I have a steel-receivered BLR, 243, checkered straight stock and am wondering where it was made. Along with the standard Browning stampings, "Montreal" is written on the barrel. There is no mention of Japan or Miroku. Would this have been an early rifle made in Belgium? I'm not up on this at all and some one asked me. Thanks for any help I get.
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Not that this helps answer your question, but there is some good info in the tread: http://shootingwithhobie.blogspot.com/2010/10/browning-lever-action-rifle-blr-by.html
If serial number ends in K69, K70, K71, or K72 it was manufactured at FN Belgium. I believe some of the K73 models as well. In 1973 Manufacturing moved to Miroku in Japan. I believe the K## numbering format was replaced in 1976 with a two letter, followed by a model type. Both numbering systems are preceded by the actual serial number.
Hair, there were a few BLRs made in 1966 at the TRW facility in Ohio. I think something like two dozen got out in the public. Not all went through their final checks, so the recommendation out there is not to fire them. They are all considered prototypes.
