Browning BLR ---- Belgium Manufacture?

[JHT]

I have a BLR in .308 caliber that I purchased in late '71 or early '72; it was manufactured in Japan.  During what periods of time and how many BLRs were manufactured in Belgium?  Does anyone know the number of each caliber that was manufactured in Belgium before manufacturing was transferred to Japan?

My BLR has the 'heavy' receiver, when did Browning introduce the 'lightweight' receivers?

Jay

[pagris]

JHT:

According to the Browning web site, the original BLR was introduced in the 1969. It was produced in Belgium from 1969 till 1972 (from 1973 on, all models have been built in Japan).

Here is a chronological history of the BLR, as best as I can determine:

Produced in Belgium from 1969 - 1972

Produced in Japan from 1972 to present

Original BLR made from 1969 till 1980 - concave-sided steel receiver, protruding magazine

'81 BLR made from 1981 till 1994 - straight-sided steel receiver, flush magazine

BLR Lightning made from 1995 till 2003 - aluminum alloy receiver, folding hammer, pistol grip stock, long and short action chamberings

In 2003, Browning produces New Lightweight BLR '81 - straight pistol grip brought back

In 2004, a limited run of Stainless New Lightweight BLRs ‘81 with a grey laminate stock are produced.

In 2005, Browning adds BLR Lightweight ’81 with a Pistol Grip - includes a Schnabel forearm.
 
In 2006, Browning adds a stainless steel/laminated version of the Pistol Grip model

For 2007, Browning is introducing a take-down version of the BLR.


You can definitively age your BLR at the following website:

http://www.browning.com/services/dategun/index.asp

Needless to say, I like those BLRs.
1977 .358 BLR
1980 .358 BLR - original owner
1987 .243 '81 BLR
1991 7mm-08 '81 BLR

[JHT]

Pagris, thanks for all the effort you put into your reply.  "Needless to say. 'you' like those BLRs."

JHT