Browning BLR Rifle Reviews

Browning BLR Review
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2anlLquHQig[/youtube]

http://www.gunmart.net/gun_review/brown ... take-down/

Browning BLR Light Weight Take-Down
Looking for some serious firepower in a slick and practical package? If so Pete Moore says check out Browning’s Take-Down lever action rifle
The lever-action rifle is a curious beast and as a design pretty much 99.9% American in concept and execution. First appearing in the mid/late 1800s and made famous by Winchester and Marlin, it has had a long and fruitful life. Feed-wise the standard build goes for a fixed, under-barrel tube mag that loads through the side of the action. To my knowledge only four box mag examples have been produced and of these only one exists today, as the elegant Winchester 1895, Savage 99C and the unusual Ruger 96/44 have all fallen by the wayside. With Browning’s striking and slightly unusual BLR (Browning Leveraction Rifle) being the only survivor and still currently in production.
Old and new
The BLR has been with us for quite some time and gone through a few changes, but is recognised today as the only mechanism of its type that is chambered for proper magnum calibres. What sets the design apart is its blend of ‘old and new’ looks and technology, as it has an external hammer and no safety catch with more than a hint of the old Winchester 1887 lever-action shotgun and 1895 rifle about it. Yet it offers a proper box magazine and a gear-driven rotary bolt, which is not unlike that of the AR15. In essence you have a semi classic build with a fast and practical mechanism; certainly for a manually operated rifle.
I have a BLR 81 Lite with a straight-hand butt and slim, square forend chambered in 300 WSM, which makes a very handy running game gun. OK it’s a bit kicky and not the thing you would want to shoot tight groups with at long range. However, it fires a highly effective cartridge, points and swings well and offers quick back up shots with no loss of the firing position if required.
New for 2008, and now just in my hands in Jan 2009, is the BLR Light Weight Take Down, with first impressions being a much nicer rifle than my older 81 Lite. The major changes are the full pistol grip stock with right hand palm swell, rounder/wider semi Schnabel forend, longer, 23 ½ ” barrel and the fact the gun can be broken down into a compact package quickly and easily. What remains the same is the black alloy receiver and elegant but rather fragile satin/varnish finish on the walnut.
Checking out Browning’s website shows that they have cut back on the BLR and now only offer three versions. The BLR 81 Lite has now gone with just the Battue, which is a short barrelled boar buster in 300 Win Mag only. Plus the standard (fixed barrel) Light Weight and the Take-Down. Overall calibre choice covers the following; 270 WSM, 300 WM, 308 W, 30-06, 358 W and 450 Marlin. As can be seen power is the rationale here…
Due to its take-down ability, the locking mechanism, which on the fixed barrel models is a block pinned into the front of the action with the barrel screwed down onto it, has been moved to the chamber extension. Logical really, as now the bolt locks directly to the barrel (like an AR15) which means greater strength and integrity. This design as we shall see also simplifies cleaning…
All the sixes
Locking is by a 6-lug, rotary bolt in a long, 6-flute carrier, this engages with slots inside the receiver to stop any twisting effect. The operating lever with the lower section of the trigger mech inclusive operates a rack and pinion system. Here an internally toothed quadrant rotates a gear wheel that engages directly with the underside of the carrier which is toothed for the purpose. This imparts the forward and rearwards moments that rotates the bolt head out in and out of battery by a cam and follower, just like the AR15. This mechanism is smooth and fast no matter what calibre you have.
Feed is by a detachable box magazine with the release catch at the front and in 300 Win Mag loads to a capacity of 3+1. The only safety feature is the hammer, which has half and full cock positions. The spur is hinged and at half cock can be folded forward to move out of line with the tail of the firing pin, this is a bit different from an applied system but it works well enough. I found the best way to carry in the field is with one up the spout and the hammer at half cock with the spur folded down safe in the knowledge there’s no way it can go bang. However, it’s the work of a moment to thumb back to full cock; hardly any more effort than flipping off an applied safety catch.
The butt is deep with a high/straight comb, thick rubber recoil pad and a generous length of pull. Both grip and forend, which are nicely chequered, fill the hand well and provide a secure hold. QD sling studs are fitted front and rear and the rifle comes from the box with iron sights – a windage-only blade on a ramp up front and a basic windage/elevation U-notch at the back. This unit is identical to the one to be found on the old Browning High Power pistol and later Buckmark rifle. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts and what I did like was the fact Browning have not relied on the soft alloy for this purpose but put steel, Helicoil inserts into the material for greater integrity.
Given the bolt locks directly into the chamber extension all the QD system has to do is hold the barrel in the receiver, which is does by a rising lug that engages with a slot on the underside of the re-enforce. This is actuated by a pull down lever in front of the mag catch. The job is simple; open the bolt, pull down the lever and slide the tube forward and out. One concern as ever with a switch barrel system is return to zero, as the scope mount is on the receiver, so let us see…
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Big but not unpleasant
I fitted the Take-Down with a Kahles 1.1-6x42 CSX with automaticlight reticule, with ammunition going to Winchester Supreme Elite using a 180-grain XP3 bullet. Knowing my BLR 81 was generally a short range performer I was keen to see how the heavier/longer barrel in 300 Win Mag would do. Experience had shown me that the tube gets hot all too quickly with a subsequent loss of consistency, which is unsurprising. Plus the forend screws directly to the barrel, so no form of floating is possible.
Firing a few rounds standing showed me that this BLR was surprisingly well behaved, so I proceeded to go prone supported. At 100-yards the first two shots stayed within 1 ½-2” of each other, with the third stepping out noticeably. Again hardly surprising due to accelerated barrel heating. However, if you can’t nail it in the first two shots then; well you know… Fitting a more powerful scope would have doubtless tightened up the group size as at X6 you don’t really have enough mag to get a decent aim on a precise point. Fine for deer and the like but not for paper punching. The ammunition was producing an average speed of 2945 fps that generates 3460 ft/lbs, which lives up to the 300 Win Mag rep.
The issue iron sights are more than adequate for short range use and if driven game and boar is your main aim then you don’t really need to put glass on top. Closer inspection shows that the barrel is drilled and tapped, doubtless a standard feature that will allow the fitting of a Battue rear sight for that model. I have seen on the web mention of a rear base designed for intermediate eye relief (scout-type) scopes and red dots, which for close/medium work could prove well suited.
Feed and ejection along with cycling effort were smooth and fast with no hesitations or problems, you’ve got to hand it to Browning; they have certainly designed a superb lever-action system. The rifle sits stable in the firing position so all you do is throw your hand forward and back to cycle the action. This combined with the more than acceptable recoil makes staying on target and firing more than one shot effective. Trigger pull was not light at around 6 lbs, but was reasonably crisp and useable.
Mag changes are easy with the clip falling free and also being easy to insert on the load too. For driven and especially wild boar I would invest in a spare, as if you need more shots there’s no time to be fumbling for loose cartridges…
Though not that heavy the BLR comes over as a big rifle at 46”, which it is. I did not have any problems operating it, but someone of smaller stature might find themselves reaching for the trigger and maybe having to really stretch out to crank the action.
Taken down for stowage shows the barrel at 24 ¾” and the butt/action at 21 ½”, so just find a gun box that suits. The fixed barrel BLRs can be a pain to clean as unless you remove the bolt system you have to rod from the muzzle. Taking out the bolt is easy, but putting it back properly is not! If you don’t get the teeth/carrier in the correct relationship you will get an incomplete lock up. I found this on my BLR 81 and had to send it back to the importers as neither me nor my gunsmith could get it right. However, the take-down facility means no problems at all, as you can go in from the chamber end. On that point I could discern no real zero shift after removing then replacing the barrel for the time I had the gun on test. Only time will tell on that one…
In the UK a lever-action hunting rifle is a rare sight and frankly guns like the Marlin 336 and 1895S do not have the ability much past 100 yards in terms of acceptable accuracy. The BLR in 300 Win Mag would probably shoot about 1” at this distance with the right scope, so would be capable of reaching out further, as this calibre is a serious long range performer. However, barrel weight and heating concerns must be taken into consideration.
For me this model represents a superb wild boar rifle; hard hitting, ample accuracy for close in work with a super fast and slick action for rolling over those running piggies, or at close to medium range in Africa it would be a nice choice too…
We Reckon:
• Great running game rifle
• Fast and slick action
• Take-down very useful
Technical Specifications
Name Browning BLR Light Weight Take-Down
Calibre 300 Win Mag (on test)
Capacity 3+1 (DM)
Barrel 23.5”
Sights Y
Extras External hammer

http://www.americanrifleman.org/article ... wn-review/

Browning BLR ’81 Stainless Takedown Review
Browning’s latest BLR, produced by Miroku of Japan, reinterprets it in a uniquely modern way.
By NRA Staff

