BERETTA BRX-1 WALNUT

Beretta really caused a storm with its new linear bolt action rifle in the guise of the BRX-1 especially at the price point of £1600. Compared to some straight pull rifles it seemed remarkably cheap but was it any good? Bruce Potts finds out.

Time has moved on since its introduction three years ago as its original form with polymer stock only configuration has proved very popular not only in Europe but the UK also. It’s a reliable, very capable stalking rifle that shoots factory and reloads without trouble and has proven to give many a straight pull adversary a good run for its money. No surprise then that a walnut stock version should emerge for lovers of wood stocked rifles of which there are still many around, me included.

The warmth and tactile nature of a walnut stock is still better than a plastic one and if you keep it oiled and clean then is a polymer stock really any better? But its only available as an upgrade option i.e. you have to buy the synthetic model and then buy either a grade 2 or 3 walnut stock for £365 and £715 respectively. Really the BRX-1 was designed for driven hunts that are so popular abroad where a fast second or third shot at running game is advantageous. Less so in the UK granted but that is not a reason to ignore the BRX-1s good handling characteristics and good build quality it is a Beretta after all. Most shooters don’t like change but many think they need that fast action for a second shot or just like something a bit different. Rifle on test is priced at £1600 plus £715 for the grade 3 walnut upgrade and available from GMK.

SPECIFICATION

Straight pull rifles that require a non-pivoting movement of the bolt to operate have always been popular in Europe due to their speed which is beneficial to their style of driven game. This BRX-1 model has been well thought out with some nice features to boast the specifications which an interchangeable barrel system for quick calibre change, pre-set three trigger weight options, an 8-lug rotating bolt (16 for magnum calibres) for maximum strength, and a very handy reversible ambidextrous linear bolt handle. If that was not enough safety features include the cocker/ decocker three position safety, integral Picatinny scope rail, detachable Hi Viz magazine and of course that all important optional oil finished walnut two-piece stock on this test rifle. It’s quite a different rifle to look at and use with features just bristly over at every inch. I suppose the stock which is the newest features is where we shall start and I personally much prefer it to the polymer versions. Yes, polymer is tough and more wear and scratch resistant granted and keeps the wet out so is probably a better bet for serious deer stalking. But a good walnut stock balances the rifle so but better as it is slightly heavy and more weight distributed than the polymer version. It feels a lot nicer to handle and if you scratch it so what the oil finish is used for top ups of oil and small scratches can revive a stock in no time at all. But remember it is an additional upgrade and cost. It is made in two sections to fit into the modular action design and available as stated in standard grade two or grade three walnut on test today and I dare say upgrades will be on the way too with regard to better figuring and grain pattern. But as such this model has a very good overall colour with some interesting darker grain to the butt stock particularly and a nice rubbed oil finish that is so practical in real use I believe. The forend is tapers to the tip end and has a long-scalloped grove t the upper edge to achieve a better grip with the supporting fingers. Th rear section of the stock is neutral in orientation with no cast and a gentle raising comb that forms a cheekpiece to the top. Its built like that to facilitate the ambidextrous nature of this BRX-1 model. You also have some very fine cut checkering to both the pistol grip and underneath of the forend only which is adequate for additional grip. Length of pull is 14.25 inches which can be adjusted using ½ inch plastic spacers as desired. Overall, I like the stock it has a very comfortable and effortless approach to handling which makes it a natural to shoulder and bring into the aim, I guess Beretta have had a good few years perfecting this with their shotguns! We mentioned modular design and for this linear action it makes sense a s everything is key to the action or receiver section. It is central to all the pivotal parts of the BRX-1 The upper section of the action is primarily all bolt assembly with a plastic shroud cover and bottom half that runs on twin parallel rails inset either side of the action. It can be easily removed via a single release catch to the left when depressed thus allows easy access to clean the barrel. With it removed and integral to the bolt carrier is the large stainless steel 8 lug rotating bolt head that engages when fully forward into the rear of the barrels chamber and abutments. It’s very fast and positive and gives a tremendously safe lock up whilst regarding only a small degree of rotation to unlock and thus the fast bolt movement.

“I WOULD TAKE THIS STALKING IN ALL WEATHERS...THE CHASSIS SYSTEM IS PRETTY IMPERVIOUS TO CLIMATIC CONDITIONS.”

A small inset extractor is all that is needed for case removal and ejection is courtesy of the sprung plunger in the bolt face. Very cleverly the whole bolt head can be reversed so cases are ejected from either side of the action as when the bolt is fully retracted the whole action is basically open from left to right unlike a conventional bolt action. Unusually the movement rearward of the bolt comes from its static bolt handle as some other makers use a pivoting bolt handle to initiate the bolt operation.

The BRX-1 is truly linear you very easily just pull back on the bolt handle and then forward and it makes the BRX-1 feel a lot more assured as it is either locked or not, so no mistakes in the field. I much prefer this system in truth.

This bolt handle also holds another neat function as it can be cleverly deployed via a single push button released to the left side of the bolt carrier making this rifle truing ambidextrous.

At the rear of the bolt is the three-position sliding safety catch which is sometimes called a cocker/decocker system as it has 3 positions, position 1 (top most) is to shoot with the rifle cocked and ready, position 2 locks the trigger but the bolt is still free to travel for safe loading and unloading and position 3 has both the trigger and bolt locked. Its actually in a good position and a lot easier to use than some similar competitors’ models.

Next is the all-important trigger mechanism possessing three pre -set weight settings from 950 to 1,500 grams, this was set at 1355 grams (2.98lbs) when tested broke at 2lbs and 1oz very cleanly. Rather like a semi-automatic shotgun the whole trigger unit easily slides out of the bottom of the action via one lifting catch for cleaning or storage rendering the gun safe. Forward of the trigger is the Hi Viz or day glo release buttons and sides to the five shot double stack polymer magazine. Easy to remove and replace and its red internals been it will never be lost.

Last but no means least is the 22.5-inch barrel of sporter proportions with a muzzle diameter of 16mm and thread of 14mmx1 metric for sound moderator usage. In this 6.5 CM calibre it has a hunter friendly non-reflective matt blued finish.

Again, Beretta have sort to make the BRX-1 adaptable with its easily removal barrel system from the chassis via two vertical Allen bolts that attach up through the lower chassis allowing a swift calibre change if desired. This makes changing calibres a breeze and adding to the versatility of usage against differing game. With no action top as such scope mounting has been provided by a long cantilevered Picatinny rail that projects over the top of the action without contact and is sturdy without movement.

CONCLUSIONS

I prefer this model to the synthetic one largely due to the better weight distribution of the walnut stock plus to me it looks a lot better.

I would take this stalking in all weathers and not worry about it as the chassis system is pretty impervious to climatic conditions. Accuracy too from the BRX1 was very competent and although I am not a big straight pull or linear bolt fan I have to say this Beretta handles and shoots remarkably well it’s up to your customers if they want to pay extra for the walnut upgrade?

UK DISTRIBUTOR

GMK

01489 579 999

sales@gmk.co.uk

www.gmk.co.uk