Bergara does offer left handed rifles, and many of these models can be purchased with factory-installed scopes or scope-ready configurations. While their lineup is more limited compared to right handed options, Bergara recognizes the needs of left handed shooters and provides quality firearms tailored to them, often including options that come pre-fitted with scopes or designed for easy scope mounting.
Background on Bergara Rifles
Bergara is a Spanish firearms manufacturer renowned for producing precision hunting and tactical rifles. Founded in 2006, Bergara quickly gained a reputation for high-quality barrels and accurate rifles at competitive prices. Their product range includes bolt-action rifles widely favored by hunters, marksmen, and competitive shooters.
The brand is especially known for its commitment to accuracy, utilizing cold hammer-forged barrels and rigorous quality control. Bergara rifles are offered in various configurations and calibers, often designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of shooters, including left handed users.
Left Handed Rifles in Bergara’s Lineup
Left handed rifles are essential for shooters who find right handed actions uncomfortable or impractical. Bergara offers left handed versions primarily in their popular B-14 series. For example, the Bergara B-14 HMR (Hunting and Match Rifle) and the Bergara B-14 Ridge are available in left handed models.
These rifles feature left handed bolt actions, meaning the bolt handle is on the left side, allowing left handed shooters to operate the rifle more naturally and efficiently. The left handed rifles maintain the same build quality and barrel technology as their right handed counterparts.
Scope Options and Compatibility
Bergara rifles generally come in three scope-related configurations:
- Factory Scoped Models: Some Bergara rifles are sold as complete packages with a scope pre-installed and zeroed at the factory. This is more common in their hunting models.
- Scope-Ready Models: Many Bergara rifles come with pre-drilled and tapped receivers to accept scope mounts, allowing shooters to add their preferred optics.
- Custom Scope Mounting: Due to the standardization of receiver designs, most Bergara rifles can be fitted with aftermarket scope bases, rings, and mounts without difficulty.
Left handed Bergara rifles follow the same approach. While factory-scoped left handed models are less common than right handed ones, the rifles are designed for straightforward scope mounting. The receivers are drilled and tapped in standard configurations, making it easy to install scopes tailored for left handed shooters.
How Left Handed Bergara Rifles Work
The primary difference between left and right handed rifles is the orientation of the bolt and ejection port. In left handed Bergara rifles:
- The bolt handle is on the left side, allowing the shooter to cycle the action with their left hand without changing grip position.
- The ejection port is on the left, ejecting spent cartridges away from the shooter’s face.
- The safety and magazine release are typically mirrored to be ergonomically accessible to left handed shooters.
This design enhances comfort, speed, and safety for left handed users, especially in hunting or tactical situations where quick follow-up shots may be necessary.
How to Choose the Right Left Handed Bergara Rifle with Scope
Selecting a left handed Bergara rifle with a scope involves several considerations:
- Purpose: Determine whether you need the rifle for hunting, target shooting, or tactical use. Bergara’s B-14 HMR is often favored for precision shooting, while the Ridge is tailored for hunting.
- Caliber: Bergara offers various calibers; choose one suited to your game or shooting discipline.
- Scope Type: Decide if you want a factory-installed scope or prefer to mount your own. Factory scopes offer convenience but might limit customization.
- Budget: Left handed rifles with scopes tend to be pricier due to lower production volume and added optics. Factor this into your decision.
- Ergonomics: Ensure the rifle’s stock and controls fit your shooting style and physical dimensions.
Visiting a dealer to handle left handed Bergara rifles and test different scope setups can be invaluable.
Common Problems and Solutions with Left Handed Rifles
Left handed rifles, including those from Bergara, can sometimes present challenges due to their relative rarity:
- Availability: Left handed models are produced in smaller quantities, which can lead to limited stock and longer wait times.
- Scope Mounting: While Bergara rifles come scope-ready, some scopes and mounts designed for right handed rifles may not be ideal for left handed setups. Choosing ambidextrous or left handed scope mounts can solve this.
