Is the BAR Shorttrc just as relaible and accurate as the safari?

[biggameballs]

OK so I know my next rifle will probably be the Browning BAR shorttrac. I have herd nothing but great things about the BAR's but I am wondering if the compliments are mostly about the old stlye or if the newer style is just as good. Also what are the chances that Browning adds some new calibers to the BAR line up for 2008???

 

[Horsemany]

I cannot say I have shot the new longtrac or shortrac but I do have a bit of experience with the Safari and Belgium made BAR's. The general opinion from the guys who I know who work at my local Scheel's have told me it's best to stick to the steel reciever Safari's. They said they had not had great feedback about accuracy with the new longtrac and shortrac. I have never shot one so I can't agree or disagree with their advice. I can tell you that the quality and accuracy of the BAR is what Browning hung their hat on for a few decades. In the 80's the Browning BAR and Weatherby Mark V were considered the two premium choices for deer rifles where I come from. All of the BAR's I have owned (not the long or shortrac) shot very well. They were all capable of 1 1/2" to 1" groups @100yds. The only complaint I have is they are heavy. I wouldn't be afraid to try one though. Let us know which way you go and how you like it. Good Luck.

 

[biggameballs]

The weight issue is the reason I want to go with the long/shorttrac.

 

[LeonCarr]

I had a roommate in college with a Belgian BAR in 7mm Magnum with a 3x-9x Redfield that would shoot three shot groups around an inch at 100 yards with factory ammo and around 3/4 inch with handloads.

Get an older one instead of one of the new fangled ones .

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[jonboynumba1]

I've only sold a couple of them...they look nice...feel nice are lighter. And I absolutely would not have one for a second over an older BAR. I've owned Safari BARII and original BAR (both in .270) boss has a WALL full of them (including a .270 beat half to death with probably 30+ white-tail a couple mulies a turbo-goat and plenty of varmints notched in different sections on the butt-plate. He retired it last year for a camo lightweight in .300 win mag I personally like the more affordable post all belgum made (made in belgum assembled in portugal) but pre BAR II BAR's To me the represent the best value. They are not as much as the older all belgian versions and seem slicker and simpler and shoulder better than the BAR II to me. In some ways the BARII is easier to clean but it has more parts to. I've only ever seen real breakage problems with magnum BAR's...mostly 7 mags for some reason (still these are usually 10-15 year old rifles before anything breaks or wears out...and it's usually a cheap pin that's not too bad to replace...if you work on them...so don't let that talk you out of a mag if that's what you wanted) I really like it in .270 myself. Federal premiums with 130 gr sierra gamekings shoot better than anything else in mine. The BAR and BAR II has been around the block and earned it's place. The new ones may end up being just as good...but they are not proven to me yet. And I preffer the look and feel of the older pre-93' BAR's I actually am hunting a Ruger 7 mag right now...but if I was to get another semi-auto it would deffinately be a pre-93' BAR in .270 or .30-06

Browning BAR's are the ONLY semi-auto hunting rifle worth considering in my opinion. Just handle all the versions and look at the exploded views before you decide. FWIW the BARII/Safari does have slightly lighter recoil due to both weight and a counterweight (springloaded) in the gas system...but again in .270 it's a light recoil either way...and I preffer the older simpler design. Everyone "says" the older belgians are the best made...the ones assembled in portugal seem just as well made to me...sometimes the wood is nicer on the older ones...and there are fancier grades floating around that look REALLY nice...but they are all almost too dang nice to hunt with. Another reason I like the older used ones in great shape...I feel less guilty putting a few scrapes and dents on em. The wood is HIGH$$ though missmatched forends and rear stocks are $200 (each) and midwest gunworks will make it look factory for about another $200+ to refinnish them to match...so make sure there are no cracks when you buy one...just like an A5...VERY overpriced to restock!

 

[biggameballs]

Anyone with a new BAR short/longtrac care to chime in? Whats your .02. What kind of groups with factory ammo? Any jamming?

 

[biggameballs]

BUMP anyone with a new Short/Longtrac? Give me some feedback.

 

[Bigfoot]

I'd like any input as well. I'm considering a .308 Shortrac.

 

[Horsemany]

Shortrac update

I have an update since my last post on the subject. I am a volunteer range officer at my local club. We have sight-in days open to the public the 3 weekends before deer season. Every bench has a spotter who marks the shots on a target with thumb tacs. I spotted for a guy shooting a Longtrac last weekend and 2 guys shooting Shortracs this morning. The accuracy from all three were pretty good. Keep in mind most aren't serious shooters and rarely practice other than the handfull of shots right before season. That said, the accuracy of all three guns were similar. I'd didn't see any groups over 2 inches and none under 1inch @100yds. Compared to all the other guns I spot for as they sight in, the Long and Shortracs look to be on par with decent bolt actions as far as accuracy. I usually spot for 20 to 30 shooters per day and it is a nice way to see how different stuff shoots. I've owned several of the original steel receiver BAR's and from what I saw the accuracy looks comparable.

 

[Bigfoot]

That's good news to hear Horsemany. Thanks for the report.

A little odd that it took me so long to thank you. I just got through reading about a fella on another forum whose happy with his ShorTrac in 270WSM, I remembered this thread and searched back for it. Better late than never I guess.