#117 - Backcountry Mountain Rifles with Tony Smotherman of Bergara Rifles

I’ve been on the hunt for a lightweight mountain rifle for a few years now and just recently learned of Bergara Rifles USA after a friend said I should check them out. I looked them up and reached out to learn more and the next thing I knew, I was on the phone with Tony Smotherman talking about the Bergara backstory. Since this is a backpacking podcast, I think we’re due for an episode regarding a backpacking-friendly mountain rifle. That’s exactly what the Bergara Premier Series Mountain Rifle 2.0 is. It’s light, durable, and comes in a number of popular hunting calibers.This episode might be focused on getting to know Bergara and what they do best, but I think it’s more than that. Tony shares his personal story of how he got into the outdoors and I think it’s something a lot of people can relate to.This is what I love about this podcast. I can cover something as simple as a backcountry rifle and the company that makes it while simultaneously driving home the idea that we all have something in common, regardless of where we are from and what we do in the backcountry.For those backcountry hunters out there listening, you’ll FOR SURE want to check out Bergara after this episode. And for those non-hunters, I think you’ll still enjoy the episode from the perspective of learning about other outdoor cultures.Show Notes and LinksIntroduction to Tony and Bergara FirearmsBackstory on Tony SmothermanHow and why Tony got into the outdoor industryLearning to chase your dreams and goalsGetting to know Bergara Firearms and their backstoryBergara’s decision to build custom firearmsEmploying veteran gunsmithsThe team behind BergaraProduct line comparisonsThe importance of the weight of a rifleThe impact of rifle weightBenefits of carbon fiber rifle stocks (vs. wood)Choosing the right tools for the jobLearning not to sweat the small stuffHow to follow up with Bergara Firearmshttps://www.bergara.online/us/https://www.bergara.online/us/rifles/premier/mountain-2-0-rifle/https://www.instagram.com/bergara_rifles/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5_KVcmKS9L8VpFFCdCbO-gSupport the Show.Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Website Join the podcast email newsletter Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links) Monthly Podcast Support Courses Learn How To Backpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking Thru-Hiking 101 Resources YouTube Instagram Facebook Groups emory@byland.co