Considering a Browning BLR...

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C

Crashbox

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I'm getting a real hankerin' for purchasing a Browning BLR, preferably in .30-06 since it is a fairly common chambering as opposed to my three other long guns which are not. Will probably purchase new, and do not plan on mounting a scope.

I was wondering if there are any owners of BLR's out there, and what sort of likes or dislikes you have about the rifle. Thank you very much in advance.
 
BLR's are an excellent gun. The only problem I have with them is their heavy trigger. I'm spoiled I guess.
 
My "go to" field gun is an older BLR w/all steel receiver in 308. It's a fantastic gun.

Unlike the competition's lever actions, the Browning has a detachable mag. That's nice for a number of reasons.

Also, the entire trigger assembly follows the lever down when you eject a cartridge. Mr. Browning knew what he was doing with that one. I've also owned both Marlin and Winchester, and pinched my fingers when ejecting spent rounds from those, because the only thing that moves is the lever.

Mostly I like the weight. It's right around six pounds which feels no heavier than the Ruger Redhawk w/scope (that I used to carry in the field).

Here's a website with considerable information.

http://shootingwithhobie.blogspot.com/2010/10/browning-lever-action-rifle-blr-by.html
 
Also, the entire trigger assembly follows the lever down when you eject a cartridge. Mr. Browning knew what he was doing with that one.
Click to expand...

I consider John Moses Browning to be the Nikola Tesla of firearms- he was indeed a true genius.

Thank you for the responses so far- please keep 'em coming.
 
Browning had nothing to do with the BLR.
The rifles are accurate and generally reliable. With an alloy receiver they can be fairly light to carry.
The only real complaint I have about them is that the action is difficult to take apart & get back together again.
Denis
 
I would consider the .308 over the 30-06. The cartridges are about equal and the .308 makes for a shorter action and lighter weight.
I have an older (steel frame) one in .308. The detachable magazine is extremely rare and expensive. Don't fall into that trap if you go used.
Accurate and light enough to carry.
 
Gave one in .308 as a wedding gift to my best friend. Awesome rifle. I would like one myself one day. +1 on the .308. Shorter action in this instance seems logical.
 
Sun,
Unconfirmed on Bruce, and Crash was talking about John Moses.
Denis
 
Sun,
Unconfirmed on Bruce, and Crash was talking about John Moses.
Denis
Click to expand...

My comment about JMB was intended to be a general one regarding his talents, not whether or not he was intimately involved with the BLR design.

Anyway, back to the program...

I'll look into the .308 some more. I should add that I will be reloading and probably casting for whatever chambering I choose, so some added flexibility may be desirable. I honestly don't have any intended initial purpose for a BLR other than I would like to get one if there are no serious issues with them, which it sounds like that's the case...
 
One other thing to consider is how tightly the action locks up on the respective lever actions. The Browning has actual locking lugs on the bolt similar to many bolt actions. Very strong.

Winchester and Marlin have no such action.
 
I have found the blr to have too much lop for my likings. You might want to shoulder it a few times before you comitt. Other than that and the cheap alloy receiver I can find no fault with them. They are truly excellent rifles.
 
I have found the blr to have too much lop for my likings. You might want to shoulder it a few times before you comitt. Other than that and the cheap alloy receiver
Click to expand...

I couldn't figure out what "lop" was. Like, "Lop off an inch Charlie."

But you mean length of pull. I'm 6'6" tall and that's not a problem. Plus, my BLR is older and has the steel receiver. The OP could do some shopping and find an older model.
 
I have a BLR in .308 that is 3 years old...has the aluminum receiver...no issues with failure on the receiver to my knowledge.

Great rifle for deer hunting, etc., especially in the woods of Alabama and the Southeast in general. Accurate enough, but it is not a target rifle; however, my BLR will shoot 1 inch groups at 100 yards plus or minus a 1/4 inch with Federal Fusion ammo in 165 grain.

Only issue I have is that the cocking mechanism (the hammer) is the only safety, so the hammer has to remain uncocked or half-cocked and folded while in the deer stand, and cocking the thing with a deer within 30 or 40 yards is a delicate maneuver to remain quiet enough not too scare the animal away. Having said that, the few that I have shot with the Browning BLR were neither scared away and they didn't run after the shot.

If I had to do it over again, I would still buy the BLR.
 
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I've heard of no failures in the alloy frames.
One of the Browning project managers told me a couple years back that with the bolt head locking into steel in the barrel extension, the frame "could be made out of cardboard", it's that un-stressed.

The frame is mostly there to hold the guts in & connect the front end to the back end on the BLR.
It doesn't provide any lockup function, and moving parts don't abrade or stress it unduly in operation.
Denis
 
I love my .308 BLR. As a lefty, it's a great alternative to a bolt gun. Topped with an older Weaver 4x it is my "go to" deer rifle.

As an earlier poster mentioned, pay attention to the availability of magazines if you buy an older one. I've seen mags go for well over $100.

BTW, at least in my .308, any of the short action gas will work, it doesn't need to be caliber specific. I.e, the .243 stamped mag loads .308s with no trouble.
 
As a lefty, it's a great alternative to a bolt gun.
Click to expand...

This is a major reason why I prefer amphibious firearms; I'm a southpaw myself.

ETA: Yogi Berra used the term 'amphibious' when he meant 'ambidextrous' ;)
 
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IIRR the BLR has a 30-degree lever throw as opposed to the 90-degree throw on other models.
And the aluminum receiver has a steel insert for the locking lugs.
I really toyed with the idea of a BLR in 358 Win and trying cast pistol bullets for cheap practice.
 
My sister-in-law has hunted with a BLR in 7mm-08 since 2003. It's accurate, fast handling, and dependable. Browning still builds very well crafted rifles!

TR
 
Perhaps not. However, using the word 'cheap' as in 'cheap alloy receiver' does in fact imply quality issues...

Anyway-

Looks like I'll probably get one within the next couple of months, I may hold out until I get my Income Reduction Service (IRS) refund, or I may just go out and snag one...

Thanks y'all for the input on this. It is much appreciated.
 
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TR,
No- Browning holds their contractors to very high standards. :)
Denis
 
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