Author Topic: Browning BLR (Read 3248 times)

OnAim · « **on:** February 04, 2007, 01:50:50 PM »

I am starting to get the new gun fever. I have alway wanted a lever gun since I was a kid, used to love the Win Model 94. Could someone tell me where the Browning BLR's are fabricated? I'm thinking about the Mossy Oak in 7mm-08. Anyone have experience with this gun?

thanks for the input!

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2007, 02:07:22 PM »

The BLR-81 is a quality rifle. It is however made in Japan.
The accuracy is great once you get used to the trigger

OnAim · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2007, 02:34:10 PM »

Hairtrigger, when you say "get used to the trigger", what do you mean? To heavy, light, creep?

Most of my shooting is target or plinking, and a lever gun is just fun. Seems like it would also be an excellent carry gun for whitetail or hogs. I have not hunted since I was a kid, but have thought about starting. I also want to work with my son on off-hand shooting and open/iron sight shooting. Right now my consideration list is: Remington M700 VSF or P, Browning BLR, Kimber 84M ProV, or Armalite AR10T. Started off the process thinking about a Kimber GoldMatch II, but my son is more interested in shooting rifles..... Anyway, I'm just in the planning stage right now.. and as you see the field is wide open.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2007, 03:22:06 PM »

5 to 7 pound trigger is normal and there is creep.
My BLR 81 in 223 has gotten about a pound lighter with use. It is a very accurate rifle.

pagris · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2007, 07:27:29 AM »

OnAim: Hairtrigger is correct - all four of my older BLRs have fairly heavy triggers with noticeable creep. On the plus side, they are extremely pleasureable rifles to carry and handle, are well-made and are quite accurate despite their triggers. And I never seem to notice the so-so trigger quality while in the field. I like them.

1977 .358 BLR
1980 .358 BLR - original owner
1987 .243 '81 BLR
1991 7mm-08 '81 BLR

OnAim · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2007, 03:00:09 PM »

thanks for the feedback.... 5-7 lbs is a pretty stiff trigger. I have a Ruger #1 and it has a quirky (and stiff) trigger, but I have learned to shoot it well. I hope to get to the gun store in the next couple of weeks to shoulder a BLR.... I post back if I become a proud owner!!!

pastorp · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2007, 07:25:25 AM »

OnAim, I've hunted with a BLR since 1970 when they first came out. My favorite rifle. Concerning the triggers: they are not target triggers. If you get used to a 2 stage hunting trigger thats what they are. In my opinion perfect for a all around hunting rifle.

Regards, Byron

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2007, 12:47:57 PM »

While they will never meet benchrest standards, a good gunsmith can make significant improvements to the BLR trigger.

OnAim · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2007, 11:13:02 AM »

Well, finally got to hold the blr today. I've had a hard time finding one at the gun shops around here. It was just what I was hoping for. The rifle was used, a .243 in the straight stock config. and fit my size very well.

A couple of questions to those of you who have the guns. What is the difference in the forearms? The pistol grip config does not have the barrel band like the straight stock. I've always heard that barrel bands may have a tendency to reduce accuracy. Also, from the pictures on the web site, only the pistol grip model has sling stubs installed. Even though this is a lite weight, compact gun.. do you carry with a sling? Also, do the actions need to be broken down periodically for cleaning? How difficult?

I've been going back and forth between a 7mm08 and 308, but have pretty much settled on the 7mm08. I believe the lower recoil with this lite gun will be a better, more pleasant combination. Maybe I'm just recoil intolerant! Since alot/all of my shooting is at the range, I will usually shoot 20 rounds at a time. At the same time, will make an excellent whitetail rifle if I decide to hunt.

I appreciate everyones feedback so far.... hope to get the gun in a couple of weeks.

Savorino · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2007, 10:38:46 AM »

Blakhawk44
Do you a knowlegeable smith with these guns (BLR) that could do a trigger job?
Tony

pagris · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2007, 07:00:21 AM »

OnAim: The differences in the forearms stocks for the BLRs is basically cosmetic - all four of my BLRs are quite accurate despite having the barrel band, and, in fact, the band really doesn't contact the barrel at all.

The lack of sling swivel studs on the straight stock version is not an issue for me - I have hunted with BLRs for 26 years and have only used a sling on one once, when, to the dismay of some of my acquaintences, I took my 7mm-08 BLR with a 4X scope to Wyoming for a pronghorn antelope hunt (it did just fine). And you can easily add some if you decide you want them.