11/22/2010
Although the lever-action rifle is a traditional and distinctively American design, Browning’s latest BLR, produced by Miroku of Japan, reinterprets it in a uniquely modern way.
In the original BLR, a geared, rack-and-pinion mechanism transported a cylindrical bolt body within a steel receiver, locking its separate rotating head into mating lugs machined directly into the receiver’s walls. The bolt body’s underside was toothed, and an elliptical cog on the lever rotated a small gear attached to a larger pinion gear that drove it fore and aft.

In the BLR ’81—a revision designed to lighten the gun and modernize its manufacture—the same basic mechanism is housed in an unstressed aluminum receiver. The bolt body features six longitudinal splines that mate with corresponding grooves in the receiver. The bolt head has a cam cut in its neck that acts on a transverse pin in the bolt’s body to rotate it into and out of battery in a steel breeching ring threaded to the barrel.
A plunger ejector is at 4 o’clock on the bolt face and a sliding-plate extractor moves within the face of the locking lug at 10 o’clock. The gun’s manual safety is in the form of a clever folding hammer spur that pivots on a cross pin in the hammer’s body. After moving the hammer to its half-cock notch, pushing it forward with the firing hand’s thumb causes it to abut the bolt body but disallows its contact with the firing pin’s tail.
Whether old or new, the BLR has several features that set it apart from most other lever-action designs. A detachable box magazine allows the use of spitzer-profile bullets. Between shots, the trigger travels with the lever, eliminating the potential for the shooter to pinch his finger between the trigger and the stock. And perhaps most significantly, because of the secure lockup afforded by the BLR’s rotating bolt head design it can accommodate true magnum chamberings. Both short and long actions are offered in a wide variety of chamberings from .223 Rem. to .300 Win. Mag. We opted to evaluate the BLR Lightweight ’81 Takedown in .308 Win.
The BLR ’81’s newer design lends itself well to a takedown mechanism, and Browning heeded the call for such a variation with several models including walnut-stocked BLRs in both straight-grip and pistol-grip/schnabel styles. Our test rifle, with a gray, laminated, straight-grip stock and stainless steel barrel, is arguably the most visually striking and feature-laden model of the entire line.
The heart of the Takedown mechanism is a simple but effective lever that raises a locking bar into a transverse cut in the breeching ring. When engaged, the lever is recessed into a channel at the fore-end’s rear. Inserting a fingertip into the oval cutout at the front of the channel allows the lever to swing down, freeing the barrel assembly to slide out the front of the receiver.
Another of the Takedown’s features that is rarely encountered on factory lever-actions is a facility for a forward-mounted optic in the so-called scout position. The gun’s barrel is drilled with four extra holes—one untapped for a recoil pin and three tapped for screws—to accommodate an optional aluminum scout scope rail. Its installation requires removal of the fully-adjustable rear, iron sight, which is mounted on the barrel. The metal front sight base is screwed to the barrel and is dovetailed for its metal fiber-optic insert, which features an orange pipe. Of course a conventional scope can be mounted to the receiver. Four threaded steel inserts, which appear to have shoulders and splined bodies, are pressed into it from the underside and accommodate bases designed for the BLR’s somewhat rounded receiver top.
Our initial impressions of the BLR were favorable. It exhibited a high degree of fit and finish, with the receiver’s satin nickel anodizing complementing the stainless steel barrel’s slightly darker matte appearance and the gray laminate stocks’ satin polyurethane finish.
We tested the BLR Lightweight ’81 Stainless Takedown for accuracy with a variety of loads and a conventionally mounted scope, in this case a 3-12X 40 mm model by Vixen Optics, and also shot it with the optional barrel-mounted scout scope rail and an Aimpoint Micro R-1.
Our sample BLR experienced no failures to feed, extract or eject throughout shooting more than 100 rounds of factory ammunition.
In testing, the BLR Lightweight ’81 Stainless Takedown proved quick-handling, with its comb providing an acceptable cheek weld regardless of which of the three sighting options were employed. With the Aimpoint in place on the scout rail, the gun was fast to the target. And thanks to its smooth lever-action, which allowed an uninterrupted sight picture even while cycling, follow-up shots were quick and easy to execute. While we would have hoped for better accuracy from the BLR, we had to remind ourselves that the American Rifleman protocol of five consecutive, five-shot groups is a stringent one, especially for a fairly light-profile, 20-inch-barreled takedown design. On the positive side, we did manage several respectable groups and noted that several successive three-shot strings formed tight clusters on the target. Likely, barrel heat was the culprit. In addition, we found no appreciable change in point of impact when comparing groups fired before and after disassembly and reassembly of the gun.
With its pull-apart design, scout-sighting capability and weather-resistant materials, Browning’s BLR Lightweight ’81 Stainless Takedown propels a proven design even further into the non-traditional category of lever-action rifles than its forebears. For those who appreciate such nods to modernity in a timeless American form, the BLR resides in a class by itself.
Manufacturer: Miroku Firearms Mfg. Co., Japan
Importer: Browning Arms Co.; (800) 333-3288; www.browning.com
Action Type: lever-action center-fire rifle
Receiver: aluminum alloy
Barrel: 20"
Caliber: short action, .223 Rem., .22-250 Rem., .243 Win., 7 mm-08 Rem., .308 Win. (tested), .358 Win. .450 Marlin, .270 WSM, 7 mm WSM, 300 WSM, 325 WSM; long action, .270 Win., .30-’06 Sprg., 7 mm Rem. Mag. and .300 Win. Mag.
Rifling: four-groove: 1:12" RH twist
Magazine: detachable box, four-round capacity
Sights: fully adjustable notch rear, dovetailed fiber-optic front; barrel drilled and tapped for optional scout scope rail
Trigger Pull: 7 lbs., 9 ozs.
Stock: gray laminated wood with laser-cut checkering and matte polyurethane finish: length of pull, 133⁄4"; drop at heel, 15⁄16"; drop at comb, 7/8"
Weight: 6 lbs., 8 ozs.
Accessories: owner’s manual, lock
Suggested Retail Price: $1,149

http://www.browning.com/library/infonew ... asp?id=196

Review of the Browning Lever-Action BLR by Denis Prisbrey, Guns And Weapons For Law Enforcement, January, 2009 issue
Not just for cowboys

Review of an article on the Browning BLR by Denis Prisbrey
Guns and Weapons For Law Enforcement, November Issue, 2008.

“Rugged and reliable lever action is ready for the wide, open territories!”

