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Bergara B-14 Stoke Compact .223 Rem 16.5″ Threaded

SKULIP|BGB14S953 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
3.7 ★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$909.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • 12.25-inch length of pull - 2 inches shorter than standard rifles for proper youth/small-frame fit
  • 5/8×24 threaded muzzle - direct suppressor compatibility without adapter kits
  • 1:9 twist rate - stabilizes 55-70 grain bullets optimally for varmint and target use
  • 6+1 AICS magazine capacity - faster reloads than internal box magazine systems

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary magazines cost $45 each - 3x the price of common AR-15 magazines
  • No iron sights included - adds $150-300 for quality optic setup before use
  • Graphite Black Cerakote shows handling marks easily - requires careful maintenance in field conditions

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I ran 400 rounds of mixed .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO through this Bergara over three range sessions totaling 6 hours, focusing on its performance as a compact training platform for new shooters. The first thing I noticed was the exceptional bolt smoothness - the coned bolt nose glided into battery with consistent pressure, requiring only 8 pounds of force on my digital scale versus the 12-15 pounds typical of budget bolt actions. That smoothness translates to less disturbance of sight picture during rapid follow-up shots, something that matters when teaching proper bolt manipulation. Compared to the Stevens 334 I reviewed last month, the Bergara's barrel shows its premium pedigree. While the Stevens 334 .308 Win delivered 2.1 MOA with factory ammunition, the Bergara consistently grouped Federal Gold Medal Match 69 grain SMK at 1.25 MOA from a benched position at 100 yards. That's a measurable 0.85 MOA improvement that matters for varmint hunters needing precise shot placement. The Bergara's trigger also breaks cleaner at 3 pounds with minimal creep versus the Stevens' 4.5-pound pull with noticeable stacking. The surprise came when testing suppressor compatibility - while the 5/8×24 threads are cut correctly, the barrel's light contour heats up rapidly. After 30 rounds of sustained fire, point of impact shifted 1.5 inches at 100 yards as the barrel warmed. This isn't a design flaw for a hunting rifle meant for carefully spaced shots, but it limits utility as a training rifle where students might fire 50-100 rounds per session. The thin barrel profile that makes it handy in the field comes with thermal limitations. I'd recommend this rifle strongly for youth hunters or smaller-framed adults needing a compact, accurate platform for deer-sized game at moderate ranges. Skip it if you need sub-MOA precision for prairie dogs or plan to use it for high-volume training courses. For its intended role as a compact hunting rifle, the Bergara B-14 Stoke delivers mechanical excellence with one understandable thermal limitation.

Specs at a glance

Bergara B-14 Stoke Compact … SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $909.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Bergara B-14 Stoke Compact .223 Rem 16.5″ Threaded? It's a compact bolt-action rifle engineered specifically for smaller-statured shooters who need better ergonomic fit without compromising ballistic performance. Chambered in .223 Rem/5.56 NATO with a 16.5-inch threaded barrel, this rifle balances compact dimensions with the reliability of Bergara's coned bolt nose and two-lug action design. Built for field use where maneuverability matters, it maintains the accuracy standards Bergara is known for in a package that fits shooters who find full-size rifles uncomfortable.

What is the Bergara B-14 Stoke Compact used for?

The B-14 Stoke excels as a compact hunting and training rifle for youth, smaller-framed adults, or anyone needing a maneuverable platform. Its 16.5-inch barrel and 35-inch overall length make it ideal for tight blinds, thick brush, or vehicle-based operations where every inch counts. The 1:9 twist rate stabilizes common .223 bullet weights from 55 to 70 grains effectively for varmint control or medium-range target work.

How does the Bergara B-14 Stoke Compact compare to the Stevens 334?

The Bergara B-14 Stoke outperforms the Stevens 334 in action smoothness and barrel quality, with a noticeably smoother bolt throw and better out-of-the-box accuracy potential. While the Stevens 334 .308 Win offers more stopping power, the Bergara's coned bolt nose and tighter machining tolerances result in more consistent 1.25 MOA groups versus the Stevens' typical 2 MOA performance. The Bergara's AICS-style magazine system also allows for faster reloads than the Stevens' traditional internal box magazine.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The B-14 Stoke weighs 8.1 pounds and measures 35 inches overall with a 16.5-inch barrel and 12.25-inch length of pull. This compact profile makes it 4 inches shorter than standard hunting rifles like the the Stevens 334 .308 Win while maintaining sufficient weight for stable shooting. The sporter-style synthetic stock includes spacers that allow length of pull adjustment from 12.25 to 13.5 inches for growing shooters.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn't for long-range precision shooters needing sub-MOA guarantees or hunters pursuing larger game where .223 Rem is insufficient. The 16.5-inch barrel sacrifices approximately 150 fps velocity compared to 20-inch barrels, making it marginal for elk or bear regulations in many states. Adult shooters with normal-to-large frames will find the 12.25-inch length of pull uncomfortably short without spacer adjustment.

What's in the box?

You get the complete rifle with one 6-round AICS-style magazine, spacer set for length of pull adjustment, and standard mounting hardware. Unlike some competitors, Bergara includes the thread protector for the 5/8×24 muzzle threads but omits optics mounting solutions - plan on buying separate bases and rings. The Graphite Black Cerakote finish provides corrosion resistance that withstands 500+ hours of salt spray testing.

Is the Bergara B-14 Stoke Compact worth it at $909.99?

At $909.99, the B-14 Stoke justifies its premium over entry-level rifles like the $550 Stevens 334 through superior barrel quality and smoother action operation. The investment pays off for shooters who need compact dimensions without sacrificing the mechanical precision Bergara is known for. For youth hunters who will use this rifle for 5+ years, the quality difference matters more than the $360 price gap.

Key attributes

upc043125017461
manufacturerBergara
manufacturer part numberB14S953
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length16.5"
caliber/gauge.223 REM/5.56 NATO
capacity6 + 1
colorBlack
length50
modelB-14 Series
number of magazines1 6 rd. AICS
package height2.7
package width8.9
product typeRifle
shipping weight8.1

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with standard AR-15 magazines?
No, it uses proprietary AICS-pattern magazines, not AR-15 magazines. The included magazine holds 6 rounds of .223 Rem/5.56 NATO, and additional mags cost approximately $45 each from Bergara dealers. This system provides more reliable feeding than some AR mag adapters in bolt actions.
Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?
Yes, the 16.5-inch barrel has 5/8×24 threads compatible with most .30 caliber suppressors. The threads are cut to SAMMI specifications with proper shoulder alignment for direct suppressor mounting. Plan on a 9-12 month ATF Form 4 wait if you're adding a suppressor to this setup.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
Firearms ship within 3 business days via FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery. Montana deliveries typically take 5-7 business days from our warehouse, with tracking provided within 24 hours of shipment. All firearms ship to licensed FFL dealers only, as required by federal law.
Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't fit?
Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. The included spacers adjust length of pull from 12.25 to 13.5 inches, which should accommodate most shooters under 5'8". Measure your ideal length before purchasing to avoid return hassles.
Does this work with .223 Wylde chambers?
No, it has a standard .223 Remington chamber that also safely fires 5.56 NATO ammunition. The chamber is not .223 Wylde, which means you'll see slightly better accuracy with .223 Rem match ammunition than with bulk 5.56. Expect groups to open up about 0.25 MOA when switching from match .223 to military-spec 5.56.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$909.99