What's a BBR worth?

[ChristopherG]

A pawnshop nearby has a .270 BBR (I think; it's made in Japan, but doesn't look like an A-bolt--that means a BBR, right?) with a Denver Redfield 2-7x scope marked down to 299. I think I can probly get out for a little less.

I've not been able to find much out about these older Brownings. The wood on this one (very glossy Monte Carlo) is a bit dinged up, but that doesn't bother me (might want to take that gloss off anyway). The metal all looks very clean, however; bore is clean and bright. The bolt feels smooth and the scope looks clear.

I'm thinking about driving in and getting it tomorrow morning; would that be a bad bet?

 

[James T Thomas]

oldie but goodie

ChristopherG:

I have a BBR in 30-06, also made in Japan. I think it may have been made by "Howa."

At any rate, it is a finely crafted rifle. I too would have preferred a satin finish to the gloss, but since it is polyurethane, I am hesitant on attempting to refinish it myself. Perhaps I shouldn't be, and just go ahead and do it. My stock is a "honey gold oak" color. It is appealing. The forestock is cut straight across; right angle.

The one thing I've noticed about this gun is that after it warms, even, not hot mind you, but say after six or so rounds the point of impact begins to drift noticeably. There is a thread here on THR discussing this phenomenon, and I attribute it to the barrel which tapers in thickness. My guess, and it is only a guess, is that the tapering was ununiform in it's progress, and the abrupt change somewhere along the barrel is where uneven expansion is causing the problem. I suppose I will have to accept it as I will not be firing off that many rounds in the persuit of a deer, however, it annoys me.

The massive bolt on that gun, the short bolt rotation, the excellent trigger, the free floated barrel, the tang safety, the detachable magazine, etc.; all add up to a substantial value for you otherwise.

Heft it some also. It's guite heavy, and unless you are resolved to hump it through the woods, it may be to your dislike for that reason too. I installed a sling on mine and forget about it.

Please post if you get it, and let us know whether it has the same drift I mentioned.