In the January, 2009 publication of Guns and Weapons For Law Enforcement, Denis Prisbrey takes a unique look at a different application for Browning’s BLR lever gun. He suggests it is a viable firearm for law enforcement where four or five shots only are needed and where high capacity sustained firepower isn’t required.

He begins, “For the deputy patrolling 900 square miles of trees and sagebrush, to the game warden managing wildlife in the higher elevations, a reliable levergun is simple to use and trim to transport.”

The BLR has been around since 1971, then offered in only two calibers: the 243 Win. and the 308 Win. Since then, it has been configured in many models and many calibers. Prisbrey in his article examines the new Takedown version offered in 14 calibers, with an optional forward Weaver-style one-piece alloy Scout rail mount.

Prisbrey mounted a Burris 2.75 Scout Scope on his 308 BLR test sample and fired two popular LE loads at 100 yards: Hornady’s 168-grain A-MAX TAP and Federal’s 168-grain Gold Medal Sierra Match King BTHP. He recorded the results held under two inches for best three-shot strings. “

The BLR’s hammer spur folds inward, allowing safe carry. It hinges down to rest against the receiver below the firing pin when on half-cock, and that leaves the rifle ready for a near-instant first shot by thumbing the hammer back as you bring the rifle to the shoulder.

Regarding the Scout mount system, Prisbrey said, “The Scout configuration moves the scope forward away from the rifle’s natural balance point for uncluttered carry, and allows both eyes to stay open while scanning terrain and engaging a target at anything from point-blank range on out to 300 yards or so, depending on the target’s size.”

The Takedown BLR model comes apart by rotating the takedown lever 90 degrees and sliding the barrel extension out of the receiver.
Each piece is only 21 inches long, and since the scope remains on the forward half, zero is unaffected.

Prisbrey sums up his evaluation of the Browning BLR with, “Overall, the sample BLR was light to carry and quick to use. The checkered rubber pad and stock design prevented the 308 version from being a bruiser on cheek or shoulder, and the action works smoothly. Stock and fore-end checkering provide a good grip in slippery conditions, and the trigger isn’t match grad, but it gets the job done.”

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m ... n15402264/

Browning's BLR: a better lever rifle

In the early 1960s, it seemed every adult male in the little Saskatchewan farming community in which I grew up did at least some hunting. There were maybe a dozen real enthusiasts who always got their deer, even went on hunting trips after antelope, moose, bear and elk. Sometimes they would let a hunting-crazy kid tag along on local deer hunts. Almost to a man these experienced hunters used lever-action rifles. The old guys (i.e., 30 and up) used Savage 99s, mostly in .300 Savage, though I recall at least one .250 Savage.

The younger generation swore by the new Winchester 88 in .308 Win. All the rifles wore scopes, usually 2 1/2X or 4X Weavers. It was years before I saw a scope that wasn't a Weaver.


What made these rifles so popular? Tradition, certainly, but also reliability in temperatures, which ranged from 10 to -40, and speed of fire. The preferred method of hunting ("pushing bush") meant most deer were shot on the run, and the combination of fairly powerful cartridges and last follow-up shots helped correct the occasional bad shot.

The handsome Sako Finnwolf lever action was made for a few years but never became very popular, likely due to its hefty price tag. I've only seen one used in the field. Wish I had one, they sure were pretty.

Almost Forgotten

Lever action rifles chambered for .308-class cartridges mostly didn't survive the swing to magnum cartridges and bolt actions. Hunters became enamored with long-range shooting and forgot the virtues of easy packing, fast-handling rifles. Fortunately there is still one rifle in this class, and it's a good one, the Browning BLR. Judging from the variety of models in the catalog, the number I see on dealer shelves and feedback from dealers, the BLR is doing very well.


I first started reading rumors of the new BLR in the late '60s, but production didn't really get into gear until around 1971 or '72. Original BLRs had a steel receiver and straight-grip stock.

They are slick, handsome and handy rifles. I've never known an owner who didn't like his BLR, and I've seen the neat little rifles in some unlikely places. I recall visiting a small farm bordering the northern Saskatchewan forest where a middle-aged couple scratched out a modest living with a bit of farming, some gardening, hunting, and trapping. Their little cabin had no electricity or running water; most of their possessions were old and worn, but in a place of honor on the wall was a bright, gleaming, lovingly cared for BLR.

A friend kindly loaned me his dad's old .308 BLR, bought around 1972 and fitted with a 4X Redfield Widefield scope. It's a sweet hunting rifle. In fact, I tried to buy it. "Sure, I'll sell it to you," my friend said, "About the time you sell me your dad's rifle." Guess he had me there.

I arranged to have a current-production BLR Lightning consigned for testing. It has a pistol-grip stock and is chambered for the .358 Win cartridge. I'll have more to say about the cartridge in a future column after I've had a chance to try some more reloads. For now I'll just say the .358 is one of those rounds no one seems to appreciate except those who have actually tried it.

It's a pleasure to see Browning has maintained the quality standards of the BLR. Fit and finish of the current model is excellent, certainly equal to the 1972 model. The action operates reliably and with a feel of oil-slick precision. The trigger pull is a heavy but consistent five pounds, six ounces, with smooth take-up and slight overtravel.

The Lightning's receiver is made from high-grade aluminum to save weight. This has no effect on the strength of the action as the rotating bolt head locks directly into the barrel. I'm a bit prejudiced against aluminum receivers; on some '60s era guns the color and appearance of the receiver didn't remotely match that of the barrel.

Browning has done an outstanding job of matching receiver and barrel. The receiver looks and feels solid and durable. After handling and shooting the rifle a while I had no further concerns about the receiver material.

The stock wood is handsomely grained, well fitted and nicely checkered. It has a very effective recoil pad. The pistol grip version is fitted with sling swivel studs. I'm not crazy about shiny, reflective stock finishes, even tough, durable ones as on the Browning. Evidently it is what most of the public wants or Browning wouldn't keep using it.

The detachable box magazine locks securely in place and fits flush with the bottom of the receiver. I fitted the BLR with a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 scope using Bums Z-rings and Weaver bases. There's adequate clearance under the scope to manipulate the hammer.

The lone factory load is the 200-grain Winchester Silvertip. Rated at 2,490 feet per second, on an 85-degree day the ammunition averaged 2,511 fps from the BLR's 20" barrel. Ten three-shot groups averaged 1 1/2" with the worst group being 2 1/8" and the best group 3/4".

The BLR .358 is light, compact, fast handling, powerful, reliable and accurate. It's a very useful rifle for a lot of hunting situations. Currently the BLR is offered in both short and long actions and in 14 cartridges, including .450 Marlin, all the WSM cartridges (22" barrels), even 7mm Rem and .300 Win Magnums (24" barrels).

http://www.chuckhawks.com/browning_BLR.htm

Browning BLR Rifles

Jon Y. Wolfe


Illustration courtesy of Browning.
The Browning BLR lever action rifle has all of the fine qualities of a good lever action with the inherent strength and accuracy of a bolt action. The BLR is essentially a "lever operated bolt action" because multiple locking lugs on the head of the bolt rotate into the breech end of the barrel to create a very strong action. The rack and pinion operating design allows the trigger to move with the lever, eliminating finger jams.

The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and features a hammer half cock safety, fully enclosed bolt head, and a good trigger mechanism. The magazine capacity is four rounds in standard calibers. It is the only lever action currently offered than can handle the pressures generated by high intensity and magnum cartridges.

The Lightweight (short action) model has a pistol grip stock, 20 inch barrel, deep blued finish and American walnut checkered stock and schnable forend. The weight is 6.5 pounds, and the overall length is just 40 inches. Adjustable iron sights are standard. The detachable box magazine allows the use of pointed bullets, and the forend design eliminates the use of barrel bands. There are long and short action versions, depending on caliber.

