BAR Accuracy? BAR owners please comment.

[Texpatriate]

I've never owned a autoloader before, only bolt actions and lever guns. But the Browning BAR has me intrigued. Can anyone comment on how it compares with a bolt action design in terms of accuracy and dependability? Just to give you an example design to compare too lets say Weatherby Mark V or a Browning A-Bolt. Is there a signifigant downgrade in the accuracy on the BAR as compared to one of these bolt actions? Is the BAR more prone to mechanical failure in the field compared to a bolt gun? Thinking about getting one in 300 Win Mag or 7mm Rem Mag, either one with a boss. This will likely become my primary deer/elk rifle, semi-retiring my sporter mauser and my savage 99. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[LeonCarr]

Had a roommate in college that had a BAR in 7mm Magnum with a 3x-9x Redfield, no BOSS, and it would shoot three shots into an inch at 100 yards from sandbags using 150 grain Remington Core-Lokts. Not too shabby.

I wish I could find him, he still owes me $89.41 from a phone bill he didn't pay .

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[browningguy]

I've got a Gr.III in 30-06 and a Gr.IV in 270. Both will do about 1.25" at 100 yards with specific factory ammo, my '06 for example loves the Hornady load with 180 gr. SST bullets , with lighter bullets the groups seem to open up to about 1.75-2". I reload for my bolt action rifles but have not tried reloading for these.

 

[bearmgc]

I have a BAR Safari in 7mag as my backup rifle for elk. I get 1 1/2 .in groups at 100yds with Federals 175gr. It has always been reliable, but I keep it very clean. Its great for fast follow up shots if you need them. Its a heavy rifle, but that really reduces recoil. It would not be my first choice for a field gun, but mechanically, its been great. Got it in a trade. My favorite is the Browning BLR in 7mag with a Leupy 1-5, that's all I really need. Why do you want a boss on your BAR?

 

[Gewehr98]

This is a 1969-vintage Belgian BAR in .30-06.

Note the light-toned French Walnut. With my Silvertip or Nosler Partition handloads, I have no problem keeping 5-round groups between 1-1.5" at 100 yards. After the first 4 rounds, as the barrel heats up, the groups open up past the 1" mark, but I *should* have bagged my deer by then.

This particular rifle means a lot to me, I had to fight my ex-wife and pay dearly to keep it after my divorce. I notice Wife #2 has taken a shine to it of late...

 

[steve4102]

I have a Browning BAR in 300WSM w/ BOSS. It is very acurate and very reliable. As with most auto loaders care should be taken to keep it clean and in proper working order. I don't think the BAR has a "signifigant downgrade in the accuracy" compared to a bolt gun. It may not win any benchrest contests but they will shoot just fine. Here is one of my targets at 100 yards.

 

[Risasi]

I have one of the Belgians in 7mm Rem Mag. I have shot some sub MOA groups with it at about 130 yards. Three shot obviously. No irons sights though.

 

[bearmgc]

OK that makes sense. I thought it was just a muzzle brake.

 

[BADSBSNF81]

I have a mid 80's 338 that shoots very well with 225g loads (homegrown or factory). The first 3 shots will do about 1.25 to 1.5 at 100m from a rest with a scope on. If I go any lighter or heavier she opens up to 2.5.

 

[ACP230]

I've had a Browning BAR (Grade II) .30-06 since shortly after they were introduced.

Used it for deer with Remington 150 grain PSP Core-Lokt factory ammo. It shot 100 yard three-shot groups into an inch and an eighth consistently for years.

Last year, with handloads that were a little hotter than usual using the same Remington 150 grain bullet, I shot a three-inch group of exactly one inch at 100 yards.

I have a Ruger M77RL that is more accurate, and an M1A in .308 that is more consistently accurate, but the BAR will stay close to either for the first couple of groups.

Often wished I'd bought one in .338 Magnum too.

 

[Texpatriate]

Thanks to all who have replied, you have been most helpful.

It would not be my first choice for a field gun- bearmgc

Why is that? Just curious. Do you feel that it is less reliable than your BLR, or just personal preference?

 

[106rr]

I Have a (circa 1969) Belgian 270 WCF with a Leupie 2X7 duplex in one piece Redfield mounts. It is accurate, reliable and easy on the shoulder. It is by any measure the most consistent rifle I have ever owned. The Zero never seems to change. I have had to adjust the scope for different ammo more often than I had to re zero. I have owned it for more than thirty years.

 

[bearmgc]

Tex, its mainly personal preference. The BAR is a bit more heavy and bulky than my BLR, and the BLR just balances better for me. I've never had to take an elk or any critter for that matter over 200yds, so a smaller scope on a lever action works fine for me. I get a little more consistant accuracy with the BLR, maybe somewhat due to my increased use of lever actions in general. Thanks for asking. Good luck on your choice.