Browning BLR vs. Ruger Gunsite Scout

[DeadEye308]

Im looking for a new 308 rifle and have narrowed my choices down to the Browning BLR Stainless takedown and the Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle. Primarily will be used for hunting, Im set on the 308 caliber (versatile and available). Not looking to take shots past 300 yrds. Anyone fired either of these? Need some help making up my mind.

Thanks

 

[451 Detonics]

I have shot the BLR in several calibers. It is a short lever throw and can be operated very fast, a simple flick of the fingers and it is done. I think it would be darn hard to be as fast with a bolt. Browning magazine are 30 bucks cheaper than the Ruger mags would be as well. The Ruger on the other hand would likely have a slight edge in accuracy.

Comes down to personal preference...do you want a bolt or lever gun?

 

[bhk]

How do you intend to carry it? You can't really cup your hand under the receiver of the Ruger for one-handed woods carry due to the extended magazine. That immediately puts the rifle in the 'no buy' catagory for me.

 

[Canazes9]

Of the two, I would go w/ the BLR, mainly because of the clunky ergonomics of the Ruger (I like Rugers, just not this one).

Now if I wanted a scout style 308, I would go w/ a third option:

http://www.steyrarms.com/products/hunting-rifles/scout/

David

 

[CMC]

Got the BLR takedown Scout in 308 , mine is setup with the Leupold Scout scope.
I had a hard time right at dusk looking thru the scope.
From the Bench at 100 yards It will do one inch gruops with reloads or federal prime ammo with the Nosler partition.
I use mine for hunting and carry it year round for fun shooting and shooting the ocassional coyote.
It is very handy, easy to carry and quick into action.
I like the Ruger and thought of getting one but it is to heavy for me.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

The BLR won't reliably set off milspec primers. Get the Ruger.

 

[stillkickin]

I am a Ruger fan, but my GS Scout has the worst trigger I have ever had on any firearm with the exception of my 10-22. I have purchased over a dozen Rugers over the past twenty years and have allwase been empressed with their reliability and durability, but the triggers on almost everyone of them left much to be desired, and two (M-77 in 30-06 and GS scout) were extreemly disappointing. it is an real bummer to spend that much money and still have to spent more just to get them to shoot like they should from the factory. the Browning trigger is not the best, but the rifle is very handy and easy to carry. as an avid hunter, I have found that I carry them more than shoot them.

 

[whalerman]

I really like both rifles, but as with most of the previous posters, I'd go with the BLR for hunting. It carries much easier. Go to a gun shop; handle both. I think you'll agree. Another aspect to consider is the large capacity magazine in the Ruger. I ask this. Will that be legal in all states to hunt with? I don't know if you plan on traveling to hunt but this might be a consideration.

 

[Ole Humpback]

I own a BLR in 257 Roberts and I have to say that it is far superior in feel, quality, fit & finish, smooth action operation, and is far more versatile due to its 4rd DBM than my dads Pre-64 Model 94 Winchester or my Henry Golden Boy. The DBM allows you to carry several different types of loads and quickly change between them if you need to (assuming you don't hunt with one already chambered). Plus, its a very small compact rifle. If you're looking for a carbine, hard to beat the BLR.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

If you're using it for hunting I'd take the BLR, but before you buy one I'd put it to my shoulder to make sure it feels good as Browning's tend to have longer lengths of pull than other's.

 

[CaliCoastie]

have to go with the BLR and even though im a lever fan i have been looking at different 308's. am i the only one that thinks that the bolt through on the gunsite scout is a mile long? feels alot longer than it should. but still what fits you best is the one you should get.

 

[DeadEye308]

Thanks for the input, i own several brownings but have never owned a ruger...also have never owned a lever action.. might just go with the BLR cuz it would be different. i could always modify one of my Remys to act as a scout rifle.

Anyone have any bad experiences with the BLR?

 

[ECVMatt]

I have a GSR and love it. I posted some reviews here that you can search. I also like the BLR. A good friend hunted with one for years and it always worked. If you reload, you have to full length resize the brass with the BLR as the lever is not strong enough to force the round into the chamber. This is not a fault of the BLR as it was not designed to do this. I have heard that the break down BLR's suffer in the accuracy department. I will try and find the article. They compared the standard with the take down and the standard was much more accurate.

My Ruger's trigger is great and accuracy is far above my expectations. Converting a Remington to a scout rifle is very costly and will not equal the Ruger unless it is done by one of the better shops. This will end up costing enough to buy several Ruger GSR's. This is a though call, they are both great rifles.

I just checked mag prices and the BLR's are 54 bucks and Accuracy International mags are 64 bucks, so I would say they are very similar.

Let us know what you choose.

 

[451 Detonics]

Wow! Don't know where you shop for Browning mags but that is more than double what I have ever paid for a BLR magazine.

 

[ECVMatt]

Wow! Don't know where you shop for Browning mags but that is more than double what I have ever paid for a BLR magazine.

I wish you would tell us were you shop, I think you have a great line on mags. I could use some for my other Browning rifles.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Silent Sam]

If you go with the Browning make sure you shoulder both types. I like the looks of the pistol grip but for hunting the straight grip gets it done much better.