I have never had to disassemble the action for a cleaning and would highly suggest that you not do so - there is a specific timing between the lever gears and the bolt assembly that must be kept in order for the action to work properly and you have to make sure that this timing is maintained upon reassembly. The maintenance manual that Browning produced for the earlier BLRs refers to a trail and error method of syncronizing the gear positions until everything is right.

Although the 308 is probably the most popular BLR chambering, I too would vote for the 7mm-08. The 243 is also an excellent choice for range work, but you may want something a little bigger for whitetails and, particularly, for hogs. And I have to say that hunting use is where the BLRs really shine, as they are a real pleasure to carry in the field.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2007, 09:40:45 AM »

Quote from: Savorino on March 11, 2007, 10:38:46 AM

Blakhawk44
Do you a knowlegeable smith with these guns (BLR) that could do a trigger job?
Tony

Z-Hat should be able to help you

eywflyer · « **Reply #12 on:** March 22, 2007, 05:38:41 AM »

Any handloading rec's? I just bought a used BLR in .243 in new condition. I do love the look and handling of it. However, with a 5x scope, a variety of Federal, Remington and Winchester 100gr loads over sandbags, I was seeing 3MOA at 100yds for the most part. Some groups were strings, some were flyers. I am going to try to mount a different scope to remove the possibility of bum optics. Now that I have a supply of brass. I wanted to know if anyone out there has a handload that they have had luck with? The main mission would be whitetails, varmints and fun, accurate plinking. I have heard that this rifle may give better accuracy with some 85 gr bullets. I was hoping to get 1 MOA out of the rifle. I don't know if that is too much to expect from it. Any help?

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #13 on:** March 22, 2007, 06:38:49 AM »

Moa should not be difficult to get with a 243.

pagris · « **Reply #14 on:** March 22, 2007, 07:29:39 AM »

eywflyer: A couple of good loads that have worked well for me in my BLR:

.243 Browning BLR 105 gr. Speer SP, 31.0 gr. IMR 4064, 2.291" Ogive Length

.243 Browning BLR 105 gr. Speer SP, 37.0 gr. RL 19, 2.65" COL

These are fairly light loads that I have developed for fall turkey hunting - the idea being use a heavy bullet at modest velocity which will result in little bullet expansion and, consequently, minimal tissue damage (full metal jacketed bullets are illegal here). Despite the heavy bullet and modest velocity, accuracy has been quite good in my BLR.

I would also suggest you take a good look at your scope mounts if you continue to have accuracy issues - I have 4 BLRs and not one of them is a poor shooter. Good luck.

eywflyer · « **Reply #15 on:** March 22, 2007, 01:18:07 PM »

Thanks Pagris! I'll load up sample lots and give them a try. I did check the mounts and rings during the range session in question. I had everything snugged with locktight. I'll report back in a couple of weeks after I find the time from work to reload and get back out on the range. As I said, I do love the rifle. If I can spend some time and get this one to shoot how I'd like it to, I'll be on the lookout for a few more in different calibers too. Thank you again for your time!!

OnAim · « **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2007, 12:44:09 PM »

well.... couldn't find a blr in 7mm-08 or 308.. looked like it could have been Sept until one was available from Browning (tired my local gun shop, Bass Pro and a large gun shop in Charlotte).... Fell in "desire" with a Kimber 84M....... guess I still have room in the safe for a blr in the future!

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 18, 2007, 11:33:17 AM »

Check with Sportsmans Warehouse over in Columbia. They seem to always have a good selection of BLR's.

jcn59 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 30, 2007, 05:18:47 PM »

EYWFLYER - My BLR shot well after I loosened the fore end bolt. Maybe yours will, too.

Country Boy · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2007, 08:25:43 AM »

I have had a number of blr's with both steel and amuminum recievers. If you have a forearm with a band, check and see if the band touches the bbl. other wise it is free floated. Don't worry about the trigger, mine shoot very good as is and you never notice it in the field as an all round load I use 44 grns of imr4350 with 84 0r 90 grn speer bullets for the .243 very accurate and deadly on most anything from deer down. I also use a Blr .358 win a lot for bear hunting, just perfect. I had a .308 and sold it a few years ago, big mistake ! I just bought another last night in .308 if it kicks load it down a little. I've taken many deer and wild boar with the .308, varmits too !