Bergara LRC Elite .308 Winchester 20″ Threaded Barrel

For the shooter who demands precision at distance—whether ringing steel on a Western ranch, pursuing whitetail in dense timber, or engaging targets on a competitive range—the Bergara LRC Elite .308 Winchester with a 20-inch threaded barrel offers a balanced platform that combines proven accuracy with practical handling. This rifle is built for U.S. hunters and marksmen who need a reliable, sub-MOA firearm that performs under real-world conditions, from humid Southern deer stands to cold Western high country. With its cold hammer-forged barrel and Bergara’s renowned action, this model delivers consistent performance without unnecessary weight or complexity.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Bergara LRC Elite is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .308 Winchester, featuring a 20-inch threaded barrel and a synthetic stock designed for durability and accuracy. This rifle is intended for target shooters who want a dependable platform for range practice or local competitions, hunters seeking a lightweight yet precise firearm for medium to large game, and collectors who appreciate Bergara’s reputation for quality manufacturing. It is not a home defense or concealed carry firearm—its design focuses on stationary or stalking scenarios where shot placement matters most. The LRC Elite fills the niche for shooters who prioritize accuracy over rapid fire, making it a strong choice for precision rifle series events or long-range plinking.

Key Specification Breakdown

• Caliber: .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO compatible)
• Barrel Length: 20 inches, threaded (5/8×24 TPI) with factory-installed thread protector
• Action: Bergara B-17 smooth-action bolt, based on Remington 700 footprint
• Stock: Synthetic, black, with textured grip panels and adjustable length of pull
• Finish: Matte black metalwork, corrosion-resistant
• Weight: Approximately 7.8 pounds (unloaded, without optics)
• Overall Length: 41 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 4+1 rounds (detachable box magazine, AICS pattern)
• Sights: None (drilled and tapped for scope bases; includes 0 MOA rail)
• Safety: Two-position tang safety
• Twist Rate: 1:10 inches, optimized for bullets 150–180 grains

Feature Deep-Dive

The Bergara LRC Elite’s barrel is cold hammer-forged from 4140 chrome-moly steel, then stress-relieved and lapped to ensure consistent bore dimensions. This process reduces internal friction and enhances accuracy potential, allowing the rifle to consistently produce groups under one minute of angle with quality factory ammunition. The 20-inch length strikes a practical balance between velocity retention and maneuverability, making it easier to carry through brush or handle in a shooting house. The threaded muzzle (5/8×24 TPI) is protected by a factory-installed cap but accepts standard suppressors or muzzle brakes, which is useful for shooters in states where sound suppression is legal or for reducing recoil during extended range sessions.

The action is Bergara’s B-17, a two-lug design with a 70-degree bolt lift that provides ample clearance for scopes with large objective lenses. The bolt body is fluted to reduce weight and aid in debris clearance, while the extractor and ejector are based on a controlled-round feed system for reliable extraction under varied conditions. The trigger is a two-stage adjustable unit, set at approximately 3.5 pounds from the factory, with a crisp break and minimal overtravel. Shooters can fine-tune pull weight using an included adjustment tool, which is helpful for those who prefer a lighter or heavier trigger for specific applications like benchrest or field hunting.

The synthetic stock is constructed from fiberglass-reinforced polymer, with a full-length aluminum bedding block that free-floats the barrel for consistent accuracy. The stock features a raised cheek piece and a textured grip area, which improve control during prone or seated shooting. The length of pull can be adjusted via spacers (included) between 13.5 and 14.5 inches, accommodating different shooter builds or heavy clothing. The stock also includes sling swivel studs (front and rear) and a recessed buttpad that reduces felt recoil. This design is practical for shooters who plan to use a bipod or sling for stable field positions.

The detachable box magazine is AICS-pattern compatible, holding four rounds of .308 Winchester. The magazine release is located at the front of the trigger guard, allowing quick reloads without breaking the firing grip. The magazine itself is steel with a polymer floorplate, and it locks securely into the action with minimal wobble. This system is reliable for both hunting and range use, and spare magazines are readily available from multiple manufacturers. The rifle also includes a 0 MOA Picatinny rail, pre-drilled for standard Remington 700 scope bases, giving shooters flexibility in mounting optics without additional gunsmithing.

