The Bergara HMR Pro Rifle in .308 Winchester represents a considered choice for the American shooter who demands repeatable accuracy from a production rifle. Whether you are working up loads for long-range steel, filling a freezer tag in the whitetail woods, or establishing a consistent baseline for precision rifle competition, this 20-inch threaded barrel model with a 5-round magazine offers a platform that rewards skill without unnecessary complexity. Built around Bergara’s proprietary barrel manufacturing and a chassis system that prioritizes rigidity, the HMR Pro is a tool designed to perform in the field and at the range.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Bergara HMR Pro is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .308 Winchester, featuring a 20-inch, threaded, heavy-profile barrel and a 5-round detachable magazine. It is built on Bergara’s B-17 action, which is a direct clone of the Remington 700 footprint, ensuring broad compatibility with aftermarket triggers, stocks, and chassis systems. This rifle is intended for the target shooter who wants a consistent sub-MOA platform, the hunter who values a compact, maneuverable barrel length for timber or blind use, and the collector who appreciates a well-finished firearm from a U.S.-based manufacturer with a strong reputation for barrel quality. It is not a home defense carbine; it is a precision-oriented rifle suited for bench rest, prone shooting, and medium-to-large game hunting out to 600 yards.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO compatible with proper headspace considerations)
- Action: Bergara B-17 (Remington 700 pattern) with two-lug bolt and sliding plate extractor
- Barrel Length: 20 inches, heavy profile, 416 stainless steel with Bergara’s proprietary honing process
- Barrel Twist: 1:10 inch twist rate, optimized for bullet weights from 147 to 175 grains
- Threading: 5/8×24 TPI, threaded and capped with a factory-installed thread protector
- Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds, detachable AICS-pattern magazine (included)
- Stock/Chassis: Bergara HMR (Hunting and Match Rifle) stock with aluminum bedding chassis, adjustable cheek riser, and length of pull spacers
- Finish: Cerakote Elite in flat dark earth or black (depending on production run) on metal surfaces; textured synthetic stock
- Weight: Approximately 9.5 pounds unloaded (varies slightly with stock configuration)
- Sights: None; receiver is drilled and tapped for Remington 700 scope bases (included with rifle)
- Trigger: Bergara Performance Trigger, adjustable from 1.5 to 3.5 pounds
- Safety: Two-position tang safety, locks bolt when engaged
- Overall Length: 41.5 inches
Feature Deep-Dive
The heart of the HMR Pro is Bergara’s barrel manufacturing process. Each barrel is cold-hammer-forged from 416 stainless steel, then hand-lapped and honed to a consistent bore finish. This process reduces tooling marks and variances that can affect accuracy. The 20-inch length strikes a balance between velocity retention and maneuverability; you lose roughly 50-75 feet per second compared to a 24-inch barrel, but gain a handier rifle that clears brush and fits in a compact gun case. The 1:10 twist rate stabilizes the most common .308 match bullets, including the 168-grain Sierra MatchKing and the 175-grain Federal Gold Medal Match, without over-stabilizing lighter varmint loads.
The B-17 action is a direct improvement on the classic Remington 700 design. Bergara uses a coned breech for smoother feeding, a sliding plate extractor for positive case control, and a two-lug bolt with a 90-degree throw. The bolt body is nitrided for corrosion resistance and reduced friction. The trigger is a two-stage design that breaks cleanly with no creep once adjusted to your preference. The tang safety is intuitive and allows the bolt to be cycled with the safety engaged for unloading. The receiver is machined from 4140 steel and features an integral recoil lug for consistent bedding.
The HMR stock is where Bergara’s engineering for practical accuracy becomes evident. It uses a full-length aluminum bedding chassis that encases the action and provides a rigid foundation for the barrel to float freely. The forend is wide and flat, ideal for shooting from bags or a bipod. The adjustable cheek riser uses a simple screw mechanism and locks positively, while the length of pull can be adjusted with included spacers. The stock has molded-in texture panels at the grip and forend for a secure hold in wet conditions. The buttpad is a soft rubber unit that reduces perceived recoil from the .308 cartridge.
Threaded barrels are a standard feature on modern precision rifles, and the HMR Pro’s 5/8×24 TPI threads are concentric to the bore, ensuring suppressor alignment is correct. The included thread protector is low-profile and does not interfere with muzzle devices. For shooters who plan to use a suppressor, the 20-inch barrel keeps overall length manageable even with a can attached. The rifle ships with a 5-round AICS-pattern magazine, which is widely available and compatible with aftermarket options from Accurate-Mag and Magpul. The magazine release is a paddle-style lever located inside the trigger guard, allowing for quick reloads without breaking your firing grip.
