Browning BLR

[Beardo]

Been tossing around the idea of another big/medium game rifle. I know this is a motorcycle site but I’ve read some good gun discussions here so figured I’d ask. .

Thinking of a BLR and running iron sights for a bush pushin/shorter range gun.

I love my Ruger No 1 in .300WM but I’d like something with a little less oomph and venison destroying ability.  The Ruger will still be my moose gun(and possibly still for deer, depending on the type of hunt) but I’m looking for something just for deer.  The only one I’ve found in my part of the world is a .308…would be good for what I’m wanting it for. It has the straight grip and I’d prefer a pistol grip, but whatever. Not going to order one. One dealer said they’ve got guns on order for over a year from most companies.

My old man HATES all levers, pumps and even most repeating bolt actions, we both hunt with Ruger No 1’s…but darn it, I’m 46 years old and I just want a lever gun. I probably won’t tell him I got it if I get one.

I’ve done some reading about the BLR and read that:

-They’re amazing, I’ve been hunting with one for xx years, love it. Or.
-They’re terribly inaccurate. Or.
-The trigger is garbage. Not sure how it could be worse than my No 1 trigger which takes a 2000lb winch to set it off. And I hunt with it just fine.

Opinions? Any BLR owners on here?

[The emperor has no clothes]

My old man HATES all levers, pumps and even most repeating bolt actions, we both hunt with Ruger No 1’s…but darn it, I’m 46 years old and I just want a lever gun. I probably won’t tell him I got it if I get one.

I only own one Browning, and it is a BAR in the .338 mag. But I’m sure the BLR in a .308 would be a good gun for what you want. Actually it would even work for moose if you wanted. I have a friend that has taken a few with a .308, one being a giant 72 incher. But really the question I have is about your Dad. I imagine you know every gun he has ever had, and he knows every gun you have ever had. Hiding a gun from your hunting buddies would be like hiding a new GoldWing from your riding buddies.  (or hiding a girlfriend from your wife) He will likely make fun of the gun every chance he gets, but that goes with the territory.


My problem with the gun would be the open sights. I’d have to have a 4 power scope at least.

[Beardo]

My old man HATES all levers, pumps and even most repeating bolt actions, we both hunt with Ruger No 1’s…but darn it, I’m 46 years old and I just want a lever gun. I probably won’t tell him I got it if I get one.

I only own one Browning, and it is a BAR in the .338 mag. But I’m sure the BLR in a .308 would be a good gun for what you want. Actually it would even work for moose if you wanted. I have a friend that has taken a few with a .308, one being a giant 72 incher. But really the question I have is about your Dad. I imagine you know every gun he has ever had, and he knows every gun you have ever had. Hiding a gun from your hunting buddies would be like hiding a new GoldWing from your riding buddies.  (or hiding a girlfriend from your wife) He will likely make fun of the gun every chance he gets, but that goes with the territory.


My problem with the gun would be the open sights. I’d have to have a 4 power scope at least.

Sadly, but inevitably I guess, my dad hasn’t come hunting with me for the last couple years. Getting up there in years and can’t handle the walking or hill climbing (yes we have those here lol). And he can’t see good enough or hold steady enough to shoot straight anymore. He still hunts gophers in his pasture, but with a 12 ga 

The open sights thing…I’m looking at it in a similar way Jim Shockey looks at muzzle loading…wanted more of a challenge than a scoped rifle but not as difficult as a bow. I spent the first several years hunting big game with open sights and am confident with them. Obviously I wouldn’t be reaching out as far as I do with my .300WM with a 2.5-16 power scope, but that’s kinda the point I guess.

[The emperor has no clothes]

  I look forward to seeing what you get. The only lever actions I had were 22’s and a 30-30. I’m more a fan of my .270 pump.


(Hunting gophers with a shotgun sounds kind of fun)

[Jess from VA]

I know nothing about the BLR; my only lever is a Marlin (1894 .44, only irons).  I have several Browning pistols.

