At SHOT Show 2025, Watchtower Firearms launched a bolt-action hunting rifle with a unique twist, called the Bridger.
This rifle is named after American frontiersman and explorer, Jim Bridger and is basically a high-end hunting rifle with a few special features and the implementation of some different barrel technology.
Though, things are never really this simple, are they?
What Makes Bridger Unique?
Going into a bit more detail, the Bridger uses a stainless steel, structured barrel that is sleeved with titanium. This has a number of benefits that include increased structural rigidity, improved thermal transfer, and decreased weight.
I am familiar with aluminum and carbon fiber-sleeved barrels, but this is the first titanium-sleeved barrel that I’ve seen. Aluminum transfers heat better than titanium, and carbon fiber transfers heat worse.
With this information, you would assume aluminum is the best choice, but titanium has improved dimensional stability when compared to aluminum.
This means that titanium does not expand and contract much when temperatures fluctuate, but aluminum does. This may be an important factor in shot-to-shot consistency.
High-End Construction
The Bridger features a carbon fiber McMillan Mountain Tracker rifle stock. This stock keeps the rifle system light and provides different mounting point options for tripods and bipods with integrated ARCA and Picatinny rail segments.
A few other great components include a Timney Hunter Elite trigger, Hawkins Precision Long Action Magnum magazine, and some sturdy coatings on the bolt and barreled action.
Specifications and Features
- Caliber: 7mm PRC
- Barrel Type: Stainless Titanium Hybrid
- Barrel Length: 22 in. (560 mm)
- Twist Rate: 1:8 RH
- Rifling: 5R
- Muzzle: Threaded 5/8-24 tpi
- Action Type: Long Action
- Receiver: Stainless Steel
- Bolt: Graphite PVD
- Safety: Timney 2-Position
- Fire Control Group: Timney – Curved Hunter Elite Trigger
- Base: 3” Arca Swiss Rail and 3.5” Picatinny Mount Plates
- Stock: McMillan Mountain Tracker (Carbon Fiber)
- Magazine Type: Hawkins Precision Long Action Magnum
- Overall Length: 43.6 in.
- Dry Weight (Without Magazine): 6.8 lbs. (3.1 kg)
- Finish: Cerakote H-series (H-235)
- Items Included
- Watchtower Soft Rifle Case
- Lifetime Warranty Card
- 1x Hawkins Precision Long Action Magnum Magazine
- 1x Rifle Lock
- MSRP: $6,499.00
A Great Option
Bridger is only available in 7mm PRC at the moment, which also means that there is no short action model. The 7mm PRC is a fantastic all-around cartridge for hunting.
Whether you are shooting deer, elk, predators, or moose, it is more than capable of ethically taking them down at various ranges. The fit, finish, and design of this rifle are superb, but I do not have hands-on experience with any Watchtower firearms.
With the sub-MOA accuracy guarantee and lifetime warranty that they offer, it is obvious that Watchtower Firearms is confident in its products. I hope to be getting this one in for review in the future, so watch for the full review here on GunsAmerica.
Learn more about Bridger here.
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is an avid and experienced hunter, shooter, outdoorsman, and he’s worked in the backcountry guiding for an outfitter. He also get’s a lot of enjoyment out of building or customizing his firearms and equipment. Check out Riley’s Instagram @Shooter300
Yet one more “gold-plated” rifle. You forgot to mention the combination of materials in this rifle are collectively referred to as “unobtainium”… at least by the unprivileged masses.
I would be concerned about the machining done to the internal barrel. Alot of stress is introduced by that kind of machining unless they stress relieve afterward.