Bergara’s attention to fit and finish sets the HMR Pro apart from entry-level precision rifles. The Cerakote finish is applied uniformly and resists scratches, rust, and solvent damage. The stock-to-action fit is tight, with no play between the chassis and the receiver. The bolt lift is smooth, and the bolt cycles without binding even when the action is dirty. The rifle is test-fired at the factory and includes a target showing a five-shot group, which typically measures under one inch at 100 yards with match ammunition. This is not a guarantee of your results, but it indicates the level of quality control Bergara applies to each rifle.
Ideal Use Cases
- Long-Range Target Shooting: The .308 Winchester is a proven cartridge for shooting to 800 yards, and the HMR Pro’s heavy barrel and adjustable stock make it a stable platform for consistent shot placement. The 20-inch barrel is long enough to achieve good velocity with 168- and 175-grain bullets, while the AICS magazine system allows for fast reloads during timed strings.
- Hunting (Medium to Large Game): The .308 is a versatile hunting cartridge for deer, hogs, black bear, and elk at reasonable ranges. The 20-inch barrel is easy to carry in dense cover, and the threaded muzzle allows for the use of a suppressor for hearing protection. The adjustable stock lets you fit the rifle to your body for better offhand shooting.
- Precision Rifle Competition: The HMR Pro is a popular choice for PRS and NRL Hunter production divisions. The chassis stock provides a stable shooting platform, the trigger is competition-ready out of the box, and the action accepts Remington 700-pattern triggers and scope bases. The rifle’s weight helps manage recoil during positional shooting.
- Range Training: For shooters who want to practice fundamentals without the expense of a custom build, the HMR Pro offers factory accuracy that supports skill development. The .308 round is affordable compared to magnum cartridges, and barrel life is excellent—often exceeding 5,000 rounds before accuracy degrades noticeably.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This rifle is chambered for .308 Winchester. It will safely fire 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, but Bergara recommends using SAAMI-spec .308 for best accuracy. Avoid using military surplus ammunition with corrosive primers, as it can damage the barrel and bolt face.
- Magazines: The rifle uses AICS-pattern magazines. Factory magazines are reliable, but aftermarket options from Magpul (PMAG 5 AC and 10 AC) and Accurate-Mag also function well. Avoid using older AICS magazines that may have feed lip geometry issues with the B-17 action.
- Scope Mounts: The receiver is drilled and tapped for Remington 700 bases. Use a one-piece or two-piece base of your choice. The bolt handle clearance is generous, so most low-profile rings will work. Bergara includes a set of scope base screws with the rifle.
- Muzzle Devices: The 5/8×24 TPI threads are standard for .30 caliber suppressors and muzzle brakes. Ensure your suppressor is rated for .308 and has a bore diameter of at least .30 inches. Direct-thread and QD mounts are both compatible.
- Triggers and Accessories: The B-17 action accepts most Remington 700-pattern triggers. The stock uses a standard trigger hanger. Bipods can be attached via the sling swivel stud on the forend or by installing a Picatinny rail section.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I order this rifle and have it shipped to my FFL dealer in the United States?
When you place your order on csfirearms.com, you will be prompted to provide the name, address, and FFL license number of your chosen dealer. We verify the license with the ATF before shipping. We ship to all 50 states, but you must comply with your state and local laws regarding firearm ownership. We cannot ship to a residential address.
2. What is the FFL transfer process and what do I need to do?
After your order is placed, we ship the rifle to your selected FFL dealer. Your dealer will contact you when it arrives. You will then need to complete ATF Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check. There may be a transfer fee charged by the dealer. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a rifle from a licensed dealer, though some states require you to be 21. Check your local laws.
3. What ammunition can I safely use in this rifle?
This rifle is chambered for .308 Winchester. You may also use 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, but accuracy may vary. We recommend using factory-loaded ammunition from reputable manufacturers such as Federal, Hornady, and Nosler. Do not use handloads unless you are an experienced reloader and have verified the loads for pressure and bullet seating depth. Always follow the ammunition manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. What warranty does Bergara offer on the HMR Pro?
Bergara provides a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser. This covers barrel, action, and stock





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