Browning BLR 81

[PJR]

Never liked the BLR with the pistol gripped stock and haunted gun shops and shows for a good condition BLR 81 in .243 Winchester without success.

A gunshop friend mentioned a few weeks ago that Browning was going back to the older style stock and foreend for '03. Dropped into Brownings website today and lo and behold the 81 is back.

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=003B&cat_id=034&type_id=006

While I want the .243 the .450 Marlin might be interesting too.

Anbody else think Browning made the right decision?

Paul

 

[sixgun_symphony]

The advertisement states that the straight stock improves handling.

If so, then why did they ever go with the pistol grip stock?

 

[Badger Arms]

Forget about that, they brought back the 358 Winchester!!! It's been out of production far too long. WELCOME BACK!!!

 

[glockten]

I commend Browning's decision; I prefer the older style myself.

Methinks a .308 version is in my future.

 

[DPtoo]

I recall reading that the BLR originally came with a steel receiver. Anybody here know what years of production the short-action came with a steel reciever, and what years with an aluminum receiver? Is there a way to determine steel versus aluminum via serial number?

For what its worth, I think Browning really hit a home run with the .358 in its short-action version. Lightweight, compact, good "grasp-ability", capable of dealing a heavy blow, and with 250+ yards range. If I were to go hiking in brown/grizzly bear country, this would be what I'd want in my hands. Its kinda funny how the gunrag writers bemoan how the .358 is "obsolete" and then turn around and extol the virtues of something like the 6.5x55.

 

[Steven Mace]

The original Model 81/BLR's were steel receivers beginning in 1966 thru 1995. When the model designation changed to the 'Lightning BLR' in 1995 this is when Browning made the change to an alloy receiver. You can visit Browning's website to determine which version of the Model 81/BLR you have and it's year of manufacture. Hope this helps!

Steve Mace

 

[Marshall]

Well, I'll be a son of --gun! They sure did!

All the WSM's and now 358Win and 450Marlin! Great! As if anyone doesn't already know, I have a thing for Browning's! A Fetish?

I see my 2003 well laid firearm plan changing, gotta have one!


Marshall