify the license, we ship the rifle. Your FFL will then perform the background check (NICS) and transfer the rifle to you. We recommend contacting your FFL before ordering to confirm they accept transfers and to understand their fees.
3. What ammunition is compatible with this rifle?
This rifle is chambered for 7mm Remington Magnum. It will safely fire all SAAMI-spec factory ammunition in this caliber. Do not use ammunition designed for other 7mm cartridges, such as 7mm-08 or 7mm STW. We recommend using high-quality hunting or match-grade ammunition for best accuracy. The 1:8.5 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 140 to 180 grains.
4. What warranty does Bergara offer on this rifle?
Bergara provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the barrel, action, stock, and trigger. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or the use of incorrect ammunition. For warranty claims, contact Bergara directly with your proof of purchase.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final. We cannot accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations and safety concerns. If your rifle arrives with a manufacturing defect or is damaged in transit, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you and Bergara to resolve the issue, which may include a repair or replacement at the manufacturer’s discretion. Used or fired rifles cannot be returned
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