The Lightweight '81 model is similar to the standard BLR Lightweight, but comes with a straight hand stock and a carbine style forend with a barrel band. The '81 is the Western style BLR.

There is also an "all weather" Lightweight, with stainless steel silver/gray metal finish and a gray laminated hardwood stock. For 2008 the caliber list is the same for all models. Available numbers include .22-250, .243 Win., .270 Win., 7mm-08, 7mm Rem. Mag., .308 Win., .30-06, .358 Win. (the only production .358 Winchester rifle), .450 Marlin, .270 WSM, 7mm WSM, .300 WSM, .300 Win. Mag. and .325 WSM.

The Browning BLR is a very dependable, accurate and easy to operate lever action rifle. It offers an excellent combination of ease of use, rapid follow up shots, plenty of power, and a wide variety of useful applications for the North American big game hunter.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/ ... -stainless

Lever Action

The Browning BLR is very strong, well made, handles recoil well and comes standard with Browning's usual outstanding fit and finish. It is the rifle that appears on the back of Guns and Shooting Online Tee shirts. The BLR is the only lever action which handles the 7mm Rem. and .300 Win. belted magnums. Other available calibers include the .223, .22-250, .243, .270 Win., .270 WSM, 7mm-08, 7mm WSM, .308, .30-06, .300 WSM, .358 Win. and .450 Marlin. In .300 Mag., .358 and .450 Marlin the BLR is a reasonable choice for hunting dangerous thin-skinned game.

The now discontinued Sako Finnwolf and Winchester Model 88 were designed for modern short action, high intensity cartridges. I think of them together because they looked similar--like a bolt action rifle bred to a lever action--and had similar features. Both were produced in the 1960's and 1970's.

The Winchester used a front locking, multilug rotating bolt, much like the modern Browning BLR. Unlike most lever actions, but like the Finnwolf, there was no external hammer. It was a modern and sleek looking rifle, with a slim one piece stock; to my eye it was one of the most aesthetically pleasing rifles ever made. It was a rifle that offered most of the features of a bolt action rifle, with faster lever action operation. It was moderately popular, and stayed in the Winchester line for several years, but I think it was a rifle out of sync with its time. Lever action fans were perfectly happy with their traditional (and much less expensive) .30-30's, and bolt action fans would not buy a lever action no matter how good it was. The sample I shot, which was owned by a friend, seemed to be an accurate rifle. The only drawbacks seemed to be that its trigger was neither as light nor as clean as a M-94 or a good bolt action's trigger and it kicked awfully hard for a .308. It was not a pleasant rifle to shoot. Calibers were .243, .284, .308, and .358 Win.

I don't think the Sako Finnwolf was a very popular rifle. I don't recall ever seeing one in the field, although I vaguely remember seeing one on a dealer's shelf long ago. It looked superficially a good deal like the Winchester 88, and like the Winchester it featured a solid frame, front locking rotating bolt, side ejection, a short throw gear-operated lever, one piece checkered walnut stock and a 4-shot detachable box magazine. Unlike the M-88, its stock had a Monte Carlo comb and probably handled recoil better. It was built in .243 and .308.

http://shootingwithhobie.blogspot.com/2 ... lr-by.html

The Browning Lever Action Rifle (BLR)
By: Bruce Hamlin

The Browning BLR did not really grab my attention until a few years ago. I knew about it and had handled a few, but I was more into the Winchester lever action collecting/shooting phase. One day (actually a little more), I woke up to find that the Winchester Model 94 was going out of production. I had been a loyal 94 follower and had tried most of the calibers and variations. Something struck me wrong about the closing of the plant and I was soon out of the Winchester ownership program. Not a problem I thought, there are some good Marlin’s out there and I have not really gave them their chance. I dove into the Marlin lever action collection/shooting phase and had a year or two of fun. One day I heard about the new .308 Marlin cartridge/rifle combination coming to the market soon and I had to have one - or two as it turned out. I was soon the owner of both a blued and a stainless steel model of the new rifle/round. Upon firing both, I found the chambers to be to rough and actually had fired rounds (brass) seize up in the chambers. Both had to have the chamber polished out! I did a little research and found others who had the same problem. I then began to notice some quality issues with the newer LA Marlins on my main dealers rack and thought to myself - it is happening again. I am sorry to see that it has now happened and the Marlin 336 production has stopped for the moment.

I have actually gotten a little ahead of myself. While going through my different lever action phases, I always found myself wanting something else. I wanted different calibers, different stocks, different and more easily adjustable sights. I sometimes think I tried them all - calibers, stocks, sights, barrel lengths. I labeled myself a lever gun junky. I thought of my habit as an exploration through the different makers - but underlying all of this, I had a few wants/needs that had yet to be addressed.

I was raised in the south (north Florida) where hunting and fishing is more than a tradition. It is a way of life and all social things seem to relate to it. Go to an annual festival and there is game meat and/or fish to eat. If you have a political event, the same applies. If there is talk about someone special, it is usually the hunter who bagged the biggest buck, the old wise gobbler or the one who catches the largest catfish, bass or the most bream. We don’t talk about movie stars and glamor, although there is a tradition towards certain ball games.

Now let’s get back to guns. Our history here relates to some lever guns and quite a bit to double barreled shotguns. To be honest, these woods and hammocks are so thick that the shotgun truly has earned its reputation as the all around hunting weapon. I have bird hunted and squirrel hunted a little with the shotgun, but I never liked them. I have thought a lot about my preferences and have come to accept that I feel the shotgun allows me to be less precise in my aiming and I can not accept that. I want and need precision, reliability and one shot performance. My preference for squirrels and turkeys has always been the .22 LR and I can attest to the effectiveness of the .22 magnum on other (larger) game. If I had to choose one rifle caliber to survive, it would be the .22 magnum, closely followed by the LR round. I have killed many hogs with both and have a confidence that I can get by with either. I have had a BL-22 for awhile and it is not going anywhere. It is accurate and how can anyone not enjoy that short throw lever.

Now, let’s get back to that need for precision, reliability and one shot performance. We had a family/friend tradition concerning the night before hunting season opened. Everyone would come to my parent’s home and there would be a lot of story telling, a good meal and if the truth must be told a few cold ones. It was something to be involved in and I only wish that I had the magic to make it happen again. It was an exciting event. On the opening night (before) in 1973, a friend of my family who happened to own a hardware store/gun shop showed up as usual. His name was Ronnie and I could write a book on Ronnie and his hunting adventures. One thing Ronnie definitely had was class and respect. My family was very poor and we did not own much, but we were always well fed and the coffee was always on. That night Ronnie brought my father a NIB Browning BAR in 30-06 caliber and gave it to him. I have been told it was from the last days of Belgium production and my research supports that. It had a Weaver 4X Wideview scope and it was magnificent.

My father was a dog hunter who was well known all over the south. He cared more about the dogs than ever killing a deer. He was not a marksman and he favored the shotgun over a rifle. Let’s just skip many years and say that he killed some deer with that BAR and I killed a lot with it. My first deer fell to that rifle in 1973. It was one shot, running at well over 100 yards away from me. Through the back of the head and out the nose. That started my obsession with accuracy and performance and leads us to the purpose of this article. BTW, I am a retired Game Warden (LT. Colonel) and have heard it all when it comes to hunting and fishing. Let me safely state that this BAR has resulted in the harvesting of a few hundred deer and quite a few hogs. This particular rifle has a reputation of never needing over one shot to harvest any game animal. My father passed away in January 2009 and I inherited that BAR rifle. It was a sign of change to come.

