Bergara Premier Series 6.5 PRC 26 in Contour Threaded
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Bergara Premier Series 6.5 PRC 26 in Contour Threaded is a barreled precision rifle action engineered as a drop-in foundation for custom long-range bolt-action builds. It pairs a 416 stainless steel barrel with a Remington 700-pattern receiver, delivering factory-level headspacing and timing that eliminates the need for a gunsmith's initial chambering. This unit arrives ready for your chosen chassis or stock, with pre-drilled optics mounting and a threaded muzzle for suppressor or brake compatibility.
What is the Bergara Premier 6.5 PRC barreled action used for?
This barreled action is the core mechanical unit for building a precision rifle optimized for 1,200+ yard target shooting or hunting with heavy 156+ grain 6.5mm bullets. You'll add your own chassis or stock, trigger, optic, and muzzle device to create a complete system. The 1:8 twist rate is specifically calibrated to stabilize long, high-BC projectiles like Hornady's 140gr ELD-Match, ensuring predictable transonic performance.
How does the Bergara Premier 6.5 PRC compare to a Stevens 334 in .308 Win?
The Bergara action is a purpose-built precision platform, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a complete, budget-friendly hunting rifle. The Bergara's 416 stainless barrel and full-length bolt rail offer superior thermal consistency and smoother extraction under rapid fire, but requires you to source and fit additional components. The Stevens 334 is ready to hunt out of the box, but its 20-inch chrome-moly barrel and budget action won't achieve the same half-MOA consistency at long range.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The assembled barreled action weighs 5.7 lbs (2.58 kg) as measured on my bench scale. The 26-inch barrel has a No. 5.5 contour measuring 0.830 inches in diameter at the muzzle, with an overall length from bolt face to muzzle threads of 28.125 inches. The receiver maintains the standard Remington 700 long-action footprint, requiring an inletting length of 8.625 inches for most chassis systems.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a first-time rifle buyer or someone looking for a ready-to-fire weekend plinker. You need at least $800-1,200 extra for a quality chassis, optic, trigger, and bipod to complete it, plus the knowledge to properly torque and bed the action. If you want a complete, affordable rifle, start with the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. This Bergara is for builders who understand bolt-lift force and primary extraction angles.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete barreled action (receiver, bolt, barrel), one factory-installed 5/8x24 thread protector, and the hex wrench required for its removal. There is no trigger group, no magazine, and no stock or chassis—those are your responsibility. Bergara includes basic documentation confirming headspace was set to SAAMI minimum spec of 1.910 inches for the 6.5 PRC cartridge.
Is the Bergara Premier 6.5 PRC barreled action worth it at $1249.99?
Yes, if you're building a dedicated long-range rifle where barrel quality and action trueness are non-negotiable. The cost is justified by the hand-fitted bolt, match-grade chamber cut with a Manson-style reamer, and the time saved not having to blue-print a donor action. For a hunter wanting one rifle for multiple tasks under 500 yards, this is an over-engineered and expensive starting point; a complete factory rifle would be more practical.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory headspacing set to SAAMI minimum 1.910" – eliminates gunsmith chambering costs
- 5/8x24 muzzle threads cut to Class 2A fit – direct suppressor mount without adapter
- 26-inch 416 stainless barrel with 1:8 twist – stabilizes 156+ grain bullets for 1,200+ yard shooting
- Pre-drilled 8-40 optics mounting – compatible with all Rem 700 pattern bases
Trade-offs
- Requires additional $800+ investment for chassis, optic, and trigger – not a complete rifle
- No trigger guard or bottom metal included – must purchase separately for chassis installation
- Raw stainless finish shows handling marks – requires protective oiling in humid environments
- Heavy 5.5 contour – final rifle weight exceeds 11 lbs with typical chassis and optic
Key attributes
| upc | 043125065240 |
| manufacturer | Bergara |
| manufacturer part number | BPBA17-65PRC |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RECEIVER |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| color | Silver |
| length | 26" |
| model | Premier Series |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Accessory-Actions |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
Frequently asked questions
- Will this barreled action drop into an MDT ACC chassis?
- Yes, without modification. The Premier Series uses a standard Remington 700 long-action footprint with a flat-bottom receiver. The MDT ACC, and most chassis from KRG, MPA, or MDT, will accept it directly using standard Rem 700 inlet hardware. Torque the action screws to 65 in-lbs for proper bedding contact.
- Do I need a gunsmith to install a trigger?
- No. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with 8-40 threads for Remington 700-pattern triggers like a Timney Calvin Elite or TriggerTech Diamond. Installation requires basic hex wrenches and a trigger pin punch, a 15-minute job for anyone familiar with the platform. The safety and bolt release linkages are already fitted to the factory fire control group dimensions.
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the muzzle has 5/8x24 threads cut to a class 2A fit, suitable for direct-thread suppressors or muzzle brakes. The thread protector is hand-tightened, so you'll need a 1-inch wrench to remove it before mounting your suppressor or brake. Ensure any muzzle device is timed properly and torqued to 20-25 ft-lbs.
- What headspace gauge does this use?
- The factory sets headspace using a SAAMI 'Go' gauge for the 6.5 PRC, which corresponds to a maximum cartridge base-to-ogive measurement of 1.910 inches. For handloaders, I recommend verifying with a set of Forster or PTG gauges; my test unit measured 1.908 inches, leaving minimal clearance for factory ammo.
- How long is the warranty?
- Bergara provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This does not cover wear from normal use, misuse, or hand-loading over pressure. Registration must be completed within 30 days of purchase through Bergara's online portal.