Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
The Bergara BMR-X Steel brings a big-rifle feel and competition-ready precision to the rimfire world. Built around the trusted Bergara Micro Rimfire action, the BMR-X Steel features a heavy #6 contour barrel, a vertical grip composite stock, and a match chamber with tight tolerances. Available in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, this rifle blends accuracy, ergonomics, and suppressor compatibility to create a versatile rimfire platform. Whether you’re chasing steel in NRL22 matches or hunting varmints on the farm, the BMR-X will get the job done.
Table of contents
Bergara BMR-X Steel Specifications:
- Barrel: No. 6 Heavy 4140 CrMo Steel
- Thread Pitch: 1/2 x 28
- Stock: Bergara BMR-X Composite Stock
- Calibers: .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR
- Trigger: Bergara Performance Trigger (Externally Adjustable)
- Rail: 30 MOA Included
- Magazine: 5 and 10 Round BMR Magazines
- Weight: Starting at 6.6 lbs
- MSRP: Starting at $719
BMR-X Steel Out of the Box
The rifle came securely packed with both a 5-round and 10-round BMR magazine, an owner’s manual, three length-of-pull spacers, and the factory-installed 30 MOA rail.
I then immediately topped it off with a Vortex Venom 3-15×44 scope and added a SilencerCo Warlock II suppressor. That combination turned it into a rimfire setup that’s both capable and ridiculously fun to shoot. The rifle balances well with a suppressor out front, and the weight of the barrel helps steady your shots without being cumbersome.
Stock and Ergonomics
Bergara’s BMR-X stock draws inspiration from their full-size BXR precision rifle chassis, but in a more budget-friendly composite version. The stock features a vertical grip that promotes natural wrist alignment and control. This is especially helpful when shooting from bags or improvised positions. The flat forend offers a wide surface to rest on barriers or natural supports like tree limbs, and it’s ideal for building stable shooting positions.
The splatter camo finish not only looks good but also adds a bit of extra tactile texture. Molded-in grip panels on the forend and around the pistol grip give just enough bite to provide a non-slip feel. The stock includes forward and rear sling swivel studs, as well as four metal QD sling mounts. Two on each side for a flexible, low-profile sling setup.
Three length-of-pull spacers are included, and I kept all of them in during testing. The fit felt dialed in for my frame, and the adjustability ensures it can be tailored to younger shooters or those with shorter reach.
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Action
One of the most pleasant surprises on the BMR-X was the bolt. For a rimfire rifle, it has impressively tight tolerances and a relatively smooth action. The bolt handle is well-shaped and textured with a knurled finish. I found it easy to cycle quickly. I also appreciated that the bolt can be operated while the rifle is on safe. This is useful when clearing a round or unloading safely.
The BMR-X also includes a 30 MOA top rail, which is awesome, and especially so for NRL competition. However, the spacing on the rail isn’t standard, making it impossible to run one-piece scope mounts. While this isn’t an issue for two-piece scope mounts, it is still frustrating. It also meant that when I moved a scope with a two-piece mount from one rifle to this one, I also had to slide one of the rings back to get the proper spacing.
The last piece of advice is that a taller scope mount may be required. I had clearance issues with my long-bodied Razor 6-36. Utilizing a low mount ended up causing the scope to hit the barrel and required a taller mount. No big deal, but just something to be aware of.
Magazine System
The BMR magazine system is functional, and I had no feeding issues during testing, but I did run into one unexpected flaw. The release button for the magazine’s bottom plate is overly large and too easy to press accidentally. In one instance, the mag bottom separated mid-use and spilled apart. That’s not something you want happening during a match or while chasing varmints. On a more positive note, the mag locks in tight. Also, the release lever is easy to actuate without needing to shift your shooting hand.
Trigger on the BMR-X
The Bergara Performance Trigger is one of the standout features of this rifle. Mine came set between 1.5 and 2 lbs from the factory with no takeup and a clean, crisp break. However, this is under the 2.8-4.4lb adjustment range it is supposed to have per the owner’s manual. So it is sensitive, but I like a light trigger for precision shooting. It’s externally adjustable via a set screw, but I kept it where it was. For a rifle at this price point, this crisp trigger performance is impressive.