This review contains a real nice history of the rifle (made by Miroku in Japan since 1972) makes it sound like an excellent hunting rifle, and with irons only too.  (the trigger may need work)

https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/browning-blr-review/389589

.308 will get the job done on most things, and with the ammo situation (which may get better but may never get back to normal), it's always going to be more available than other calibers (like the newer wonder 6.5mm's).  And .308 is short action receiver.

 BLR White Gold Medallion Maple is a piece of art.




I'm not a hunter, but if a pissed off bear or moose decided to chase me, I know I'd feel a lot better about a lever gun than a bolt gun.  

[Patrick]

The Ruger  1 is a great gun and the .308 is a great cartridge.

I like Brownings, especially the BAR.

I'm not a lever guy and prefer a low power wide view scope on a brush gun, but, thats just my preference.

I'm wondering if you can use a semi-auto in your area.

[Beardo]

The Ruger  1 is a great gun and the .308 is a great cartridge.

I like Brownings, especially the BAR.

I'm not a lever guy and prefer a low power wide view scope on a brush gun, but, thats just my preference.

I'm wondering if you can use a semi-auto in your area.

Yeah, we can use semi autos. I know a couple guys with BARs. Seem to be good guns and I don’t think I’ve ever heard of them having any issues…but I don’t know if it’s the old man coming out in me, or I just irrationally worry about snow and -30 affecting a semi auto’s workings…I think I prefer the BLR.

I don’t know if it’s the nostalgic appeal of a lever gun or the sound of the lever or the fact Browning makes such beautiful guns…or me wanting to “be my own man” and get something I know will drive the old man nuts  . Or maybe all of the above…they just look and feel amazing. Possibly a bit of “forbidden fruit” thing going on too…I want one because I could never have one lol.

Thanks for that article Jess. Good read.

[Bighead]

Dont have one nor ever shot one. But I prefer a lever action rifle. I guess because I grew ip hunting with a Winchester 30/30. I still have that gun also several small cal. Henry rifles .22-.22 -mag 17 hmr also have my grandfather’s marlin .22 and a Henry 45/70.

[0leman]

I have owned two hunting rifles.  One is a Ruger 77 in  7mm mag the other is a marlin 30/30.  The Ruger has a 4 power scope and had allowed me to kill 19 elk and a bunch of antelope and deer.   Closest shot was a running elk at 40 yards, longest was 300 yards.  Both died with one shot. 

The 30/30 was purchased for a brush gun.  Hunted with it some, though never kill anything other than some grouse (head shots).  Did kill a small 3" tree once when shooting at a running deer.  I put peep sights on it.  Like them better than open iron sites.

[Patrick]

The Ruger  1 is a great gun and the .308 is a great cartridge.

I like Brownings, especially the BAR.

I'm not a lever guy and prefer a low power wide view scope on a brush gun, but, thats just my preference.

I'm wondering if you can use a semi-auto in your area.

Yeah, we can use semi autos. I know a couple guys with BARs. Seem to be good guns and I don’t think I’ve ever heard of them having any issues…but I don’t know if it’s the old man coming out in me, or I just irrationally worry about snow and -30 affecting a semi auto’s workings…I think I prefer the BLR.

I don’t know if it’s the nostalgic appeal of a lever gun or the sound of the lever or the fact Browning makes such beautiful guns…or me wanting to “be my own man” and get something I know will drive the old man nuts  . Or maybe all of the above…they just look and feel amazing. Possibly a bit of “forbidden fruit” thing going on too…I want one because I could never have one lol.

Thanks for that article Jess. Good read.
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Well, I can certainly relate to how you feel. I'm sure you'll like the gun, Browning makes a good product. I have 2 to their rifles and 5 shotguns. Can't recall an issue with any. 3 of the shotguns have had 1000s of rounds thru them [ target guns].

[Beardo]

After more thought and research, I think I’ll definitely go with a short action in .308 and I also can’t shake my preference in the pistol grip and schnabel forend and no barrel band that the straight has. I’ll talk to a couple dealers and see how long it’ll take to order one.  I factory ordered my last bike and truck exactly the way I wanted them, I don’t mind waiting for exactly what I want. This gun willl be handed down to my son and hopefully further, so I don’t think I want to settle if it isn’t perfect. Just have to convince myself not to drive the hour to the dealer that has the .308 in the straight stock, I know I’ll buy it.  

