Bergara Rifles B-14 Woodsman Bolt 243 Winchester 22″ Barrel, Walnut Stock B, 4rd

The Bergara B-14 Woodsman in .243 Winchester is a bolt-action rifle built for the American hunter who values precision in the field, whether you’re tracking whitetail through the hardwoods of Pennsylvania or glassing for mule deer across the high desert of Montana. With a 22-inch barrel and a classic walnut stock, this rifle combines Bergara’s renowned barrel-making heritage with a traditional aesthetic that feels at home in the hands of shooters who demand consistent accuracy. For the sportsman looking for a reliable, no-nonsense firearm that delivers on the range and in the timber, the B-14 Woodsman offers a solid platform you can count on.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Bergara B-14 Woodsman is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .243 Winchester, a versatile cartridge well-suited for medium-sized game and varmint hunting. It is designed for the hunter who needs a lightweight, accurate rifle for stalking and still-hunting, as well as for target shooters who appreciate the flat trajectory of the .243 round. This rifle is not intended for home defense or concealed carry—its purpose is clearly in the field and on the range. Collectors will also find appeal in the traditional walnut stock and Bergara’s reputation for quality, but the primary audience is the active hunter who values performance over flash.

Key Specification Breakdown

• Caliber: .243 Winchester – a flat-shooting, low-recoil cartridge ideal for deer, antelope, and varmint hunting.
• Capacity: 4-round detachable box magazine – provides ample ammunition for hunting scenarios without excessive weight.
• Barrel Length: 22 inches – a balanced length for maneuverability in brush and accuracy at moderate ranges.
• Barrel Material: Cold hammer-forged steel, made in-house by Bergara – known for consistency and longevity.
• Stock: Walnut stock with a satin finish – classic design with a hogback comb for comfortable cheek weld.
• Finish: Blued barrel and action – a corrosion-resistant matte finish that reduces glare in the field.
• Weight: Approximately 7.3 pounds (unloaded) – light enough for all-day carry during hunts.
• Sights: None included – drilled and tapped for scope mounting (Picatinny rail compatible).
• Action: Bergara B-14 smooth-action bolt with 90-degree throw and two locking lugs.
• Trigger: Bergara Performance Trigger – adjustable from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds.
• Overall Length: 42.5 inches – compact for a full-size bolt-action rifle.
• Safety: Two-position tang safety – intuitive and easy to use with gloved hands.

Feature Deep-Dive

The heart of the B-14 Woodsman is Bergara’s cold hammer-forged barrel, manufactured in-house using a process that ensures exceptional bore consistency and minimal stress. This barrel is free-floated within the channel of the walnut stock, allowing it to vibrate without interference from the fore-end, which directly contributes to the rifle’s accuracy potential. The 1:10 twist rate of the 22-inch barrel stabilizes a wide range of .243 Winchester bullets, from 55-grain varmint loads to 100-grain hunting rounds, giving you flexibility depending on your target.

The walnut stock is crafted from select American black walnut and finished with a satin lacquer that highlights the wood grain while providing a durable surface that resists moisture. The hogback comb design raises the shooter’s eye level for a natural alignment with a mounted scope, reducing the need for cheek risers. The stock also features a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad, which softens the felt recoil of the .243 Winchester—already a mild cartridge—making it comfortable for extended range sessions or follow-up shots in the field.

The B-14 action is based on Bergara’s proprietary design, which uses a conical bolt nose and a two-lug bolt with a 90-degree throw. This allows for smooth cycling and reliable extraction, even in dusty or wet conditions. The bolt body is fluted to reduce weight and provide a tactile surface for gloved hands. The detachable box magazine is constructed from steel and polymer, feeding rounds reliably and releasing with a push-button latch located in front of the trigger guard. The magazine fits flush with the stock, maintaining the rifle’s clean lines.

Bergara includes their Performance Trigger, which is adjustable from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds without tools, allowing you to set the pull weight to your preference. The trigger has a crisp break with minimal overtravel, aiding consistent shot placement. The two-position tang safety locks the bolt handle in the safe position and is easily manipulated with a thumb, even when wearing heavy gloves. The bolt release is located on the left side of the receiver, simplifying disassembly for cleaning.

