vette20
Member
Ijust picked up a new Browning BLR in .270. Anyone have any thoughts or own one of these. I had to buy it sight unseen as no one seems to carry these. So far i love it.
Browning BLR
- Thread starter vette20
- Start date
- Status
fiddleharp
Member
I'm a left-handed shooter. My left eye is my master eye.
That being said, gun manufacturers historically haven't tried too hard to accomodate us. Very few left-handed bolt options are available.
So, decades ago, I settled for lever action rifles in several calibers. One of these rifles was a BLR in 7mm-08.
I would have been happier with a 7mm-08 in a left-handed bolt, but hey, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.
Overall, I love everything about this Browning BLR except the trigger.
Apparently, local gunsmiths around the country can't work on this trigger, and the rifle must be sent to the Wizard Of Oz, the only guy in America who possesses the know-how to improve BLR triggers.
Seeing how this would cost almost as much as I paid for this used rifle in the first place, I'll pass.
Oh, edit!
One thing I don't like about the BLR is that the average mortal can't remove the bolt, firing pin, trigger group, or anything else for a thorough cleaning.
That being said, gun manufacturers historically haven't tried too hard to accomodate us. Very few left-handed bolt options are available.
So, decades ago, I settled for lever action rifles in several calibers. One of these rifles was a BLR in 7mm-08.
I would have been happier with a 7mm-08 in a left-handed bolt, but hey, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.
Overall, I love everything about this Browning BLR except the trigger.
Apparently, local gunsmiths around the country can't work on this trigger, and the rifle must be sent to the Wizard Of Oz, the only guy in America who possesses the know-how to improve BLR triggers.
Seeing how this would cost almost as much as I paid for this used rifle in the first place, I'll pass.
Oh, edit!
One thing I don't like about the BLR is that the average mortal can't remove the bolt, firing pin, trigger group, or anything else for a thorough cleaning.
Last edited:
vette20
Member
I am also left handed which is why i bought the BLR. I tried a Remington 788 right hand bolt action but didnt like it. That gun is now for sale. I havent noticed a trigger roblem yet.
lastofthebreed
Member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 223
BLR
I bought a BLR in 7mm08 this past summer. I have been deer hunting with it all season. Without a doubt, the most fun I have ever had with a rifle. It is accurate, easy to handle, points naturally and has become my favorite firearm. Oh, by the way, it has killed 7 deer so far with nary a miss.
I bought a BLR in 7mm08 this past summer. I have been deer hunting with it all season. Without a doubt, the most fun I have ever had with a rifle. It is accurate, easy to handle, points naturally and has become my favorite firearm. Oh, by the way, it has killed 7 deer so far with nary a miss.
vette20
Member
Did you put a scope on it? If so what kind? I mounted a nikon 6-18x40 which will allow me to count the points easily. I just got this so i doubt i will get anything with it this year.
Don McDowell
Member
I'm not overly fond of the long action blr's, but the short actions in 243,308 etc are real nice hunting rifles.
slicksleeve
Member
I have one in.243. Killed my first deer with it, and several more since, and have never needed to fire a follow up shot. It's had several scopes on it, and even just the open sights for a few seasons. It has 1-4x Leupold on it now. A good small scope for a small gun. The trigger ain't great, but accuracy wise it seems to hang in there with most any similar priced run of the mill bolt action.
Speedo66
Member
Light, short, accurate, and need I say, good looking. Love mine in .308.
If there's a problem with them, it's that the first gen mags are impossible to find, and ridiculously spendy if you do.
If there's a problem with them, it's that the first gen mags are impossible to find, and ridiculously spendy if you do.
SunnySlopes
Member
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2011
- Messages
- 1,224
I've got one of the older ones. It has a steel receiver. 308 cal. I've owned other lever actions. Winchester and Marlin. I like the BLR much better.
With other lever actions, the trigger stays with the receiver. Nothing like hunting in cold weather with cold fingers, and pinching them in the lever.
The Browning is different. The trigger follows the lever. Problem solved.
You're not supposed to shoot pointed bullets in guns w/tubuler mags. They say recoil could ignite the primer of the cartridge ahead of the cartridge behind it.
The Browning is different. Detachable magazine so you don't have to use flat point bullets. Plus, w/detachable magazine, you can change bullet weight/loads, etc, without having to eject every round in the tubuler magazine.
Also, if you look closely, you see that the Browning has locking lugs on the bolt. It cams into place for added strength like a bolt action. Other lever actions don't have this feature.
The BLR is a fantastic gun. Mine only weighs 6 pounds. I can carry it all day long. No problem.
The drawback to a 270 is the long action. But that's not a deal killer. IMO.
With other lever actions, the trigger stays with the receiver. Nothing like hunting in cold weather with cold fingers, and pinching them in the lever.
The Browning is different. The trigger follows the lever. Problem solved.
You're not supposed to shoot pointed bullets in guns w/tubuler mags. They say recoil could ignite the primer of the cartridge ahead of the cartridge behind it.
