I was born, raised and still live in Northern California where I was raised on Marlin lever actions 39A .22 cal, 336 30-30 cal. and even a Marlin over-under in 16 gauge. I recently bought a used but pristine BAR with a steel receiver in 30-06 cal and it shoots very well. I need to modify the trap door magazine retention spring to make it easier to remove the magazine however. My cheek weld is a little high (I assume for scope use) for its flip up rear iron sights which are friggin' accurate BTW. Because I am afraid of scopes hitting my eye in anything but my .22 I probably will try a Nikon SlugHunter with 5" eye relief on it. I am in the market for a rifle in .450 Marlin cal (for close up bear hunting/depredation) and was going to buy a Marlin 1895 in .450 Marlin but given my pleasant experience with the BAR, I am considering a BLR with steel receiver in .450 Marlin. If any of you know of one for sale, please let me know.
