Description
I was glassing a ridgeline in the Missouri Ozarks, the wind picking up, when I realized my old hunting rifle just wasn’t consistent enough past 300 yards. That’s when I started looking for a purpose-built, long-range hunting rifle that didn’t require a second mortgage or a gunsmith’s touch to get shooting. The Bergara Premier Highlander 6.5 Creedmoor, 24″ Barrel, Fiberglass Camo Stock, Stainless Cerakote, 4rd was the answer. It’s a factory-built, precision-oriented hunting rifle designed for shooters who demand sub-MOA accuracy right out of the box, without the custom shop wait or price tag. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of Hornady ELD-Match and American Whitetail through my sample, and it’s lived up to the hype.
Here’s the thing—Bergara doesn’t cut corners on the Premier line. The action is the heart of it, and they use a proprietary Premier action that’s essentially a blueprinted Remington 700 pattern. What does that mean for you? It means the tolerances are incredibly tight from the factory, leading to that legendary smooth bolt throw and consistent lockup. More importantly, it’s drop-in ready for a massive aftermarket of Remington 700-compatible triggers, chassis systems, and scope mounts. Want to swap the trigger for a Timney or a TriggerTech? It’s a straightforward job. The 24-inch barrel is a hammer-forged, stainless steel tube that’s been treated with a durable Cerakote finish to handle the elements, from early morning dew in a Missouri river bottom to dusty plains out west.
The fiberglass stock is where the Highlander really earns its name. It’s not a cheap, flimsy injection-molded piece; it’s a full fiberglass shell with an aluminum bedding block system. The camo pattern is molded right in, so it won’t wear off. The stock has a modern, ergonomic design with a comfortable palm swell and a textured grip. It comes in at a very manageable weight, making it a rifle you can actually carry all day. The rifle weighs in at a very packable 7.3 pounds without optics, which is a sweet spot for a mountain or all-day stalking rifle.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 6.5 Creedmoor |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Barrel Finish | Stainless Cerakote |
| Stock | Fiberglass Camo |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 Rounds |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Twist Rate | 1:8 |
Pros: The accuracy potential is the biggest draw. With quality factory ammo, you’re looking at sub-MOA groups without any tuning. The build quality is exceptional for a production rifle, and the Remington 700 footprint opens a world of customization. The stock is lightweight, rigid, and the finish is tough as nails. At $1691.99, it sits in a competitive space between standard production rifles and full customs.
Cons: The price point will give some hunters pause, though you get what you pay for. The 4-round magazine capacity is standard for a hunting rifle but less than some competitors’ detachable box mag systems. It’s a precision tool, not a beater—you’ll want to take care of it.
Who is this rifle for? It’s for the hunter who also loves to shoot. The guy who spends time at the range, knows his dope, and wants a rifle that can ethically take game at extended ranges when the opportunity presents itself. It’s for the Missouri whitetail hunter who hunts crop fields or the western hunter chasing elk or mule deer in open country. If you appreciate fine machinery and want a rifle that performs like a custom build without the hassle, this is your huckleberry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor or muzzle brake?
A: Yes, the 24-inch barrel comes from the factory with a threaded muzzle (typically 5/8″-24), ready for your preferred muzzle device or suppressor. It often includes a thread protector.
Q: What kind of scope base does it use?
A: The action uses a standard Remington 700 short-action footprint. This means it’s compatible with hundreds of scope base and ring combinations from brands like Nightforce, Leupold, and Warne. A one-piece 20 MOA rail is a popular upgrade for long-range shooting.
Q: How does it handle different types of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo?
A: The 1:8 twist rate barrel is optimized for stabilizing the longer, heavier high-BC bullets like the 140-147 grain class, which are ideal for long-range precision and hunting. That said, it shoots the lighter hunting rounds (120-130 grain) very well, too. I’ve found it to be surprisingly forgiving across different factory loads.
If you’re ready to step up to a rifle that bridges the gap between off-the-rack and full custom, the Bergara Premier Highlander is a serious contender. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check availability and start the process to have one shipped to your local FFL.
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