- Aftermarket Support: Some aftermarket accessories are less common for left handed rifles, but most standard mounts and optics can be adapted.
- Price Premium: Left handed rifles typically cost more due to specialized manufacturing; budgeting accordingly is important.
Many of these issues can be mitigated by working with experienced dealers and gunsmiths who understand left handed firearm needs.
Comparisons with Other Brands
Bergara is not alone in offering left handed rifles, but its combination of accuracy, price, and build quality makes it competitive. Other brands with strong left handed offerings include:
- Remington: Known for a wide range of left handed rifles, often with factory scopes.
- Browning: Offers left handed versions of popular hunting rifles with quality optics options.
- Tikka: Provides left handed models with excellent barrels and scope-ready receivers.
- Ruger: Manufactures affordable left handed rifles, some with bundled scopes.
Compared to these, Bergara rifles are often praised for their barrel quality and accuracy, while some competitors might have broader left handed availability or more factory scope packages.
Costs and Availability
Left handed Bergara rifles typically cost more than right handed versions due to lower production volume and specialized manufacturing processes. Prices for a left handed B-14 series rifle generally range from $900 to $1,600 depending on model and features.
Factory scoped models, when available, may add several hundred dollars to the price. Scope-ready rifles allow buyers to select optics that fit their budget, from affordable hunting scopes to premium precision optics.
Availability varies by region and dealer. Left handed models may need to be special ordered or purchased through dealers with access to Bergara’s full inventory.
Safety Considerations for Left Handed Shooters
Using a rifle designed for your dominant hand improves safety by minimizing awkward handling. For left handed shooters, a left handed Bergara rifle helps:
- Keep the action and ejection port away from the face, preventing hot brass from hitting the shooter.
- Allow faster and more natural bolt cycling, reducing the chance of fumbling in critical moments.
- Ensure safety switches and controls are easily accessible and intuitive.
Always follow standard firearm safety rules, and confirm the rifle is designed for left handed use before purchase.
Alternatives to Bergara Left Handed Rifles with Scopes
If Bergara’s left handed rifle options or factory scope packages don’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Buy a Left Handed Rifle and Add Your Own Scope: Many Bergara rifles are scope-ready, so you can purchase a left handed rifle and customize your optics separately.
- Explore Other Brands: As mentioned, Remington, Browning, Tikka, and Ruger offer left handed rifles, some with factory scopes.
- Custom Gunsmithing: Some gunsmiths can convert right handed rifles or fit custom scopes to left handed rifles, though this may increase cost.
- Opt for Ambidextrous Rifles: Certain tactical-style rifles have ambidextrous features that work well for left handed shooters.
Choosing the right alternative depends on your intended use, budget, and preference for factory vs. custom setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bergara make left handed rifles for all their models?
No, Bergara primarily offers left handed configurations in select models like the B-14 series. Not all Bergara models have left handed versions.
Can I buy a Bergara left handed rifle with a scope already installed?
Yes, some left handed Bergara rifles come factory scoped or as part of a package, but these are less common than right handed versions. Many are sold scope-ready for user customization.
Are left handed Bergara rifles more expensive?
Typically, yes. Left handed rifles usually carry a price premium due to smaller production runs and specialized manufacturing.
Can I mount any scope on a left handed Bergara rifle?
Most scopes and mounts are compatible with left handed Bergara rifles, but you may want to choose mounts designed for left handed ejection and bolt operation for optimal ergonomics.
How do I know if a Bergara rifle is truly left handed?
A left handed Bergara rifle will have the bolt handle and ejection port on the left side. The manufacturer and dealer should clearly specify the action orientation.
Are there any special maintenance tips for left handed rifles?
Maintenance is similar to right handed rifles, but be mindful when disassembling the bolt and action to follow left handed-specific instructions if provided.
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