The Browning is different. Detachable magazine so you don't have to use flat point bullets. Plus, w/detachable magazine, you can change bullet weight/loads, etc, without having to eject every round in the tubuler magazine.
Also, if you look closely, you see that the Browning has locking lugs on the bolt. It cams into place for added strength like a bolt action. Other lever actions don't have this feature.
The BLR is a fantastic gun. Mine only weighs 6 pounds. I can carry it all day long. No problem.
The drawback to a 270 is the long action. But that's not a deal killer. IMO.
Last edited:
morcey2
Member
One of my favorite guns growing up was a 243 BLR that I occasionally borrowed from my uncle. It was very accurate and a great jackrabbit gun.
lastofthebreed
Member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 223
BLR
I have one in 7MM08. Love it. This particular firearm has become my favorite. I have been looking for one in 270 Win I could afford. Don't know what you gave for yours, but enjoy it.
I have one in 7MM08. Love it. This particular firearm has become my favorite. I have been looking for one in 270 Win I could afford. Don't know what you gave for yours, but enjoy it.
351 WINCHESTER
Member
I like the original ones with a steel receiver and that "western look". The trigger is ok, but nothing to write home about, but pliantly good for hunting. Don't loose your magazine as they have been out of production for a very long time and when you find one they ain't cheap.
rodregier
Member
I bought a 2013 production takedown BLR in .308 Win stainless. Very impressive except the trigger. Current factory spec for the trigger is 4.5 lbs, mine was 8.8 lbs. Very hard to be consistently accurate with a rifle trigger that heavy. Heck, there are double-action revolver triggers with lesser weight!
Since a trigger is a fitted part, I had little confidence that the Canadian (3rd party reps) Browning warranty depot would give me a better result than what I had.
After a lot of asking around, I found a Canadian gunsmith who routinely reworks BLR triggers, has been positively reviewed for same by customers and was accepting units for rework. I've sent him my receiver, had it reworked, got it back and tested it dry and live fire. Now very nice! Updated trigger weight is 4.5 lbs.
I'm running mine with the Browning Scout mount and a Leupold Scout Scope, with updated iron sights.
Based on my testing, the accuracy of my unit with good ammunition seems to be limited only by my ability to see and hold on the target. Since the Scout scope is only 2.5x that's not exactly a benchrest rig
My notes on sights:
(I'll be updating soon with photos).
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=734915
Since a trigger is a fitted part, I had little confidence that the Canadian (3rd party reps) Browning warranty depot would give me a better result than what I had.
After a lot of asking around, I found a Canadian gunsmith who routinely reworks BLR triggers, has been positively reviewed for same by customers and was accepting units for rework. I've sent him my receiver, had it reworked, got it back and tested it dry and live fire. Now very nice! Updated trigger weight is 4.5 lbs.
I'm running mine with the Browning Scout mount and a Leupold Scout Scope, with updated iron sights.
Based on my testing, the accuracy of my unit with good ammunition seems to be limited only by my ability to see and hold on the target. Since the Scout scope is only 2.5x that's not exactly a benchrest rig
My notes on sights:
(I'll be updating soon with photos).
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=734915
cmdc
Member
I have the same rifle and have been vacillating between mounting a scope on the receiver, or a scout scope on the barrel. What are the pros/cons of each for a takedown rifle?
Thanks
PS: Not trying to hijack the thread, just need some advice.
Thanks
PS: Not trying to hijack the thread, just need some advice.
cmdc
Member
What are good sling options for the takedowns?
Thanks.
Thanks.
rodregier
Member
My cross-referenced thread gives a nice photo of a mounted scout with backup irons.
The takedown locks up tight enough that irons or even a medium power optic will hold zero ok.
You won't be disappointed by either sighting system with the takedown.
If you're really concerned, the forward mounted optic is *on* the barrel, so there is no prospect for zero shift even *if* the lockup was sloppy. (Which it isn't).
The biggest liability with using an aftermarket rear iron on the receiver is that the front needs to be very tall. That's not to everyone's taste.
The takedown locks up tight enough that irons or even a medium power optic will hold zero ok.
You won't be disappointed by either sighting system with the takedown.
If you're really concerned, the forward mounted optic is *on* the barrel, so there is no prospect for zero shift even *if* the lockup was sloppy. (Which it isn't).
The biggest liability with using an aftermarket rear iron on the receiver is that the front needs to be very tall. That's not to everyone's taste.
Last edited:
Zerstoerer
Member
Found an older model in .358 Win !
All steel receiver, no safety, can't wait to shoot it.
Thought Marlin Guide gun in 45-70 first, but the .358 outperformes it.
Will report on the accuracy.
All steel receiver, no safety, can't wait to shoot it.
Thought Marlin Guide gun in 45-70 first, but the .358 outperformes it.
