BAR Yes or No

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TexasEd

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I am thinking if purchasing a Browning BAR for a Russian Boar Rifle. I have a few BAR's in sight and I would like to know how you would rate your luck with this rifle. I would also use it for Elk and Deer.I would go with the tried and true 30-06. We all know it works. Any help would be great.
 
I absolutely love mine. Would buy another again without question.

'06 for me also. Not much to say really, I've been very happy with it.

safari.jpg
 
I just shot this weekend on the range, with a dude with a very nice 06 BAR, very nice all the way around, good groups, and beautiful to stare at...
 
I also wouldn't mind one in 270, I think this would be an ideal cal for this rifle... fast handling, flat, with 243 ish recoil.
 
You can find my thread about about the one I have. BAR Safari in .25-06 that's absolultely gorgeous...but will barely stay on the paper. I've had a lot of people tell me that they're really cantankerous. I'll never own another that's for sure.

I might know someone who has one for sale though....!
 
Guess I'm biased. I only own three of 'em........one old standard steel framed Belgian and two of the newer lightweights. One of those is the carbine length '06 and is a pure joy to carry......even with only a 20" bbl it chrono's very close to the old steel gun. The other is a
.338 that I picked up in a swap that was essentially unfired. For a cartridge that has a reputation as sometimes brutal in terms of recoil, that BAR is a pussycat and the only really noticeable point is that the recoil impulse is a bit longer, but very soft. That light '06, tho is the snappiest handling big game rifle I have ever owned or shot............actually comes up like a fitted bird gun for me!

Damned good guns, utterly reliable, and easily as accurate as most bolt guns on the market. You'll be well served with one.
 
Mine is like carrying a chunk of steel. It's a few inches longer than my A-bolt .270 and definitely a lot heavier. My BAR is the first auto rifle I've ever owned not counting my Ruger 10-22. I talked to a bunch of people who said that if they were going to own an automatic rifle, the BAR is the only one they'd recommend. BARs aren't particularly known for having the best accuracy in general. And I'm beginning to think that mine was just a lemon. I think I'm going to stick with bolt actions.
 
Are they much heavier than a bolt gun?

BAR Safari is 7 pounds 6 oz without optics in .30-06

Remington website says a 700BDL in '06 weighs 7 3/8 pounds.

So, I'd say it's a wash.

It's a few inches longer than my A-bolt .270 and definitely a lot heavier.

So the Browning website shows an A bolt in 270 at 7 pounds 8 oz, thats an Eclipse model with the BOSS, the Medallion model is 7lbs 1 oz.

A BAR safari in 270 actually weighs less, at 7 pounds 6 oz.

So all the talk about how heavy the BAR is must be imagined.
 
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We have a Browning BAR II Safari in 300 win mag. It shoots great and is very accurate it is on par with many bolt actions I have shot. Made in Belgum. The Safari seems a little heavier than some of the BAR's. I would like to have another in .308
 
I've heard that their accuracy isn't too great.

Ahh, don't listen to people that don't know.

I currently have 2, one in '06 and one in .270. Both are reasonably accurate although they don't keep up with my prescision rifles. Mine stay around 1 1/4" at 100 yards with loads they like, although the .270 was much more finicky finding the right load. I'd take another one any day.
 
I've got one in .280 Rem and it's a nice rifle - plenty accurate for hunting, but it won't hang with a good bolt gun. They don't like to operate dirty - had mine hang up after a dusty wheeler ride + rain.
 
I bought one in 1970 in .308. No, it's not a benchrest gun, but it groups very well and with routine maintaince it's very relaible. It was made in Belgium and cost me about $229. It's light years ahead of the remington self loaders and worth every penny. I shot one in .338 and it was a pussycat. I have, in fact, heard of ones that were lacking in the accuracy dept., but I think that was the exception rathern than the rule.
 
Accuracy?

I had one for a while. Shot 8" groups. With handloading got it down to about 6" .
Took it apart to clean it; looked just like a 742 inside. Dumped it.
 
One of my college roommates had a BAR in 7mm Magnum, and it would shoot 1 inch three shot groups at 100 yards with factory ammo and 3/4 inch three shot groups at 100 yards with handloads.

I also heard the not accurate rumor, but that rifle changed my mind.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr
 
DOGRUNNER- I see you have one in the 20" carbine ( 30-06). That is what I want can you say anything bad about it. Like I said before I'm going for Russian Boar, Elk and Deer. I'm thinking it's a good all around carry and shoot rifle. I'm thinking a 2.5 x 8 VXIII or a Trig. accupoint 3x9. Your thoughts?
 
Don't own one now, but did have one in 30-06 years ago, and it shot very well. One thing I did notice with it, and the other semi rifles is that they are a bit more ammo sensitive than my bolts were. The old 742 Remmy I used to have just wouldn't shoot Remmingtons for anything, was OK with Winny's, but LOVED federal. The Bar shot both Winny's and Federal, but was horrible with Remmington. Come to think of it I have had a LOT of rifles that didn't like Remmington ammo. But anyway. My 7400 was a bit finicky as well. Like 150gr Winchesters and nothing else I tried. (I don't roll my own so its just over the counter fare!). But anyway if you have a Bar that doesn't shoot well, you might try switching ammo and see if it makes any difference.
 
I have a Browning BAR in 30.06 and BAR II in 300WM. They're both fantastic rifles.

The only way I could be happier with the BAR is if high capacity magazines were available.

Nearly every BAR I've seen has been an accurate rifle, especially for the price range. I paid $500 for my Belgian made .06 and it came with a ridiculous Leupold scope as well.

I admit have seen a couple of abused and "Shemp-Owned" BAR's, and they had problems, but I feel that is far more a reflection of their owner's mistreatment and stupidity rather than a reflection on the Gun. Remember, there is no such thing as an idiot proof firearm, not even a pop-gun.
 
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