I have a BLR in 308 made in the early '80s -- about 1983 I think. Steel receiver. Question one: It doesn't have the folding hammer safety. When did the folding hammer come along? Question two: The finish on the stock looks very nice, but it's not shiny high gloss like most of the pictures. Does this mean the gun has been refinished, or did some come with a non-gloss finish. Dave
Over it's history...Browning's BLR came with Subdued Stocks ( non-gloss thus non-reflective in the sun )...High Gloss Stocks...Camo Stocks...Laminated Stocks...you name it. There were limited edition runs...as well as the available current production models...and of course, the now discontinued models. Pretty much all your questions are answered here: http://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/blr.html