Opinions

[Knotwild]

Reading the thread about golf balls at 100yds made me get my CZ Silhouette and try for accuracy at 100 and then 200 yards. I was hampered by using a scope limited to 10X and Aguilla Super Extra ammunition, and the fact that I am not practiced at wind reading or shooting off a mechanical rest. With that said, it shot good enough to both interest me and hook me on shooting at distance. Now I think I want to move up to some equipment a little more capable.

In the running are: CZ MTR, CZ Precison Trainer, CZ Varmint, or possibly a Bergara BMR or B14R.

I'm kind of leaning to CZ because of the aftermarket items available and the ability to switch out barrels easily. I would like to use my suppressor and I see that CZ's threaded barrels are 16.5" but the Bergara is 18". I would really prefer something 20".

Bottom line is this. I like the CZ's I have owned and don't know anything about Bergara. I don't have the money to spend on something like a Vudo. I probably will never shoot in any competition. I like the challenge of trying to read the wind and reach out to 200+ yards.

I personally think the CZ MTR fits the bill if I can find one. What do you guys think? Are there considerations I have overlooked?

 

[jelenko]

How about https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-457-varmint-at-one/

The adjustable cheekpiece and buttstock will make it easier to get a good position.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Try a christensen, bergara or a cz.

 

[1911nut]

I’ve just started shooting a B14, I put in a Jewell trigger @ 4oz. It shoots SK rifle match and SK Biathlon very well. I put a tuner on it but it’ll be a while till warm-up to get it set.

 

[MarkS]

Knotwild,
From the ones you listed. I would go with the Bergara B14R. It takes 700 rem with triggers and stocks. And is a true trainer for centerfire. My B14R has a Trigger Tech Diamond, It will shoot sub moa out to 300yds in good weather conditions. If you are going to shoot long range IMO, you want a heavy gun. Mine is 14lb. with scope and bi-pods. It sets very well on the bench.

One not on your list is a Tikka T1X. I have one in a KRG Bravo, that shoot as good as my B14R. And the T1x only needs a $9.00 trigger spring to get it down to 1lb. or less

Now for the CZ. I shoot with a lot of CZ's and they shoot very well. I had a CZ 455 Varmint. I sold it because the B14R and the T1x would out shoot it. ( also company's stopped making aftermarkets stuff for it, when CZ stopped making it. ) You can't go wrong with a CZ. you could go with a CZ 457 Varmint and and put it in a KRG Bravo chassis later if you like.
Mark

 

[Knotwild]

Thanks everyone for the information, especially about the Bergara. Mark S brought up weight which I had not considered, but makes sense.
I didn't mention Tikka because I have been searching for one since Covid started up. If I had found a Tikka, I probably would not have posted this thread. There don't seem to be any available other than a few on Gunbroker and I found one in stock they wanted $830 for.

So, the field is also narrowed by availability and in my area I can find the Bergara B14R and the CZ Varmint Precision Trainer. Plus the Bergara is priced $186 lower than the CZ, I think my mind is settled on a Bergara B14R.

Many thanks

 

[jelenko]

Hmm. The B14R uses Rem 700 triggers.

Is there enough meat on the forend to put in an Anschutz rail?

 

[MarkS]

Hmm. The B14R uses Rem 700 triggers.

Is there enough meat on the forend to put in an Anschutz rail?

There should be room. I was thinking about added a Arca rail, but It shoots so good, I don't want to touch it. It will run with any of the custom guns out there.
Mark

 

[Dgd6mm]

I bought my Tikka T1X from Euro Optics last summer. I love the way it shoots SK Standard Plus.

 

[1911nut]

My B14 has an Atlas bipod, mounted on a pic rail using the two sling swivel stud threaded holes.

 

[Knotwild]

I went to pick up a Bergara B14R today, but in a senior moment left my DL at home. I'll have to go back next week. I loved what I saw.

For what it's worth, the sales guy handed me the carbon fiber model first. The action was so rough I would not have bought that rifle. I don't think I could have cycled it on the bags without problems.

I then asked to see the steel version and it was slick, very nice. I can't imagine the quality control program that allows this wide range of quality. I suggest that anyone getting ready to buy a B14R try more than one.

I hope that QC doesn't include all of the gun, and especially the barrel, because it would make buying one like rolling dice.

 

[Brsam]

Buying any gun is a roll of the dice when it comes to quality and accuracy. No matter who you get it from custom or otherwise.

 

[Knotwild]

Buying any gun is a roll of the dice when it comes to quality and accuracy. No matter who you get it from custom or otherwise.

I haven't found that to be always true; for instance Tikka or CZ I have owned.

If I could find a Tikka T1X at a reasonable price, I'd buy it and never look back.