This gun is a want, not a need, so there’s no hurry.

[Jess from VA]

Are used a possibility up there Beardo?

A lot of used are hard to distinguish from new with a careful owner.  Though sometimes there is little if any savings on a pristine rifle. 

[Beardo]

Are used a possibility up there Beardo?

A lot of used are hard to distinguish from new with a careful owner.  Though sometimes there is little if any savings on a pristine rifle.  

I’ve been asking at every place I go…got any new or used BLR’s. The answer is usually  

Apparently lever guns are all the rage right now. Combined with shortages due to covid and my American friends lovin guns so much, there ain’t much coming up here lol.

And I got the impression that if they did have a used one, the price wouldn’t be much less than new.

I’ll just go to the dealer I usually buy from to order me one and/or let me know if he gets a good used one in the spec I want.

Having said that…a used one with a scratch or 2 might be better. From what I’ve seen of those beautiful shiny polished stocks…I might be afraid to actually hunt with a new one.

[cookiedough]

never owned a browning, but a .308 caliber is more all around for short or long range and plenty of power past 100 yard kills.  I was thinking a good used marlin or winchester lever action 30-30 like some have had would be good for open sights since has much less recoil and can round off shells like the rifleman, but is not super accurate IMO nor is much good past 150 yard kills since the bullet drops too much, at least for me, to be accurate.    Now if hunting 100 yards or less in heavier brush,  a lever action 30-30 is hard to beat IMO 

My dad has (now my brother's who just took it) a savage .308 lever action and not a huge fan of that gun.  It has a very light barrel pretty light gun overall and likes to JUMP UP recoil vs. back enough so that if one does not hold  on tight,  the scope that is on it will hit your eyebrow and leave a mark or make you bleed.    I have had the scope brush my eyebrow a few times, but my dad and a few others who have shot it has bled a few times shooting it scope popping them right above the eyeball.

[Jess from VA]

Having said that…a used one with a scratch or 2 might be better. From what I’ve seen of those beautiful shiny polished stocks…I might be afraid to actually hunt with a new one.

I know what you mean.  And with more than firearms.  With only one small scratch, my new(er) truck is pure showroom, and I hate to park it anywhere.  Except I have to, if I want to eat. 

I really have preferred used firearms because most kinks (if any) will probably have been worked out, you get a bit (or more) of a break in price (if they're not collector's gold), and they're not so perfect you feel like taking them out and using them is abuse.  Which it's not. 

On the other hand, taking out my hard used Remy 870 police trade in or my M1 Garand is pure fun, and even though I treat them all with care, if one gets a new scratch, you would never know the difference.

A buddy of mine suggested I send the old 870 in for a refurbish. 

What and remove all this old character?       (I did put in some new internal parts for reliability)

[Patrick]

Since we started talking about other guns. I have a Winchester 94 in 30-30. Also a Savage 99 in .300 Savage. Both are good guns, I just don't like the 30-30 caliber. I don't use them much as I'm not a lever guy. These are hand me downs. The 99 is a beautiful gun.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Having said that…a used one with a scratch or 2 might be better. From what I’ve seen of those beautiful shiny polished stocks…I might be afraid to actually hunt with a new one.

I once had an expensive Sako .338 with a beautiful stock. I was so afraid of scratching it up I never used it. Eventually just sold it.

[Patrick]

Having said that…a used one with a scratch or 2 might be better. From what I’ve seen of those beautiful shiny polished stocks…I might be afraid to actually hunt with a new one.

I once had an expensive Sako .338 with a beautiful stock. I was so afraid of scratching it up I never used it. Eventually just sold it.

Yep, I'm kinda the same. I have field guns and target guns. You don't really care if a field shooter gets bruised as long as it still shoots straight. I've never been one to sell much of anything, so, now I'm overwhelmed because everything is now for sale.




