New Browning BAR

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I am looking for something to spice up the hunting rack a little bit and was gravitating toward a new BAR. I don't need detachable mags and I only need 1.25 moa or better. Is this going to be a worthwhile investment for a lifetime rifle or should i look elsewhere? Semi auto 30-06 is my preference and I do not want an AR-10.
 
It would be hard for me to spend that much $ on a 30-06 for hunting (that is going to be shot a small amount but still have ample opportunity to get scuffed up in the field) when I could get a great performing bolt gun in 30-06 for so much less $.
I have a good amount of great performing bolt guns so that's not much of a concern but I completely see where you are coming from. If im spending that much on a rifle it's pretty much going to be a lifer unless something catastrophic happens to it so surface wear isn't much of a concern either. It does also make sense in the aspect I do a decent bit of driven deer hunts where sitting an animal quickly is needed and rapid followup shots are conducive to that
 
It would be hard for me to spend that much $ on a 30-06 for hunting (that is going to be shot a small amount but still have ample opportunity to get scuffed up in the field) when I could get a great performing bolt gun in 30-06 for so much less $.
I agree with that statement from a functionality/practicality perspective. I also really enjoy shooting my BAR.

Equally, I prefer shooting My expensive bolt guns more than I do the cheap ones. I enjoy working on the cheap ones and can usually get them awful close to the same feel as the expensive ones, and they're almost always just as accurate.

So really I kind of think it comes down to what you're looking for, and if a semi-automatic 30-06 is specifically what's desired.... Especially if you want. Nice looking wood then the BAR is a great choice.
 
As much as shooters like to obsess over firearms decisions to justify the cost, in the end virtually every choice is based on emotion and not logic. If you’ve come here for a rational decision, you’re in the wrong place pursuing the wrong hobby.

Logic says you need one rifle, and even one rifle would be difficult to justify in most cases.

Since it’s a decision based on wants, desires, and illogical emotion, I’d get what makes ME happy. A Browning would make me very happy.

There’s a reason the wall and racks of the LGS are filled with different brands, types and calibers. Different things make different people happy.
 
I had a BAR in 338 Mag. I never had a failure to feed or extract any factory load or handload. I had several hand loads that would go into 1 1/8" off sandbags at 100 yards. This is for the first 3 shots. As the barrel heated up the point of impact would start to climb. After a box of 20 it would be up a foot or more at 100 yards. I read online that you could control that by using a torque wrench on the screw holding the for end on, but never tested it. I finally sold the rifle when I gave up on the dream of hunting elk.
 
I had a BAR in 338 Mag. I never had a failure to feed or extract any factory load or handload. I had several hand loads that would go into 1 1/8" off sandbags at 100 yards. This is for the first 3 shots. As the barrel heated up the point of impact would start to climb. After a box of 20 it would be up a foot or more at 100 yards. I read online that you could control that by using a torque wrench on the screw holding the for end on, but never tested it. I finally sold the rifle when I gave up on the dream of hunting elk.

That's a scary comment, "gave up on the dream of hunting elk." Elk and wild boar are on my to do list, but I also haven't hunted in 29 years.....
 
Excellent choice, buy it and enjoy a lifetime of good looking reliability. Love your cartridge choice too. Probably the best hunting rifle out there in my opinion. I hunt with mine, in 270 Winchester, since 1993. Never had any issue, used it in the worst weather. Heard of cycling problems below minus 25 Celsius degrees, did not happen to me.
 
That exact rifle is on my short list of next rifles. I would also consider it in .308. Much handier, maybe lighter, and better handling than an AR-10 style. The DBM version would be good too. Pics and range report please. I do have a Remington 7400 as well. But I have always admired the BAR. One of my favorite uncles had one.
 
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Alright im pretty well sold at this point. When i do get one i will update with a range report and show it off. For the .308 recommendations my main appeal for the BAR is semi auto long action. If I was going short action it would be near impossible for me not to just build an ar10
 
You just cannot go better!

Gave my old BAR to a very close friend (2nd model) when I acquired a 20" lightweight,, both in '06..............both would (will) hold under an inch at 100. Along the way I also picked up a lightweight .338, remarkably accurate, but a bit slow on recovery for follow ups............only used it on deer but it is truly a bolt of lightning!

I use only reloads in my rifles and I have never had a malfunction with them..............stark contrast to the poor souls using Remingtons design!
 
I have hunted with AR style rifles I liked them ok but decided I like conventional rifles better for hunting. No rattle, less bulk and nothing sticking out hindering movement, and lighter mostly.
I had an AR in .358 WSSM to fit the goofy regulations we had for deer. It had a heavy target Shilen Match barrel. Hit like a freight train. Sub .5 accurate, but it was cold to hold and carry in the winter, rattled, and quite heavy. Nothing slick or smooth about carrying. Carrying slinged, something was always poking you.

It went away for a X-Bolt 7 mag.

So, did you buy that Browning yet or do you need more enablers giving you encouragement?
 
I've had a BAR MKII Safari in 30-06 for many years. I reload and made some 110 gn loads that chrono'ed at a little over 3100 fps; great for varmint hunting. I have the 180 and 220 gn for the big stuff. Being an old-timer, I'm biased and think that the 30-06 is still the most versatile cartridge around. Also, a disclaimer, I love Browning BAR's and BLR's and just treated myself to a BLR in .223 Rem. The BLR's seem to be scarcer than crow's teeth these days, so when I stumbled on one, I jumped on it. I think the BAR's are more available.
 
Many years ago I had a choice between a BAR in 308 Win and Remington 742 in 30-06, I chose the Remington because of the much lower price. It wasn't long before I deeply regretted my choice. I don't have the Remington anymore but if I had chosen the BAR I am 100% positive I would still have it.
You get what you pay for, lesson learned.
 
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