Browning BLR info needed

[Ford]

I am thinking of getting a BLR in .243. Dont know much about them and would like to hear your thoughts.
I have always wanted a lever action rifle. I have almost bought a Winchester and a Marlin in .30-.30 and wanted to know if you thought the BLR was worth the extra money.
I think the .243 would be a little more useful since I could use it on about anything if I HAD to. Squirrel to Deer. thanks

 

[dmazur]

I did quite a bit of research and I almost bought one. So, I'm not as qualified as an owner to reply. (fair notice)

I believe they have alloy receivers now, to save weight, and steel inserts for the scope mounting holes on the receiver. Earlier versions had steel receivers. This isn't supposed to matter, as the bolt locks up with the barrel and so receiver strength doesn't limit action strength.

They are offered in a laminate / stainless version. Also in a takedown version. I haven't seen stainless and takedown.

Box magazine release is slightly different on the takedown version, but reviews are favorable for both variations.

Accuracy is supposed to be around 1.5" at 100 yds (no factory guarantee), and this also is supposed to be true for the takedown version.

A scout mount is available if you really want to mount a long eye relief scope on the barrel.

The BLR now has a safety, but at least it isn't a cross bolt button that likes to move by itself. It is a tilting hammer nose that prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin. I've tried this and it's very natural. As you pull the hammer back to the cocked position, you take the safety off.

So why didn't I buy one? I don't know. I got a Winchester 1895 in .30-06 and that kind of satisfied my lever-action urges. I still admire the BLR, however.

 

[Shawnee]

The BLR .243 is one of the very best rifles a North American hunter could own. My son bought one (at my urging) several years ago and has taken trainloads of deer, coyotes and hogs + an assortment of other "varmints" with it. My other son and I have borrowed it. His friends have borrowed it. We would all like to con him out of it but he wouldn't let go of it for King's ransom. It will cleanly take any game you want up to about 450lbs. at any distance you need to be shooting.
If I couldn't have a Ruger #1 single-shot I would be on my way to buy a BLR .243 before the ink dries on this post.

 

[Rexster]

I like them, though I have not had much opportunity to use mine; my wife's volunteer work (canine SAR) gets us outdoors a lot, but toting a rifle is not part of the agenda. So, while I can attest to general quality, accuracy, and shootability, I have not subjected mine to hard use yet. There is a very favorable review of the BLR on Gunblast.com, and fans of lever rifles should try Leverguns.com, where there is a link to a forum. Edited to add: Mine are chambered in .308, and I am considering one in .22-250.