Tell me why I shouldn’t get a Browning BLR in .308.

[Dave DeLaurant]

Its not very "tactical" but these days I'm not even sure what that means any more...

If it "floats your boat", the one's I have played with look and feel better than my Marlin and Winchester lever guns but thats just not what I have them for.

You can go a bit that way if you want -- this accessorized BLR was featured on one of Tom Selleck's Jesse Stone TV movies:

 

[LoonWulf]

The shin shredder 2000 was already taken I suppose?

nothing funnier than watching someone's head disappear in a cloud of curses as they walk behind a tailgate.......and only because we've all done it so know EXACTLY what happened.

 

[tarosean]

and only because we've all done it so know EXACTLY what happened.

Precisely why whomever thought teeth on it was a good idea should be slapped upside their head.

 

[troy fairweather]

nothing funnier than watching someone's head disappear in a cloud of curses as they walk behind a tailgate.......and only because we've all done it so know EXACTLY what happened.

It's worse when it's up on a car lift

 

[Nature Boy]

I’ve had a .358 BLR for 40 years and it’s a multi-generational deer slayer as my son hunts with it now.

Sorry OP, can’t help ya.

 

[Pat Riot]

Hopefully this thread isn’t a hitch in the OP’s plans for this rifle.

 

[Armed 24/7]

I wanted a 308 class Lever gun and held a BLR and a Marlin XLR in 308 Marlin Express. I bought the Marlin, and I'm happy with it.

 

[jmr40]

I considered one several times over the years. Never pulled the trigger so to speak and at this point in my life I'm glad I never did. I've owned several traditional lever guns in most of the common cartridges over the years. If I want a lever gun I want a Marlin or Winchester.

If I want performance, I want a bolt action or semi-auto. They are neither fish nor fowl. The BLR is neither traditional, nor do they offer great performance. Accuracy with the BLR's was never anything to brag about. The original steel framed guns were quite heavy and I never warmed up to the look of the newer aluminum framed rifles.

 

[Enfielder]

Are you married? If so ask your wife why you shouldn't buy the Browning. She'll offer some helpful insights.

I feel bad for men who married a set-screw.
I married well. She condones my gun habit and all my other hobbies. It took a while to find her but I learned what I didn’t want while I was out looking.

 

[Enfielder]

Its all about my new found attraction to .308
I‘d also consider a model 99E in place of the BLR.

 

[entropy]

An elegant weapon from a more civilized age.

 

[Mini30SS]

Because it's not in 7mm-08, or .243 Win. I had one in .308 Win. The recoil was a little brisk for my skinny bones. Even with an 18 oz. Scope attached. About twice the recoil of a .30-30. Pass.

 

[Nature Boy]

It’s the Browning Hi Power of lever actions. What’s not to love?

 

[Mini30SS]

It’s the Browning Hi Power of lever actions. What’s not to love?

The High Power pales in comparison to more modern wonder-nines. I would take a Sig 226 over the high power any day for a comparable metal frame 9mm Pistol. I had a high power, and the trigger pull vs. mag release button, to me is a serious engineering flaw.

 

[zaitcev]

What are all the drawbacks of this rifle?

I'm most annoyed how terrible to disassemble it is. Because the crennelated pins have to re-enter their positions in the aluminum receiver, a minute mistake can literally destroy the gun that you just cleaned. For that reason, I have one that didn't disassemble in 25 years. Just pour light oil on it and then let it sit and drip. Good thing I don't go outside when it's below 40F.

The magazine latch is quite inconvenient, although I'm sure they meant to make it resistant to accidental release.

The antediluvian way to attach optics is also nothing to write home about. Works for a basic hunting scope.

Since we're on the topic, Henry make a clone of BLR called "Henry Long Ranger", or HLR. It's somewhat improved: trigger is no longer on the lever, the handguard is free-floated. It may be less hazardous to reassemble, although you still have to time the gears of course. I have a J.B. Wood book on the topic that explains the procedure for the BLR, and I gather it works on HLR as well.

 

[Dr T]

You can't take it apart into two pieces....Oh, wait....

 

[qwert65]

My favorite hunting rifle

 

[Nature Boy]

The High Power pales in comparison to more modern wonder-nines. I would take a Sig 226 over the high power any day for a comparable metal frame 9mm Pistol. I had a high power, and the trigger pull vs. mag release button, to me is a serious engineering flaw.

Well, that makes one of you

 

[Hookeye]

Tried the 226, pops even had a nickel import one (and a blued).
He loved em.

No thanks.
High Power for me.
Heck Id even take a Springfield SA35.

On the BLR .308
Buddy has one, likes it a lot.

My .308 is a Ruger #1, so if I get another it'll be a semi auto.
Passed on a 742 Canadian Centennial a few yrs back. Oops.

 

[thegatman]

Put in a timney trigger if it bothers you. Elegant gun. Look high and wide and finally got one at an auction

 

[Speedo66]

Drawbacks?

Too light, too handy, too short, too powerful for a lever gun.

Great gun, especially for woods hunting.

 

[Nature Boy]

 

[LoonWulf]

The BLRs like the HP cause it bites the hell out of you when it cycles!
Wait, they put the trigger in the lever so it dosent.......


I thought that was funny and ment to post it yesterday.....but i forgot to hit "post reply"

I want to try one of the new BHP clones that have the beaver tail. The only thing i dont like about my dads are the sights and it making me bleed every time i shoot it.
The trigger on his is really nice.

 

[M65Man]

As pertaining to the original question? IMHO, No you shouldn't! You should get it in 7mm08, or rather, I'd very much like one in 08! The best use of the 308 cartridge? Is the 7mm! But, 308 would be my 3rd choice! Never owned one, and I need another rifle about like I need Chemotherapy. But yes, one outstanding rifle, I've held a number times, considered, wanted, with the right scope, a dandy light mountain deer rifle, and I love lever guns already! The BLR is one of a kind! 2nd would be 358Win.

 

[Nature Boy]

.308 win is the best all around cartridge ever designed by mortals.