The receiver is drilled and tapped for #8-40 screws, compatible with most Picatinny and Weaver scope bases, including Bergara’s own rail system. The top of the receiver is flat with a matte finish, reducing glare and providing a stable mounting surface. The barrel is threaded with a 5/8×24 pattern, though it comes with a thread protector installed; this allows for the addition of a muzzle brake or suppressor if your state regulations permit. The overall fit and finish of the B-14 Woodsman reflect a focus on functionality over ornamentation, with all metal surfaces blued to a consistent matte finish.

Finally, the rifle’s balance is noteworthy: at just over 7 pounds, it carries well in the hand and swings naturally on moving targets. The 22-inch barrel keeps the overall length manageable for use in a blind or tree stand, while the walnut stock provides a warm, secure grip even in cold weather. This combination of features makes the B-14 Woodsman a practical choice for hunters who want a rifle that performs without unnecessary weight or complexity.

Ideal Use Cases

• Hunting: The .243 Winchester is a proven cartridge for deer, antelope, and feral hogs. The lightweight build and 4-round magazine make it suitable for spot-and-stalk hunting in open terrain or still-hunting in wooded areas. The flat trajectory of the .243 extends your effective range to 300 yards or more with proper shot placement.
• Target Shooting: The B-14 Woodsman’s accuracy and adjustable trigger make it a solid choice for range practice or informal target competitions. The mild recoil allows for longer shooting sessions without fatigue, and the free-floated barrel helps maintain consistency.
• Varmint Control: With lighter bullet weights (55-70 grains), the .243 Winchester is effective on coyotes and groundhogs. The rifle’s precision supports ethical shots at moderate distances, and the detachable magazine enables quick reloads if needed.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: The .243 Winchester chambering accepts all SAAMI-spec .243 Win ammunition. Common bullet weights from 55 to 100 grains function reliably. Avoid using .243 Winchester Improved or wildcat cartridges without chamber reaming.
• Magazines: Use only Bergara B-14 factory magazines (4-round or optional 5-round). Aftermarket magazines from AICS-pattern sources may not fit without modification.
• Optics and Mounts: The receiver is drilled and tapped for #8-40 screws. Use Bergara’s 1-piece rail (sold separately) or standard Weaver/Picatinny bases. Scope rings with a 1-inch or 30mm tube diameter are compatible.
• Muzzle Devices: The 5/8×24 threaded barrel accepts standard muzzle brakes, suppressors, or thread protectors. Ensure the device does not exceed 2 inches in length to avoid interference with the stock.
• Holsters and Slings: The rifle is not designed for holster carry. Use a standard sling with 1.25-inch swivels (mounts included with the rifle). A bipod can be mounted to the sling stud on the fore-end.

FAQ

1. How does shipping to my U.S. address work for this rifle?
We ship to licensed FFL dealers within the United States only. Once your order is placed, we require the FFL dealer’s contact information and a copy of their license. We will ship the rifle via a common carrier (e.g., UPS or FedEx) directly to the dealer for you to pick up after a background check. Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days depending on your location. We do not ship to P.O. boxes or to non-FFL holders.

2. What is the FFL transfer process?
After you purchase the Bergara B-14 Woodsman, you must select a local FFL dealer to receive the firearm. Provide us with their name, address, and phone number. We verify their license and ship the rifle to them. Upon arrival, you visit the dealer, complete a ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check. The dealer may charge a transfer fee (typically $20-$50), which is not included in our price. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a rifle from a federal firearms licensee.

3. What ammunition is compatible with the .243 Winchester chamber?
This rifle is designed for factory-loaded .243 Winchester ammunition meeting SAAMI specifications. It will reliably cycle and fire all common bullet weights from 55 to 100 grains. For hunting, we recommend 80-100 grain soft-point or ballistic-tip loads. For target practice, 55-80 grain full-metal-jacket or match-grade rounds work well. Do not use +P or reloaded ammunition unless you are certain the pressure is within SAAMI limits.

4. What warranty does Bergara offer, and how do I make a claim?
Bergara provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the barrel, action, and stock under normal use. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or aftermarket modifications. To make a claim, contact Bergara customer service (available on their website) with your proof of purchase and a description of the issue. We do not process warranty claims directly, but we can assist with documentation.

5. What is your return policy for this rifle?
Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms after they have been transferred to your FFL dealer. If the rifle arrives damaged or with a functional defect, please inspect it at your FFL before accepting the transfer. If you find an issue, refuse the transfer and contact us immediately (within 24 hours). We will arrange for a return or replacement. For any other concerns, contact our customer service team before initiating a transfer. We do not accept returns for change of mind or for incompatibility with accessories.

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