Now to the future. When all this stuff was happening with Winchester and Marlin, I got to seriously thinking about my needs and preferences. It all came down to the acceptance that I was looking for something that was right in front of me. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any model or caliber of those rifles previously mentioned, but what I was looking for was already there. I trusted the 30-06, it was a good caliber for anything I would ever need and most of all, it was available anywhere. My daddy always said that you should pick something (caliber) that was available at any store. The 30-06 sure fits that criteria.

I woke up one morning feeling pretty sad over my father’s passing and thought about my inheritance of the BAR. I then remembered everything I have already expressed and I thought, I already have the start. I have the BAR and the Browning BLR’s have quite a few options. I quickly acquired a BLR 30-06 takedown, a Stainless BLR takedown in 450 Marlin, a 270 Win. BLR, a A-Bolt in 30-06, a early steel .308 BLR and two BPR’s (Pump Rifle) in 30-06. I got rid of everything that was not a Browning. I hunted with most of them this past hunting season and made the final decision that I would go a little further and totally switch to the 30-06 only, other than my trusted BL-22 for small game. As I write this article, I have converted my entire rifle collection to only 30-06 rifles. I do have an early model Belgium Sweet Sixteen shotgun that I had bought for my father and I do have a mint condition original Smith Corona 03-A3. I have ended up with the BAR, the BPR’s and BLR’s. I think I may have settled into my secure spot.

What About the BLR

The BLR is a lot like many bolt action rifles because multiple locking lugs on the head of the bolt rotate into the breech end of the receiver/ barrel to create a very strong action. On the first models, the bolt lugs locked into grooves in the receiver, but the later grooves are part of the barrel. More on that later. It also has a very smooth short throw lever which incorporates the trigger system into the lever assembly, thereby eliminating finger jams. I must admit I have never had a problem with finger jams when working a lever action , but it must exist for some. The BLR also has a unique rack and pinion lever system for actuating and moving the bolt and completing the loading/unloading and cocking cycle. If there is a draw back to the BLR, it is this system, which requires extreme knowledge to remove, replace and time for safe and proper performance. It can be done at home, but I do not recommend it for the faint at heart. I will get into this issue later, but I encourage you not to do it.

The receiver on earlier models is steel and on later models is a light weight alloy. For the sake of easy writing, let’s call it an aluminum alloy receiver. The early steel version is drilled and tapped for scope mounts and the later version has steel inserts press installed for the same purpose. The early models have an exposed bolt head, the later an enclosed bolt head. The later models also have a folding hammer system which could act as a backup safety system. The trigger system has sometimes been criticized as being to heavy, but I must admit that I have not encountered one that I can not adjust to.

The BLR has been made in many configurations including straight stock and pistol gripped models. There is one feature however that distinguishes it from most lever actions and that is it’s detachable magazine. Most lever guns have a tubular magazine. For many years we only had short action caliber choices, but since 1991, we have had long action caliber choices.

The Browning BLR is a very dependable, accurate and easy to operate lever action rifle. If there is a second draw back, it is the availability of early BLR magazines and the cost associated with any extra BLR magazine. I am very surprised that no outside company has picked up on producing the early model magazines (pre-81). If you have a pre-81 BLR, start gathering a few extra magazines. If you have a BLR 81 or later model, get at least one extra for the comfort. On the plus side, the detachable magazine feature does allow for pointed bullets and some impressive calibers.


History

Production of the BLR as we know it, which had the magazine that extended below receiver, began in 1970. Now I know this will raise some questions and retribution from some who have researched Browning BLR’s, but I challenge you to show me a pre-70 Belgium BLR. I will change my article and give you credit if you can. Almost everything that you read/research states they started the production in 1969, but there are no BLR’s from that year that I can find and/or verify. I will also note that all of my research shows that “all official” references for determining “early 69-75” Browning BLR years of production using the serial numbers are also somewhat wrong. Go to the Serial Number portion of this article to see what I am writing about.

The original BLR’s receiver were made of steel and they had an extended magazine. The first two calibers were .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester. They were straight stocked and as best as I can tell, all the Belgium produced models all had oiled finished stocks.

Next came the move to have all of the BLR’s produced by Miroku in Japan. This change was needed because of production costs. Again, my research has found that “official records” are probably wrong. Almost all references state that the “Japan” produced BLR’s began in 1971/72. I can absolutely show you “Belgium” marked BLR’s from 1973 and I have some very good backup sources that will support me in this statement.
I should also note very early on in this article that the Japanese made BLR’s are every bit as good as any earlier produced FN Browning BLR. Miroku produced BLR’s have a polyurethane type finish to the stock and forearm.

The BLR 81 started in 1981 with some minor changes including a flush magazine. The long action calibers came on the scene in 1991 and this is when the fluted bolt and fluted receivers started. There was also a change to the lever mechanism during this change over. There was additionally a recall associated with the long action calibers of 1991, which was apparently the rifle could fire from a half cock position. It may also have something to do with dissimilar metals in the lever system which can expand/not expand in very cold weather causing parts to bind. The Lightning BLR (aluminum receiver) came on the scene in 1996 and the Lightweight Model 81 came on the scene in 2003. The Lightning started out with a pistol gripped stock w/ a rounded knob and had a flat knob w/grip cap variation. The BLR 81 Lightweight started the trend back to a straight stock and lately we have options of either the straight stock or pistol gripped models including a takedown version which began in 2007. The last 2 models had the nose of the hammer that pivoted adding a safety feature. The latest versions also offer stainless steel variations and laminated stocks. There have been some Commemorative Models and some special factory issues that we will cover later.

For now, lets go to the design and early production attempts with the BLR. Some sources give the credit of the BLR design to Karl R. Lewis (http://rareguncollection.com/), and some to Bruce Browning, the grandson of John Browning. I think it was probably a combination of both, including a few design and production engineers. For a complete review, I recommend you acquire and read an article published in the 1992 46th Annual Gun Digest Book, titled “The U.S.-Made Browning That Almost Was”, authored by William G. Fohrman.

The basics of my research and the related articles that I have found indicate that Browning wanted to get into the center fire lever action market and they found Mr. Lewis and were interested in his design capabilities. They also entered into a partnership with TRW (Thompson Ramo Woolridge) to finalize the design and produce the BLR sometime around 1966. The partnership with both produced some interesting designs and prototypes, but both failed to come to a happy ending and the partnerships concluded around 1968.

It has been speculated that around 250 TRW prototypes were completed and parts for more produced, but the relationship between Browning and TRW never resulted in a partnership which produced marketable rifles. This adventure between the two corporations can be a complete article by itself and I recommend the previously mentioned Gun Digest article if you are seriously considering collecting TRW produced BLR’s. There are fakes and lunch box produced “American Made” TRW versions out there and the buyer must be informed and beware.

From my research, Browning had FN (Fabrique Nationale of Belgium) start producing the BLR in 1970. For those who are not informed, Browning firearms have for the most part always been produced by FN. Supposedly, FN produced around 27,000 BLR’s and then production was transferred to Japan (Miroku) in 1971/72. I have a slight problem with this information, as I have uncovered Belgium marked BLR’s over the serial number of 30,000, which is supposedly the first Japanese made (serial numbered) BLR in .358 Winchester. As I stated previously, I can show you a 1973 Belgium marked BLR (Browning Model BLR 308 Win Ser.#390xxK73) and it has a serial number above the 30,000 range. You can be the Judge, but I think the “official time-lines and serial number ranges” are not correct.

Serial Numbers

You can visit Browning's website - to determine the year of production of your rifle.

http://www.browning.com/services/dategun/guns/blr.htm

I can tell you that the website is absolutely wrong with the early (pre-1975) serial numbers, as far as the order goes.

