More than 60 people got behind the trigger of a B-14 HMR (Hunting & Match Rifle) chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor at the inaugural Bergara Experience, which was held Aug. 5, 2017, from 8 a.m. until noon at Woody’s Hunting & Rifle Club in North Carolina. Industry-sponsored range events that provide enthusiasts a chance to take guns for a test drive are not new—Savage, for example, launched the Savage Arms Trigger Tour earlier this year—but judging by the feedback from the shooters, the trend promises to grow quickly.
A dozen people were already in line at 7:30 a.m., and Norm McHenry drove 70 miles to make sure he was among the first. “This is awesome,” he said after stepping off the firing line. “Beautiful place. Nice facility… Very well organized.”
Paul Idol was also caught by surprise by the crowd. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he admitted. “I thought we’d be the first here.” The line moved fast, though, and shooters spent much of their wait rummaging through the Bergara-provided gift bag.
Without exception, shooters were impressed with the performance of B-14 HMR, and many said they’re ready to buy. Bergara wasn’t the only winner during the event, though. Travis Wylie, for example, who lives only two miles from Woody’s Hunting & Rifle Club, discovered a new place to shoot. “I didn’t know this place was here,” he said.
Coming off the firing line after using a suppressor-equipped rifle, Steve Beezley said he’s more convinced than ever that the Hearing Protection Act needs to be passed and signed into law. “I would like to do it more…[the] suppressor is awesome.”
For many shooters, connecting at 300 and 550 yards was a new experience. The tips provided by Bergara’s expert staff were worth the price of admission—free, by the way—and helped most ring steel at long distance.
“They’re very knowledgeable and willing to help,” Beezley said. “I’ve never shot anything that far away.” He was three for three at 550 yards—the furthest target of the day.
