Browning BLR

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model86

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Few years ago I had a Browning BLR in .308 Win. Lots of positive things about this gun such as light weight, short lever throw, short and handy and fast repeat shots.

The two reasons I sold it were:

It would jam when cycling very fast
Didn't like the flat-sided fore stock

Wondering how some of you rate this gun. Have some of you had problems when levering this gun real fast? I agree with one member who said everything Browning makes is outstanding. Still, this BLR didn't quite measure up.

model86
 
I've tried very hard to like them, but just can't. From a practical perspective no lever gun offers any advantages over a bolt rifle. I own and hunt with several traditional lever guns simply for nostalgic reasons and the fact that I just like them. The BLR is neither traditional, nor does it do anything I can't do better with one of my bolt rifles. The old steel framed BLR's are quite a bit heavier than a bolt gun. The newer aluminum framed guns are lighter than some bolt guns, but still heavier than many others. They tend to be much more expensive, and they are not as accurate nor as reliable.

The only selling point is allegedly being faster for repeat shots. I've tested the theory and concluded that lever guns are a fraction of a second faster at firing 3 shots downrange compared to a bolt gun. But if the goal is to hit a target with each shot there is no difference in how fast it can be done between bolt and lever actions. Pump actions and semi autos are the only actions that are truly faster than a bolt rifle and the difference isn't as great as most think.
 
jmr40 said:
I've tried very hard to like them, but just can't. From a practical perspective no lever gun offers any advantages over a bolt rifle. I own and hunt with several traditional lever guns simply for nostalgic reasons and the fact that I just like them. The BLR is neither traditional, nor does it do anything I can't do better with one of my bolt rifles. The old steel framed BLR's are quite a bit heavier than a bolt gun. The newer aluminum framed guns are lighter than some bolt guns, but still heavier than many others. They tend to be much more expensive, and they are not as accurate nor as reliable.

The only selling point is allegedly being faster for repeat shots. I've tested the theory and concluded that lever guns are a fraction of a second faster at firing 3 shots downrange compared to a bolt gun. But if the goal is to hit a target with each shot there is no difference in how fast it can be done between bolt and lever actions. Pump actions and semi autos are the only actions that are truly faster than a bolt rifle and the difference isn't as great as most think.
Click to expand...

I have been fighting the urge to pick up a BLR. I've come to the same conclusion. They just don't do anything better than a good bolt gun. I even tried to rationalize that they ride better on a horse but that is such a marginal gain that its hardly worth it. A good scabbard carries a bolt gun on a horse just fine.
 
I had one in 30-06. It seemed heavy. It did cycle well and was one accurate rifle. I thought it too bulky and heavy for my needs so I sold it and got a GSR synthetic in 308.
 
I have an early Belgian made one in .308. Never experienced a problem with feeding. I happen to think it's one of the best woods gun you can have. Short, and I find it light and accurate. The caliber choices can't be beat in a lever action, and the fit and finish are outstanding.

Unfortunately, I've moved to a state where I can no longer use it for hunting, and a Rossi 92 has replaced it for that purpose.
 
The long action BLR's are a bit unwieldy, but the short actions handle about as quick as a model 94.They are much handier to carry in cold weather than a Savage 95/99. The design is as "traditional" as about any of the JMB designed guns. It was the last design he was working on, here's a picture of one of his prototypes from the BBHC museum.
Ekalakatrip2011006_zps74fafe66.jpg
 
I have a BLR 81 in .358 Win. One of my favorite rifles. Bought it as a 200 yard brush gun. It serves that purpose well, accurate and reliable. I owned 3 Savage 99's. I got rid of them all. The accuracy just wasn't there. I didn't buy it to replace a good bolt gun for longer range. I have bolt guns that serve that purpose.
 
You guys are KILLING ME! I really want a steel BLR in .308!:D
 
You know what? If you want a BLR in .308 get one and enjoy the experience. If you don't like
it then trade it in for something else. You will lose some money but so what! You can't take it
with you.
Zeke
 
Zeke is right. If you like it that's all that matters.

I grew up with a pre-64 Win 94 in 30-30 and that's what I compare every lever action to. When I first became aware of the BLR, esp. when they began chambering it for 7mm-08, I thought I just had to own one. But then I handled them (probably 15 times) and came to the same conclusion that jmr40 did. If I wanted accuracy, get a bolt action. If I wanted speed and nostalgia, I already owned it.
 
I'd love the above mentioned .358 in a takedown. But also as mentioned, if it tickles your fancy and you have the cash to spend, get it.

I'd really like a nice .375 H&H. I believe this will be the year I can do it. Do I need it? Not for 3,000 miles. Can I use it around here anyway...[maniacal laugh!].

Greg
 
Buddy has the new Takedown BLR?
He's had classic lever guns of several types. Plus a fair number of other rigs.
Says this new Browning is his absolute favorite.
Think he bucked out with it this yr.
 
I have a Belgian made BLR circa 1971 in .243. It's heavy (steel receiver), has a cruddy trigger, and a straight grip (I like pistol grips). I inherited it seven years ago and haven't hunted with it much but I can manage good groups with it using Hornady SST 95 gr rounds. My daughter uses it and loves it.
 
My dad got me a BLR in .243 when I was 15. I killed my first deer with it, and several more since. I love mine, no problems at all. But it doesn't do anything better than a good bolt action.
 
I acquired a.358 BLR back in the 80's and it has been my main deer rifle for most of my adult life. I've always found it to be a very handy and reliable rifle.

Made my first hand loads for it and took this buck last month

EB430363-5CE8-454A-9576-BD304CC2035E.jpg
 
I have a 1985 BLR in 5.56mm and it cycles reliably no matter how fast or slow. If I were buying a gun like it now, I would look at Henry Long Ranger first. It addresses some of the issues with BLR, such as having a fully floated barrel.
 
I have a BLR in 7MM08 and find myself picking it up more and more often when it is time to go deer hunting. Light, fun to shoot, and it just seems to fit me.
 
I have an early one in 308 and regret letting a 243 out of my hands years ago.
One word of warning for those looking at the older style. Magazine$$$$$$$
 
jmr40 said:
I've tried very hard to like them, but just can't. From a practical perspective no lever gun offers any advantages over a bolt rifle. I own and hunt with several traditional lever guns simply for nostalgic reasons and the fact that I just like them. The BLR is neither traditional, nor does it do anything I can't do better with one of my bolt rifles.
Click to expand...

The Browning BLR is a very well-made and finished rifle. But, in my by definition subjective opinion, the BLR is the most ugly, "ungainly" looking lever-action rifle ever made. It's the opposite of a nostalgic, traditional appearing rifle-whatever that means.:confused:
 
model86 said:
Few years ago I had a Browning BLR in .308 Win. Lots of positive things about this gun such as light weight, short lever throw, short and handy and fast repeat shots.

The two reasons I sold it were:

It would jam when cycling very fast
Didn't like the flat-sided fore stock

Wondering how some of you rate this gun. Have some of you had problems when levering this gun real fast? I agree with one member who said everything Browning makes is outstanding. Still, this BLR didn't quite measure up.

model86
Click to expand...
 
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