The website states:

In 1969 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture:
K=BLR Lever Action Rifle
This was then followed by the serial number beginning with 1000.
Example: 69M1000 = A 1969 BAR High Power rifle with a serial number of 1000.

Actually, it is the reverse:

A true example is: 1001K70= A 1970 BLR with a serial number of 1001

The serial number comes first, followed by the model designator, then the year. After that (1975), they get it right. This one mistake has caused some buyers/sellers/ collectors a little problem, but you can trust me - they (Browning) have it wrong on their website!

Just for your information, I have seen references that state that Browning started each year’s serial number sequence at the number 1000 for all models. I think that information is correct, and if so, the above BLR serial number would indicate that it was actually the first BLR produced in 1970.

Models

From my research, the main versions of the BLR's are:

A) The BLR, mfg. 1970 to 1981. (70-73 in Belgium) - had the extended magazine.

B) The BLR 81 Short Action, mfg. 1981-1995 (the flush magazine came in 1981)

C) The BLR-81 Long Action, mfg. 1991-1995.

(1991 saw the change in the new fluted bolt/receiver, a change in the lever/cam/pinion system and the folding hammer).

D) The New Model Lightning BLR, mfg. 1995-2002. Alloy receiver.

E) The BLR Lightweight 81, mfg. 2003- present.

F) The BLR Lightweight Takedown, mfg. 2007- present.

(Note - the difference between a Lightweight and a Lightweight 81 is the LW is a pistol gripped stock and the 81 is a straight gripped stock).

G) The BLR Lt Wt Stainless and Stainless Takedown, mfg. 2008 - present.

The DOB can be determined from the two numbers following the letter code (K) in 1975 and earlier models. The DOB can be determined on post 1975 models by the two letter code (ex. RT which is 1976) which are right before the last three numbers, which indicate the BLR type (LA, SA etc..)

1991 also saw the introduction of the firing pin inertia system.

All Browning BLR rifles produced between 1970 and 1980 are correctly referred to as Browning BLR’s. All Browning BLR Rifles produced between 1981 and 1994 are correctly referred to as Browning BLR Model 81’s and could be purchased in either short action, or long action after 1991. All BLR Rifles produced from 1995 through 2002 are correctly referred to as the Browning BLR Lightning Model (Alloy receiver). All Browning BLR models produced after 2003 are correctly referred to as Browning BLR Model 81 Lightweights or BLR Lightweights.

Keep in mind that the Browning BLR made changes on the receiver tops in 1995/96. The older receiver tops on pre-1996 BLR rifles were flat. The new BLR's made from 1995/96 on, have a semi-round top receiver. So make sure when your BLR was made. Older pre-1996 mounts from any other manufacturer can't be used on the newer BLR's either.

The primary difference between the original BLR and the '81 BLR is in the receiver shape and, consequently, the magazine. The original BLR (1970 - 1980) has a concave-shaped receiver - it is wider at both ends (flared out), where it attached to the stocks, than it is in the middle. Consequently the magazine is narrower and thus had to be made longer in order to hold an adequate number of shells. The 81 BLR's receiver is straight-sided, which allows a wider and thus shorter magazine which is, more or less flush with the bottom of the receiver. The Lightning has a flare in at the front of the receiver. The Model 81 Lightweight has flare in at the front and rear of the receiver. The Lightweight Takedown has a flare in at the rear of the receiver.

Having owned both, I have not developed a preference over the extended or flush magazine. Some people dislike the extended magazine, but I remain neutral on the issue. The only advantage is that the flush magazines are readily available, and they are the same and interchangeable between model changes since the Model 81’s became available.

Another difference I can mention is that original BLRs have a front sight hood, while '81 BLRs do not. I think they were removed/deleted around 1980.

Most BLR’s have been produced with a walnut stock, but lately some stainless models have a Dura Touch (Mossy Oak Brush) camo pattern stock, some have a regular walnut stock and some have a gray laminated stock. (pistol gripped or straight stocked). Some stainless models have a fluorescent front sight.

Early BLR models have the serial number on the bottom of the receiver, behind the magazine. Model 81’s and newer models have the serial number on the right side/rear of the receiver.

The White Gold Medallion has a black/white/black butt plate and a black over white pistol grip cap. It has a dark brown w/ white spacer fore end cap (Schnabel type). It is engraved w/ upgraded wood. It was made in 2009.

Lightning’s are marked on the right side of the barrel. “Lightning BLR Caliber 270 Win. Only”.

Model 81’ are marked on the right side of the barrel. “ Model 81 BLR Caliber 270 Win.”. ONLY also.

Lightweights are marked on the right side of the barrel.. “ BLT LT WT 81 Caliber .270 Win Only or BLR LT WT Caliber .270 Only” Stainless models have “Stainless Steel” marked on the right side of the barrel near the receiver.

Model 81’s had the exposed bolt head (two sets of four bolt lugs - opposing at 90 degrees and locked up in the top and side of the receiver) until the Long Action was introduced in 1991. In 1991, they got the new type of bolt (current one - 6 lug which locks up inside the barrel), changes to the lever (bolt assist) and a cam spring on the lever gear.

BLR’s and early Model 81’s had the steel receiver. Lightning’s (1995/96) started the alloy receiver.

Metal receiver models have pins for retaining the lever etc.. Alloy receiver models have screws.

Alloy receivers have steel inserts for the four scope base screws.

Some Lightning models have a pistol gripped stock w/ a squared grip cap w/ a black grip cap. Most have a rounded knob type of pistol gripped stock.

Early BLR’s had an oiled stock - at least by 1974 (Japanese models) they had a polyurethane type finished stock.

The gold trigger shows as early as 1978 - It was not on 1976 models and no 1977 have been found with it.

Timelines

May, 1969
BL-22 Lever Action 22 rifle introduced.

1970
BLR Lever Action high-power rifle introduced in .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester.

1976
B-78 in 45-70 and 7mm, and BLR 358 introduced.

1981
Model 81 BLR lever rifle introduced with the flush magazine.

1982
The .22-250 was introduced into the BLR calibers.

1983
The .257 Roberts and 7mm-08 were introduced as BLR calibers.

1985
The .222Rem and the .223Rem were added for a total of 8 different BLR calibers.

1989
The .284 Winchester was added to the BLR calibers. It only lasted a short time.

1990
The BLR caliber .222-Rem was dropped.

1991
The BLR long action calibers were introduced (30-06, 7mm Rem Mag and .270 Win.).

1993
The .257 Roberts and the .358 were dropped from BLR production

1995/96
BLR Lightning (pistol gripped stock) with fold-down hammer introduced and the .284 Win. BLR caliber was discontinued. M-1885 BPCR in 45-70 and 40-65 calibers introduced.

1997
BPR (Browning Pump Rifle) in long and short action. Six calibers in long action 270, 30-06, 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag. and short action in 243 and 308. M-1885 Traditional Hunter in 30-30, 38-55 and 45-70 calibers introduced.

2003
The BLR 81 comes back out in a new straight-grip style stock.

2005
The BLR 81 is now available in a new Lightweight, short-action, long action pistol grip model. The BL-22 rifle has a new caliber: the 17 Mach 2. Called the new BL-17, it has new looks and an octagon barrel as an option. The 325 WSM caliber is added.

2007
The BLR 81 is offered in two takedown models, one with a pistol grip and one with a straight grip. New WSM calibers added.
Calibers

The BLR is or has been available in the following calibers:

222 Remington
223 Remington
22-250 Remington
243 Winchester
25-06 Winchester
257 Roberts
284 Winchester
7mm-08 Remington
308 Winchester
358 Winchester
270 Winchester
30-06 Springfield
7mm Remington Magnum
300 Winchester Magnum
300 WSM
270 WSM
7mm WSM
450 Marlin
325 WSM
Standards

As a standard, the short action BLR’s have 20” barrels, the long actions have a 22” barrel and the magnums have a 24” barrel. The WSM calibers have a 22” barrel. There have been some exceptions and special runs.

