Bergara B-14 Timber Review: Walnut Hunting Rifle in 6.5 CM

A walnut stock on a modern barrel and action is a deliberate compromise between looks, handling and field durability. Here is what that compromise costs.

The idea behind a Timber

Bolt-action hunting rifles have split into two camps over the last few decades. One camp builds rifles from weather-proof synthetic stocks, stainless steel and a no-nonsense attitude. The other camp keeps the walnut and blued steel look while using modern manufacturing for the parts that matter most for shooting, especially the barrel.

The Bergara B-14 Timber belongs in the second camp. By the listing, it is a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action with a walnut stock and a 4+1 magazine capacity. Bergara is known for the quality of its barrels, and the B-14 family is the platform it uses for a range of rifles, from lightweight hunters to heavier precision models. The Timber is the hunting-oriented, traditional-looking version.

What walnut gives you

• Handling. Wood has a feel many shooters prefer. It also dampens vibration pleasantly.
• Appearance. A figured walnut stock is attractive in a way synthetic stocks rarely match.
• A stable shooting platform. A well-bedded wood stock can support a rifle precisely.

What walnut costs you

• Moisture and temperature sensitivity. Wood absorbs and releases moisture. In a wet environment or with big temperature swings, it can change shape slightly, which can affect point of impact. Sealing the inletting and keeping the stock finished reduce the effect.
• Vulnerability to dings. Wood scratches and dents more readily than a synthetic stock. A hunter who treats rifles roughly will see it.
• Weight. Wood is often heavier than a modern synthetic, though the actual weight depends on the stock and barrel. Check Bergara's specifications.
• Maintenance. Occasional care with oil or finish extends the life of the stock.

None of this makes walnut a bad choice. It makes it a choice that rewards owners who take care of their rifles.

A modern barrel under a classic stock

The reason to pick this rifle over a traditional-looking competitor is the barrel. Bergara produces its own barrels, and the B-14 family gets a reputation for shooting well for its class. That said, accuracy always depends on the load, the optic, the shooter and the rest, and no rifle guarantees a result. Look at Bergara's published accuracy claims, if any, with the same skepticism you would apply to any other manufacturer's.

Scope mounting

B-14 rifles are generally described as using Remington 700-pattern scope bases, which means a huge range of bases and rings. Confirm the pattern with Bergara for your exact model before buying hardware. Choose a scope suited to your hunting: a 3-9x or 4-12x variable covers most North American hunting. Our network site GunOptics has a hunting scope setup guide.

The other option: Ruger Hawkeye Predator

If the walnut does not suit your use, a good point of comparison is the Ruger Hawkeye Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor. By the listing, it is a 24-inch-barreled bolt action with a green stock and stainless finish and a 4+1 capacity. Ruger's Hawkeye line is built around a controlled-round-feed action, a design with a long reputation for reliable feeding. Check Ruger's specifications to confirm the details for the Predator model.

Both are viable. The Timber suits an owner who enjoys the rifle as an object; the Predator suits one who prefers a tool. Neither is better in the abstract. The honest recommendation is to handle both and check the fit.

What to inspect when it arrives

1. Stock fit. Check for gaps between the stock and the action. Wood stocks can show uneven finish.
2. Action. The bolt should run smoothly. If it feels rough, contact the seller before use.
3. Trigger. Learn how it works and how the safety functions before loading.
4. Magazine. It should seat and release cleanly.
5. Bases. Confirm they fit the action before mounting a scope.

For an introduction to how these actions work, see our bolt-action explainer.

Ammunition and hunting

6.5 Creedmoor is used for deer-sized game in many states, but cartridge and bullet rules vary by state, species and season. Use expanding bullets built for game, not practice ammunition. Our network site BuyMoreAmmo has a guide to 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition. Confirm requirements with your state wildlife agency before the season, since rules are updated regularly.

Other B-14 models

If the Timber is not quite right, the B-14 family includes models aimed at different jobs. Our network site MatchGrade has a comparison of the Timber, HMR and Premier Highlander that helps choose between them.

Caring for a walnut stock

A wooden stock rewards simple, regular care.

• Wipe off moisture after wet use, especially around the action and the barrel channel.
• Keep the finish intact. A scratched or worn finish lets moisture in. Touch up according to the stock maker's guidance.
• Check the screws. Wood shifts with humidity, and action screws that loosen can change point of impact. Tighten them to the torque in Bergara's manual.
• Store the rifle in a stable environment. Large swings in temperature and humidity are what move wood.
• Avoid cases that trap moisture for long-term storage.

Consistent care makes the difference between a stock that stays stable for years and one that needs attention each season.

Zeroing and load testing

Rifles with good barrels reward careful load selection.

1. Start with a quality, consistent load. Match the bullet type to your game.
2. Shoot groups from a stable rest. Let the barrel cool between groups.
3. Record the results. Note the load, distance, conditions and group size.
4. Try more than one bullet. Different bullets can behave differently from the same rifle.
5. Confirm your zero from field positions before the season.

This is general guidance, not a promise about how a particular rifle will perform. Individual rifles vary.

Which to choose if hunting conditions are demanding

If you hunt in wet, cold or brushy conditions, a synthetic stock and a corrosion-resistant finish simplify your life. The Ruger Hawkeye Predator listing combines a green stock with stainless steel, which makes that conversation easier. If you hunt in dry, moderate conditions and enjoy tending equipment, walnut makes sense. Either one needs a good optic, a good sling and practice, and neither will do the shooting for you.

It also helps to separate the rifle from the cartridge. 6.5 Creedmoor shoots the same whichever stock it sits in, and the hunting rules about cartridge and bullet type do not depend on the stock. Check your state wildlife agency for current regulations before you choose a load.

Who should buy the Timber

• Hunters who want a classic look and a good barrel.
• Owners who will maintain the stock.
• Shooters who value a refined handling feel.

Who should look elsewhere

• Hunters in wet, rough or very cold conditions. A synthetic stock tolerates it better.
• Buyers who want the lightest possible rifle. Check weights.
• Shooters who want a value-oriented route into a hunting rifle. The Howa versus Savage comparison covers two entry-level options.

Bottom line

The Timber is a handsome, capable hunting rifle for people who like wood and are prepared to look after it. If you want a rifle you can ignore, the Predator or another synthetic is easier to live with. Either one transfers through a licensed FFL, and checking the rules for your state and locality is on you.

Editorial note: This is an independent editorial overview built from manufacturer specifications and publicly available information. We have not performed hands-on testing of the products discussed, and nothing here is a performance guarantee. Verify specifications, compatibility and legality for your own situation.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.