Will report on the accuracy.
jgr_lv
Member
Got one myself
I have one, and it's a very nice rifle in a very versatile caliber. The only glitch was the trigger, rough as the proverbial cob and about nine pounds. I talked a gunsmith buddy into playing with it. The bad news is that the neat design that moves the trigger with the lever means it's always going to be a two-stage trigger and will have at least a little creep. The good news is that he got it down to about three pounds with a short takeup, minimal creep and a crisp break, similar to a decent trigger on a 1911. If you're interested in that, contact East Creek Precision Firearms, Ely, NV, (775) 293-1524. He's a graduate of the gunsmithing school in Prescott, AZ, and licensed for Class I and Class III work. I can definitely recommend his work.
My BLR is the takedown model, and I found that the point of impact shifted by up to a MOA when it was taken down and reassembled with the scope mounted on the action. I got one of the true scout mounts, which is apparently available only from Browning, and put a 2-7 power EER scope on it, which cured that problem. Now, with a decent trigger pull at last, I'm about to start working up some accurate handloads for it. I'll get back to you on how that goes.
I have one, and it's a very nice rifle in a very versatile caliber. The only glitch was the trigger, rough as the proverbial cob and about nine pounds. I talked a gunsmith buddy into playing with it. The bad news is that the neat design that moves the trigger with the lever means it's always going to be a two-stage trigger and will have at least a little creep. The good news is that he got it down to about three pounds with a short takeup, minimal creep and a crisp break, similar to a decent trigger on a 1911. If you're interested in that, contact East Creek Precision Firearms, Ely, NV, (775) 293-1524. He's a graduate of the gunsmithing school in Prescott, AZ, and licensed for Class I and Class III work. I can definitely recommend his work.
My BLR is the takedown model, and I found that the point of impact shifted by up to a MOA when it was taken down and reassembled with the scope mounted on the action. I got one of the true scout mounts, which is apparently available only from Browning, and put a 2-7 power EER scope on it, which cured that problem. Now, with a decent trigger pull at last, I'm about to start working up some accurate handloads for it. I'll get back to you on how that goes.
jgr_lv
Member
Sling mounts
I haven't added a sling to my takedown yet, but I have what I plan to use. Pachmayr makes a flush-mount QD system, Brownell's part number 692-925-002WB, that I have and am getting ready to mount. I chose that for a number of reasons. The first is that it's a very slick system that's scarcely visible with the sling off the rifle, and they come off quickly; just press in and turn one quarter turn. It was a Browning factory item on their Winchester High Wall clones. It's not a system that's intended to function as a shooting sling. I plan to use the sling as a carry strap only because I seriously doubt that the gun will react well, in terms of accuracy, to sling pressure on the forend. I could be wrong on that, but rifles with two-piece stocks are mostly not built for that kind of thing. Finally, it's a comparatively delicate system that can break away under a really hard pull. The classic way to ruin a rifle of that sort is to walk or run under a heavy tree branch or low doorway with the gun over your shoulder on the sling. Better to break a $30 sling swivel than trash an $800 rifle.
I haven't added a sling to my takedown yet, but I have what I plan to use. Pachmayr makes a flush-mount QD system, Brownell's part number 692-925-002WB, that I have and am getting ready to mount. I chose that for a number of reasons. The first is that it's a very slick system that's scarcely visible with the sling off the rifle, and they come off quickly; just press in and turn one quarter turn. It was a Browning factory item on their Winchester High Wall clones. It's not a system that's intended to function as a shooting sling. I plan to use the sling as a carry strap only because I seriously doubt that the gun will react well, in terms of accuracy, to sling pressure on the forend. I could be wrong on that, but rifles with two-piece stocks are mostly not built for that kind of thing. Finally, it's a comparatively delicate system that can break away under a really hard pull. The classic way to ruin a rifle of that sort is to walk or run under a heavy tree branch or low doorway with the gun over your shoulder on the sling. Better to break a $30 sling swivel than trash an $800 rifle.
js8588
Member
I have myself convinced that the stainless/laminate version in 223 would be about the ultimate "wandering around the woods" rifle and that a 325 WSM version would be great bear medicine. I thought I wanted one in 270 win but I'm not fond of it only having a 22 inch barrel
cmdc
Member
I have two stainless takedowns, one a 308 Hogstalker with an 18" barrel that I mounted a Trijicon 1-4x Accupoint scope on. Took it out recently and it shot very well.
I also have several others, among them another stainless laminate takedown in 270WSM. The WSMs have 22" barrels also.
I also have several others, among them another stainless laminate takedown in 270WSM. The WSMs have 22" barrels also.
CosmicCoder
Member
I got my blued, pistol-grip BLR .270 Win in January. Fit, finish and appearance is excellent. I topped mine with a Vortex 3-9x40 [had to remove the rear sight] and added a 1" Montana sling. Maybe I got lucky but I have no complaints about the stock trigger - smooth, short take-up and crisp break at around 5lb. I'm still in the load development stage but the rifle points, handles and shoots very nicely - 3-shot groups of 2½"-3" at 250yd and no problem ringing a 10" gong at 325yd. The 22" barrel does reduce the muzzle velocity a bit [~2975fps for 130gr SST, ~2850fps for 140gr SST] compared to a 24" barrel but then it probably wouldn't point and handle as well with a 24" barrel. I've attached a picture.
Attachments
- Status