Below is an example of one BLR specification for the current 30-06:

Specifications and features:
Browning BLR take-down lever-action rifle
.30-06 Springfield caliber
22" button-rifled barrel
1:10" twist
4 Round detachable box magazine
Long, lever-action
Hammer block safety
Fold-down, 4-position hammer
Full-cock, half-cock, folded & dropped & fired
Multiple-lug breech bolt
Recessed bolt face
Rotating bolt
Side ejection
Gold bead raised ramp front sight
Low profile adjustable square notch rear sight
Lightweight aluminum receiver
Gray Laminated stock
Schnabel forearm
Crowned muzzle
Flush-mounted, detachable box magazine
Recoil pad
4-1/2 lbs. trigger pull
14-1/4" length of pull
19-3/4" sight radius
7/8" drop at comb
15/16" drop at heel
43" overall length
7 lbs. 4 oz.

Early BLRs had a straight stock, front sight hood and sling swivels. Red ventilated recoil pad w/ black and a white spacer. Stock and forearm were checkered and they had an extended magazine.

BLR 81s have a black recoil pad and sling swivels and a flush magazine.

The difference in receiver length between short actions and long actions is ¾” (6 ¾ vs. 7 ½).

Repairs

I can not verify this, but my research shows that Browning depends on a natural product called Kanabe to coat its stocks. Citristrip has been reported as one of the better ways to remove the Browning epoxy type finish. For minor repairs on the polyurethane finished Browning stocks, try Lemon Pledge or something similar. The only source of aftermarket stocks that I have found for the BLR’s is MPI http://www.mpistocks.com.

If you ever have the stock and forearm off, I highly recommend that you apply a good coat of wood oil to the interior of both. There is no finish on the inside. If you want to strip and refinish the stock, here is a link to a process that results in a beautiful finish. http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread ... er=2702095. It is the third post down and make sure you take heed of the checkered area warnings.

Additional information has been found that will give hope to those who would like a lighter, cleaner trigger - if their BLR needs one. Sources state that gunsmith Neil Jones (http://www.neiljones.com/) can do an excellent trigger job on them.


Besides the information on Browning’s website concerning repairs and parts, I have found that Midwest Gun Works seems to be the best source for getting what you need.
http://www.midwestgunworks.com. They also have a good selection of parts diagrams and some repair manuals. Brownells has a good schematic and some parts also. WWW.Brownells.com. There is a link on MGW; http://www.midwestgunworks.com/field_se ... ice_manual), that allows you to review the Field Service Manual for the BLR. If you choose to take one apart, at least review this manual first. Another source for the disassembly/reassembly of the BLR 81 is the Gun Digest Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly - Part IV: Centerfire Rifles (2nd Addition) by J.B Wood. This one is an absolute must read for working on the BLR.

I do not recommend that the average homemade gun repair specialist attempt to take apart and reassemble the BLR. There are some timing issues involved with the lever, gears and the bolt that can cause potentially hazardous headspace problems if they are not reassembled correctly. There are also quite a few gun smiths that can not do it correctly.

JFYI

The following has been found on forums on the internet: It is just additional information and is not intended to be a guide to reassembly.

Some of the older models repair information states that when the action is properly timed, cocking the hammer will allow the breech bolt slide to move to the rear a maximum of .015.

Headspace trick - It has a bull pinion that the large gear meshes with the bolt and the small gear meshes with the gear segment in the lever. It has fewer teeth than the big gear. Don't put your pins (screws on some models) in tight until you get the timing set correctly. First close the bolt making sure the bolt carrier is all the way forward and the bolt head turned and locked. Now take a piece of duct tape and tape the rear of the bolt where the hammer strikes the firing pin so it can't move out of the receiver. What you are going to do now is strictly trial and error. Fit the bull pinion in and out until the lever is all the way closed and the large gear is meshed with the rack gear in the bottom of the bolt carrier and the hole in the center of the gear is in line with the hole in the receiver. I don't remember how many teeth are in the small gear but that is how many chances you have of getting it right. One gear has a even number of teeth and the other gear has an odd number of teeth and that gives it the option of being adjustable.

Recall

There is documentation of a model recall of the 1991 Browning BLR’s in long action calibers only. I have not been able to factually verify what the issue was/is, but it did happen. Some sources state that the rifle could fire from a half cock position.

After much research, I have heard that some earlier models of the BLR (maybe the 1991 LAs) had some particular components (gears/pinions) that were made of a different metals and their rate of expansion during extreme cold temperatures was considerably greater than that of their surrounding metals, causing them to bind.

BROWNING
MODEL BLR, LONG ACTION, RIFLES

RECALL: Browning has identified a potential safety hazard on its BLR Long Action, and is recalling all of these rifles for repair. This recall does not include the Short Action BLR Rifle.
Long Action BLR owners should NOT load or shoot their rifles until they have been returned to Browning and the problem has been corrected. The problem is easily corrected but the affected rifles must be sent to Browning for the correction to be made.

The rifles in question have the following inscription on the right side of the barrel: Model 81L BLR followed by one of these calibers: CALIBER 270 WIN., 30-06, or 7MM REM. MAG.
To arrange shipping and service, call Browning’s service facility at (800) 727-4312. Browning pays the freight and provides the container.

Source:
· Shooting Industry, July 1991; page 1
· Shooting Times, August 1991; page 8
· Shooting Times, October 1991; page 106
· AFTE Journal, July 1991; Volume 23, Number 3:802
· American Rifleman, July 1991; page?


Commemoratives - Specials

This is going to surprise some Browning collectors, but there are some fairly rare and special BLR’s out in the market just waiting for you to purchase them. Here are a few and if you know of more I would like to have the information about them.

For starters, there is the M.D.H.A (Minnesota Deer Hunters Association) Habitat Commemorative BLR Takedown in. There were reportedly 50 made.

Next is the BLR Lightweight 81 Browning Canada 50TH Anniversary Commemorative in 308. There were reportedly 100 made.

There is also the BLR Canadian Company President issue. I have seen pictures of one, but do not know how many were made.

There is currently a 24” barreled 25-06 being produced for Kones Korner. They report that only 150 will be made.

My internet research has found a 308 Browning factory prototype (custom) with a 24” barrel. It has a factory letter.

I have also found the Browning BLR Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 2002 Banquet Edition, in 7MM limited rifle. There were 500 reportedly made. These specials have an octagon barrel.

Also, don’t forget about the TRW prototype BLR’s, but be aware of fakes.

Caliber Interchangeable Magazines

JFYI many of the BLR magazines (model specific and action “long vs. short” specific) are interchangeable. Many are marked as being multiple caliber.

Another early BLR magazine note was provided by forum member Tycer on the Lever guns (www.lever guns.com) site. Apparently the early Belgium magazines have a slightly different follower that the Miroku BLR magazine and feeding problems can be encountered if they are interchanged. Here is a link to the information. http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... 86&start=0

BPR

Well, I am going to go out on a small limb here and make a big statement. I like BLR’s - a lot. But I really like the Browning Pump Rifles (BPR’s) in the center fire calibers, especially the 30-06. I did not get into the BPR’s until recently, but I plan to acquire every BPR in 30-06 that I come across. Reasonably priced of course.

The BPR Pump Rifle was introduced in 1997 and they were produced through 2001.