I forgot about 1. Just sold 3 guns this morning and found one I kinda forgot about. I was surprised I forgot about  it. A Winchester 71. I like the cartridge and once shot 2 deer with 1 shot with it.

[Beardo]

Well I called my dealer, asked how long it would take to order a .308 with a pistol grip…expecting 6 months, a year…they said they actually already have one on order, should be here in the next week or so. Put down a deposit to hold it.  .

And their price is $150 less than Cabelas. Always like to support the small gun shops who actually have gunsmiths on staff.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Well I called my dealer, asked how long it would take to order a .308 with a pistol grip…expecting 6 months, a year…they said they actually already have one on order, should be here in the next week or so. Put down a deposit to hold it.  .

And their price is $150 less than Cabelas. Always like to support the small gun shops who actually have gunsmiths on staff.

Excellent 

[Bronxboy]

Well I called my dealer, asked how long it would take to order a .308 with a pistol grip…expecting 6 months, a year…they said they actually already have one on order, should be here in the next week or so. Put down a deposit to hold it.  .

And their price is $150 less than Cabelas. Always like to support the small gun shops who actually have gunsmiths on staff.

Keep in mind that the BLR also comes in a breakdown version, not sure if it was mentioned, always loved that gun. I have had 2 other Browning BAR's one in 300 Win and another in 338 Win.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Had a BAR in 7mm Mag.

If I could have more of them I'd have the 7mm, 30-06, 308 and 338 in at lease Grade 2.

As it stands now I have 300 Win Mag and 7mm Mag scoped handgun options, so my rifles don't see a lot of use except at the range.

[Jess from VA]

Well I called my dealer, asked how long it would take to order a .308 with a pistol grip…expecting 6 months, a year…they said they actually already have one on order, should be here in the next week or so. Put down a deposit to hold it.  .

It's a miracle.  

And their price is $150 less than Cabelas. Always like to support the small gun shops who actually have gunsmiths on staff.

So do it, up to a point.  I've been a good customer of their always plentiful and interesting used selection, but not their ammo.  They don't have a gunsmith (but I do).

Holy crap are magazines high (and out of stock).  https://www.browning.com/products/shooting-accessories/magazines/blr-magazine.html

Cheaper (but also out of stock).  https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1006274511

And. https://www.ebay.com/itm/133792832008?hash=item1f26ac9a08:g:sWkAAOSw0g5gzXTC

See if your dealer can get you two more with the rifle.

Lucky 13 makes a 9 round mag (vice the std 4 round).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNW9I6LSi6w

[Beardo]

Yeah it worked out well. Same caliber and stock I wanted arriving any day.  

Lol…a 9 round mag??? In Canada?  

And yeah, after I got off the phone with him, I emailed him back and told him I want an extra mag if he can get one. Not because I ever miss and need a follow up mag…just in case I lose one.  
Cabelas has them in stock on their website for $130 if they can’t get one….yeah, pretty crazy.

Just got an email back, they have them in stock. This is a gun store in a town that has a population of 400 people. Love it. 

[Jess from VA]

Back when I thought I would deer hunt, I got a 22" Lightweight Winchester Mod 70 in long action 30.06 (with 3-9 variable, no irons).  Only made in the late 80's (when they were still making good guns).



In .308, it would have to be my Bushmaster ORC (with 1-4 variable) (and shorter magazine).


Or iron sight 22" Springfield M1A with shorter mag.


The only deer I'm likely to take now is with this.


The front end is made in a three piece clip (instead of a whole one piece clip), so if I get him on one side or the other, it's cheaper to fix.

[Beardo]

  Well I won’t wish you luck hunting then.

We had the best year ever in the big game draw. I got antlerless and buck mule deer, my son got buck mule deer and bull moose. My brother who lives the province over got drawn for whitetail so he’ll be coming home to hunt too. Add in mine and my son's whitetail, we’ll have 6 deer and a bull moose. Gonna be a dream year and full freezers. The last moose I got lasted us 2 years and it was a cow.

Normally we get drawn for 1 extra on top of our 2 whitetail, which gets us to about August the following year for meat. Won’t be any shortage this year.

