Browning BAR, Benelli R1, Or Merkel SR1???

[biggameballs]

OK I am in the market for a new deer rifle and I am looking at going with a semi automatic. I am looking at the Browning BAR, Benelli R1, or the new Merkel SR1. Looking for accuracy and relability comparisons. I really like the looks of the new Merkel but I dont know much about it.I am a new poster here and I would appreciate any advice. Thanks

 

[TexasRifleman]

First, Welcome to THR.

I only know of the BAR. I have a Safari in .30-06 with the BOSS system.

I am very happy with the rifle and its' reliability. Accuracy is certainly fine for a hunting rifle as well. I have taken a couple of deer with it and a few coyotes over the years.

Plus it's a REALLY nice looking rifle and everyone that sees it comments on that fact as much as anything else

If I were to buy again I'd skip the compensator, especially on something like the '06 where it really isn't needed. It was on the one I ran across so I bought it, but if I was ordering one I'd skip that.

I don't know a thing about the other 2 on your list.

You might have availability issues with the Browning too. A friend of mine has been trying to order a Safari in 7 Mag for weeks now and no one has any in stock, nor can they give him an estimated ship date.

 

[browningguy]

I only have BAR's and a HK SLB, and all of them are very relaible and accurate enough. The worst of them shoots 1.5" groups with loads it likes, the other two are pretty consistantly 1.25" guns with bullet weights they like.

I have not shot the Benelli or Merkle but they both have pretty good reputations, they cost a bit more than a BAR around here.