Barrel
The #6 heavy barrel plays a major role in this rifle’s stability and performance. Constructed from 4140 chromoly steel and threaded 1/2 x 28, it offers plenty of weight up front for building a steady shooting position. It’s also ready to accept suppressors, brakes, or barrel tuners.
Though it’s heavier than many .22s, that’s kind of the point. At 6.6 lbs (unscoped), this rifle isn’t a featherweight, but it gives you the kind of balance and recoil-dampening you want in a match gun where first-shot hits matter. The tight match chamber also pays off in the accuracy department, and I didn’t experience any ammo-related hiccups throughout my testing.
Precision
Throughout this review, I was able to put a variety of rounds through this rifle. Most of the ammunition used was supplied by Ammuntiontogo.com. They are the official ammo sponsor for this review and offer a wide selection of competitively priced ammunition. They have quick shipping and an easy-to-use website. Go check them out!
The BMR-X Steel was built with accuracy in mind. With my Vortex Venom dialed in and using match-grade ammo, I had no problem printing sub-MOA 5-round groups at 50 yards. While some people just shoot 3-round groups and call it a day, I feel like 5-round groups give a better representation of how a rifle performs. Even with standard bulk ammo, the rifle cycled well, and I could hit steel at a distance. For rimfire competition or small game hunting, this rifle is more than capable of making clean, ethical hits.
The best performer was the Eley 40gr Match, which achieved a 0.67 MOA group. The Eley 40gr Tenex and CCI also performed well with groups both under 1 MOA. See below for a table and image detailing my results:
| Ammunition Type | Average Velocity (FPS) | Extreme Spread (FPS) | Standard Deviation (FPS) | 5-Round Group Size (MOA) |
| Aguila 40gr Super Extra | 1223.8 | 72.3 | 23.3 | 1.81 |
| CCI 40gr Pistol Match | 1079.4 | 21.1 | 7.0 | 0.97 |
| Eley 40gr Tenex | 1094.4 | 5.7 | 2.0 | 0.79 |
| Eley 42gr Benchrest Outlaw | 1111.4 | 10.0 | 3.5 | 1.17 |
| Eley 40gr Match | 1122.3 | 16.2 | 5.6 | 0.67 |
Performance
During this review, I ran around 7 different types of ammunition. While each type grouped differently, they all fed without issue. Some of the more premium ammunition required more force downwards on the bolt to chamber the round. The cheaper box ammo, however, seemed to feed even smoother. The only issue I had with jamming was when I was trying to run the rifle fast, and I didn’t pull the bolt to the rear to eject the spent casing. Whenever I consciously ran the bolt correctly, the casings all ejected as they should, and all rounds fed well.
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Final Thoughts
The Bergara BMR-X Steel gets many things very right. It delivers full-size rifle ergonomics in a rimfire platform, blends fun and function, and comes suppressor-ready out of the box. The bolt is good, the trigger is excellent, and the accuracy is exactly what you’d hope for in a rifle made for precision plinking and NRL22-style competition. My only real complaint is with the magazine takedown button being too easily pressed. Otherwise, this rifle performed exceptionally well and was truly a great deal of fun to shoot. There is nothing quite like a precise 22 that I can shoot at a distance or smoke tiny targets all day long.
With an MSRP starting at $719 and street pricing often lower, the BMR-X Steel punches well above its weight class in terms of performance. For shooters looking to step into the rimfire precision world or just have a blast with an accurate suppressed .22, it’s a fantastic option.
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Mitchell Graf is a dedicated hunter, competitive shooter, and firearms enthusiast. As a former instructor and president of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team, he has a strong foundation in marksmanship and competition shooting. These days, he spends as much time as possible chasing pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermal optics.
When he’s not in the field or on the range, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer in the Aerospace and Defense industry and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether he’s behind a rifle, designing parts, or working the land, his drive for precision and performance remains the same.
Experience:
– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time professional in the Aerospace/Defense industry.
– Competitive Shooter & Instructor – Former President and Instructor of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team.
– Night Vision & Thermal Hunter – Passionate about night time predator and hog hunting.
– Part-Time Farmer – Working to provide for my family, and raise food for this great nation.
Barrel length??
Can you stretch the spring on the magazine release to cause it to be harder to press?