1997
BPR (Browning Pump Rifle) in long and short action. Four calibers in long action .270, 30-06, 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag., and two in short action in 243 and 308. The two regular long action and two short action barrels are 22” long. The magnum barrels are 24” long. BPR barrels are free floated and the rifles weigh around 7 ½ pounds.

The BPR uses the same scope mounts as BAR II’s and later BLR’s. The BPR uses the same magazines as BAR II’s. The BPR’s magazine capacity is four rounds for standard calibers and three rounds for magnum calibers. The safety on the BPR is reversible for left hand operation.

The BPR was dropped from the line only 5 years (2001) of production. As previously written in the BLR section, Browning has the serial number sequence wrong (backwards) on their website.

The Browning Rimfire BPR was produced from 1977-1982.
Browning Dualis

This is basically a European BPR variation . The mechanism, manual safety, and magazine catch are all identical except for some cosmetic differences. The operation is also identical, including the unusual pump action pattern. The standard barrel is 20 inches, but the same barrel is used for magnum rounds and is therefore shorter than the barrel used on magnum BPR rifles. The Dualis has a Express type sighting rib that also has a folding leaf sight; this rib can be removed, revealing drilling and tapping for a telescopic sight. The front sight has a bead with fluorescent plastic. The receiver housing is made from light alloy, but other metal parts are of high-strength steel. The stock and fore-end are of walnut; the pistol grip of the stock is unusually deep and is checkered. There are reports that the Dualis only has a magazine capacity of two rounds to satisfy European requirements, but I have seen videos of the Dualis being shot and they all appear to have the same magazine capacity as USA model BPR’s. The Dualis was introduced in Europe is 2001, but was not sold in North America until 2003. Note: I have not found the Dualis was ever available in the United States. If you find one in 30-06, in the U.S I would greatly appreciate the information.


BL-22

The BL-22 was introduced in 1969 and continues in production.



JBMR

The following information was found on the internet concerning the Jonathan Browning Mountain Rifle. It is included in this article for informational interest. I have not verified any of this information.

JBMR - Weighing in at 9.6 pounds, the rifle has a trigger reach of 13-3/4". They were made from 1977-1981 and offered in .45, 50, and .54 caliber. The .45 was recommended for deer, the .50 elk, and the .54 for moose. The percussion lock has a crisp action, and strong mainspring, for fast lock time and sure-fire reliability. This lock has a fly detent, allowing the use of the single set trigger. The trigger may be latched, or the hammer cocked, in any sequence. The single trigger has a unique hidden set trigger feature. Press the trigger forward to latch the trigger over-center, under the cam roller spring. A tiny adjustment screw controls the hair-light trigger release when set. The hooked breech has the traditional snail bolster, except this breech is decorated with an embossed ram's horn, in an attractive curl.

The .54 saw the least production and are very hard to find, so I'd say hang on to the one you have. The .54 had a 1 in 66 twist and was recommended for patched round balls only
Browning no longer has parts or services these guns, although owners manuals are still available. Deer Creek Products in Waldron, Indiana 765-525-6181 has all available replacement parts except for stocks. They even have different barrels (in the white) so you can change calibers if you like.

They were made by Mark Cheney under contract to Browning in the late 1970's and the early 1980's.

Conclusion

I will conclude this article by saying that the past years research into the BLR has been very challenging. I hope I got everything right and I really strove to verify any information that has been presented.

I would ask that if you find any new information or conflicting information, that you contact me through the Leverguns site and let me have an opportunity to review your sources and make additions or corrections as needed.

http://www.firearmbuyersguide.com/Artic ... 1143464845

Browning BLR Underrated Overachiever

Mon Mar 27 2006 7: 07 am
The Browning BLR has long marked a great evolution for the lever gun. We'll take a close look at the components of this gun and exactly what it takes to make not only a better lever gun but also a better gun in general.



Youd think after more than thirty years of production, the Browning BLR would receive a little more credit than what it gets. Its almost as if the gun world ignores the existence of this diamond in the rough. After all, what is it that we most look for when we go in search of a gun, the perfect gun? First, we want accuracy. Second, we want reliability. Third, we want a quick handling gun that affords the user a quick follow up shot if necessary. Finally, we want all of these things rolled up into one neat affordable package. Oh and if we can get it, we like to think that our gun is a rarity among rifles and that it will hold its value over time, possibly even become a collector piece of sorts. The Browning BLR fits the bill on most of these categories with the exception of affordability perhaps. Its not the cheapest gun on the market, but its not the most expensive either.



Growing up in North Alabama, most hunters in those woods had a favorite rifle and a favorite caliber. Most of the younger guys swore by their Remington 7400s in .30-06. This gun was powerful and allowed for quick follow up shots most of the time, providing you didnt have a feed malfunction. Most of the older generation favored either a reliable bolt gun or lever action in the .30 caliber range.



To me, it seemed like there was no middle ground, no happy medium between the reliability and accuracy of a bolt gun or the speed of an auto. Sure the old levers offered quick reliable follow up shots, but they failed to offer the range of trajectory of the bolts or autos being used. My search for a happy medium went on, at least until I discovered the Browning BLR.



The Browning BLR offers the best of both worlds. The gun has a rotary bolt with six interlocking lugs which allow it positive lockup, tighter than most any bolt action Ive ever come across. The BLR is super accurate. I dare say it is as accurate as any bolt action Ive ever fired, and it offers quick and reliable follow up shots if need be. The rack and pinion design allows the trigger to move with the lever, thus eliminating the occasional finger jam common of other lever guns. Also, the side ejection allows for easy scope mounting, and the detachable box magazine sits flush with the gun. Why, with all of these features, is it that you never see a write up on this gun in todays gun magazines. Well, with the exception of this one of course. Im assuming that its not appreciated simply because few people have actually given it a try. After all, most of the people I know that own a BLR, covet it as one of their finest. I know that I certainly do.



The BLR comes in a wide range of calibers in both long and short actions, including .30-06, .270, .450 Marlin, 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm WSM, .300 WSM, and .325 WSM. The gun is offered with either a 20, 22, or 24 inch barrel, depending upon caliber selected. In short, the BLR isnt a better lever action, its a better gun.

How long has it been unfired for? I would suggest to give her a good cleaning and inspection before you put some rounds through it just to be on the safe side. But I'm sure the browning BLR is just fine. As far as handing down the BLR as a first rifle, I think the 243 cal. Is great caliber for someone's first rifle. Your grandchildren would be able to hunt just about everything with the Browning BLR 243 cal and have a blast with it.

Wow seems like you have a pretty nice collection of firearms. I'm sure the commemorative edition adds some value but I would still want to shoot it. It seems like you are very knowledgeable about deer hunting; especially with the variety of firearms you own. I would love to hear about some of your techniques for hunting when you get a chance as I mainly have a skeet and trap shooting background. This is partly due to my location but I do get to go out for deer and turkey for the fall and spring. I am still debating between the Browning BLR or the Browning bolt action.

All I can say it WOW!! That is awesome. I'm currently in NY, and the best I have is about 600 acres of state land. But it's about a two hour drive from me.

The 600 acres is NY state land that is legal to hunt on, so normally there is a lot of hunters that use the land. The Problem with the land that i hunt on is that it is very dense. It makes a clear shot at times very difficult. With the state land you can't put up any permanent tree stands either, so until i get a good portable tree stand i have been hunting on the ground. do you have a good portable stand you use, or is it a tree stand that you have built?

Every time i have gone hunting i have yet to see a hunter but the problem is you can hear the gun shots, which is worse because the deer get spooked and don't move around as much. Its turkey season here in NY right now, so i am going to try my luck with that in the coming weeks. Have you ever gone turkey hunting before?