The two-position tang safety is intuitive to use: rearward for safe, forward for fire. It locks the bolt handle and trigger, preventing accidental discharge when the rifle is shouldered or stored. The bolt release is located on the left side of the receiver, facilitating disassembly for cleaning. The entire metal surface is treated with a matte black oxide finish that resists rust and glare, suitable for humid or rainy environments. These features collectively make the LRC Elite a low-maintenance rifle that performs consistently across temperature and altitude changes common in U.S. hunting zones.

Ideal Use Cases

• Hunting: The .308 Winchester is a proven cartridge for deer, elk, black bear, and hogs. The 20-inch barrel retains sufficient velocity for ethical shots out to 400 yards, and the rifle’s weight (under 8 pounds) supports all-day carry in mountainous terrain or thick woods. The threaded barrel allows for suppressor use in states where legal, reducing noise for follow-up shots.
• Range and Target Shooting: With sub-MOA accuracy and an adjustable trigger, this rifle is suited for benchrest practice, steel plate shooting, or introductory precision rifle competitions. The AICS magazine system and Remington 700 footprint simplify upgrades like aftermarket stocks or triggers.
• Collector’s Value: Bergara’s reputation for quality manufacturing and the LRC Elite’s balanced specifications make it a practical addition to a collection focused on modern bolt-action rifles. The serialized receiver and included manual support long-term ownership.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: The rifle cycles .308 Winchester factory loads (150, 168, 175, 180 grain) reliably. It is also compatible with 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, though accuracy may vary. Avoid using steel-cased or corrosive ammunition, as these can accelerate barrel wear and affect reliability.
• Magazines: Uses AICS-pattern short-action magazines (4-round capacity is standard; 5- and 10-round options from Magpul, Accurate-Mag, or Bergara fit). The magazine well is not compatible with AR-10 or SR-25 pattern magazines.
• Holsters: Not applicable; this is a bolt-action rifle, not a handgun. For transport, use a soft or hard rifle case.
• Accessories: The 0 MOA rail accepts Remington 700 bases; scope rings (30mm or 1-inch) with medium or high height are recommended for 40-50mm objective lenses. The threaded muzzle accepts standard 5/8×24 muzzle devices. Bipods attach to the front swivel stud or via an M-Lok adapter if the stock is modified.
• Aftermarket Parts: Stocks, triggers, and bottom metal from companies like KRG, MDT, or TriggerTech are compatible due to the Remington 700 footprint. Verify fitment with Bergara-specific parts if replacing the bolt or extractor.

FAQ Section

1. Can this rifle be shipped to my home in the U.S., or does it need to go to an FFL dealer?
This firearm must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. We ship to all 50 states, but some states (e.g., California, New York, Illinois) have additional restrictions. You must provide a valid FFL address at checkout, and the dealer must accept the transfer. We cannot ship to PO boxes or residential addresses for firearms.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work when I order from csfirearms.com?
After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer’s license information. The dealer must send us a copy of their license via email or fax. Once verified, we ship the rifle within 1-3 business days. The dealer will then contact you to complete the ATF Form 4473 and conduct a NICS background check. Transfer fees are set by the dealer and are separate from our pricing.

3. What ammunition is recommended for this rifle, and is it safe to use surplus 7.62x51mm?
We recommend using new-production .308 Winchester ammunition from reputable brands (Federal, Hornady, Winchester, Norma) in bullet weights from 150 to 180 grains. 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition is physically compatible, but commercial .308 chambers have tighter tolerances; some surplus ammo may produce higher pressure. For best accuracy and safety, stick with commercial .308 loads. Avoid reloads or ammunition with unknown history.

4. What warranty does Bergara provide for the LRC Elite, and how do I claim it?
Bergara offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the barrel, action, and stock. The warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or modifications. To claim, contact Bergara customer service (phone or email) with your serial number and purchase receipt. They will issue a return authorization for repair or replacement. We recommend registering the rifle on Bergara’s website after purchase.

5. What is your return policy for firearms, and can I return this rifle if I change my mind?
Firearms sales are final once the background check is initiated, as required by federal law. If the rifle arrives damaged or has a manufacturer defect, we will replace it or coordinate a warranty repair within 30 days of delivery. We do not accept returns for change of mind, incorrect ammunition selection, or after the firearm has been fired. Inspect the rifle at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer.

Closing CTA

The Bergara LRC Elite .308 Winchester with a 20-inch threaded barrel is available now at csfirearms.com. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Whether you are upgrading a hunting rifle or adding a dependable precision tool to your collection, this model offers reliable performance at a practical price point. Place your order today, and our team