Good thing I have a good vacuum sealer, it’s gonna have to last us a couple years, not likely going to get drawn for anything for a couple years now.

[Patrick]

Well I won’t wish you luck hunting then.

We had the best year ever in the big game draw. I got antlerless and buck mule deer, my son got buck mule deer and bull moose. My brother who lives the province over got drawn for whitetail so he’ll be coming home to hunt too. Add in mine and my son's whitetail, we’ll have 6 deer and a bull moose. Gonna be a dream year and full freezers. The last moose I got lasted us 2 years and it was a cow.

Normally we get drawn for 1 extra on top of our 2 whitetail, which gets us to about August the following year for meat. Won’t be any shortage this year.

Good thing I have a good vacuum sealer, it’s gonna have to last us a couple years, not likely going to get drawn for anything for a couple years now.

Well, that BLR will come in handy then ! 


Around here we can take , I think, 8 deer on one license. [ I haven't hunted lately]. I believe NYS is trying to kill every deer inside its boundaries, caving in to the insurance companies.

[0leman]

Well, that BLR will come in handy then ! 


Around here we can take , I think, 8 deer on one license. [ I haven't hunted lately]. I believe NYS is trying to kill every deer inside its boundaries, caving in to the insurance companies.

From what I am reading about deer on the east side of our country, one needs to take a few more than normal one we get out here.   Not enough hunters and way too many of those "forest rats".

[Beardo]

Do you guys have CWD down there? I think that’s why they drew so many mule deer tags here this year, to try and keep it under control.

[Patrick]

Do you guys have CWD down there? I think that’s why they drew so many mule deer tags here this year, to try and keep it under control.

Nope, not that I can remember or have heard. Some other states have had it.

Just heard this morning that our deer season opens this year another month early and 12 yr olds can hunt with a mentor/adult.

[Jess from VA]

Beardo each State has it's own DNR (Dept of Natural Resources), or whatever they call it, and control all hunting, licenses, seasons, weapons, calibers, magazines, lotteries, animals/fish that can be taken (size, weight, sex, and age).

Then there's the US federal ownership in each state which has it's own rules. (and there are likely some places/areas where both state and federal enforcement share)



Besides other useful things these agencies may (or may not) do, I always view the ownership and control of hunting for food to be remarkably similar to the King of England owning every animal in the realm, and death to any who take the king's deer.  

I need some of these green tights.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuXcMzs8PQY

[semo97]

I would do an M1A with thumb hole stock, short mag as Jess said. Fine tune it a bit, hard to beat.

[Beardo]

Dealer called. Guess what showed up this morning. 

Going to get it tomorrow.

[Bronxboy]

I would do an M1A with thumb hole stock, short mag as Jess said. Fine tune it a bit, hard to beat.

Good call, I love my Socom 16

[Beardo]

She’s a beaut. He said they ordered it over a year ago.

Unbelievably smooth action and just such a quality feel. Got an extra mag while I was there.

[Patrick]

Nice !

[Jess from VA]

That's some amazing karma (or luck) there.  

That is also some very nice dark bluing; so many makers have just gone to flat black or some other cheap coating because of cost.  

On the extra mag thing, some lever guns, when it runs dry and is open (cocked), you can just slap another round in the ejection port and close the action, and you are single loaded.  I dunno with that rifle.  

I realize that is unlikely to be necessary, but you never know.    

[Beardo]

That's some amazing karma (or luck) there.  

That is also some very nice dark bluing; so many makers have just gone to flat black or some other cheap coating because of cost.  

On the extra mag thing, some lever guns, when it runs dry and is open (cocked), you can just slap another round in the ejection port and close the action, and you are single loaded.  I dunno with that rifle.  

I realize that is unlikely to be necessary, but you never know.    

Probably luck. Not sure I’m worthy of good karma.

Hmmm…don’t know about that. Don’t think so but might be able to. Not gonna put live rounds in it in the house to try . Will see when we go to the farm to sight it in.

Thanks…you reminded me (too late) to buy some snap caps to play with it a bit in the house.  

[Jess from VA]

I know it works with pump shotguns.