Feedback on the Browning Lightning BLR (lever action)

[BrnoB78]

I’m in the process of researching a suitable .243 Win rifle for hunting feral goats and pigs. I initially considered a Browning BPR (pump action) but have largely being convinced that the Remington 7600 would be ‘better’ as it is currently still in production and apparently has a less complicated / easier to maintain pump action assembly. As a possible alternative, I would greatly appreciate some feedback on the Browning Lightning BLR (short lever action, pistol grip version).
 
For consideration : I’ve read reports of a 6 lb trigger (rather heavy compared to my Browning B78’s crisp 2 lb trigger) so is the trigger mechanism readily adjustable by a Gunsmith ?
The Lightning model’s forearm is not attached by a barrel band. Therefore, is it attached to a separate hanger from the receiver (as per the Browning B78 and 1885) which results in a free floating barrel ?
Can cartridges also be loaded into the magazine via the receiver’s open port ?
Finally, is there a ‘sticking’ issue regarding the chambering and extraction of re-loaded cartridges in this particular action ?
My sincere thanks for relevant advice. Ross

[BrnoB78]

The ‘sticking’ issue relates to the apparent need to regularly full-length size the cases for this particular rifle rather than simply neck sizing fire-formed cases – true ?

Regarding the trigger – some relevant comments sourced from other sites : “It probably would help if the trigger pulls on these guys didn't feel like pulling a tractor out of the mud.  I strained my trigger finger muscle trying to get mine to shoot!”

Also, “Most decent gunsmiths can bring the weight of the trigger pull down a good bit (eg. about 4 lb). Since their trigger is a lever against a lever type arrangement, it will always have some creep, but that can be controlled” (no explanation, so how ?).

 Nothing like sharing data via the internet – fantastic !

[p15camborne]

I have an early 1990's steel receiver straight stock .243 BLR.  I like it better than my Marlin 336.  It's a great rifle.  The BLR trigger is on the lever so that complicates things.  My gunsmith improved the trigger pull.  Now it's around 4 pounds and only has a tiny bit of creep left. 

I reload for it.  I only neck size with a Lee Classic Loader.  Shoots .243 100 gr Core-Lokt  reloads fine, and extracts with no problems.

Why would you want to load without removing the magazine?  Never tried that except to single load cartridges while shooting at targets.

[BrnoB78]

In relation to your question : "Why would you want to load without removing the magazine?" I just thought it might be a faster alternative means of topping up the mag whilst hunting in the field.

The new BLR takedown version sounds interesting - I'm rather intrigued as to how the barrel is securely attached to the receiver, considering the fact that the bolt's multiple lug rotating head locks into the breech of the barrel.

A lighter 4 lb hammer seems promising.

Still no feedback from anyone regarding the Lightning having a floating barrel....

Thanks for your input.  Ross

[pagris]

Ross:  Regarding the BLRs, full-length resizing is usually recommended for lever action rifles because they typically don't have the camming action that bolt actions have in chambering the cartridge.  In fact, small base dies (dies which actually resize the case slightly smaller than specs.) are often recommended. This really isn't a problem with a BLR, as the action design and rotating bolt head mimics a bolt action and one can frequently get away with just neck-sizing the cases.

Trigger on BLRs are usually creepy and heavy, but you have to be very careful about modifying them - the action gears that transfer the movement of the lever to the bolt have a specific timing and, upon disassembly, have to be put back with the proper timing relationship in order to properly lock-up the bolt.  Even the Browning shop manual for the BLR refers to this as a trial and error adjustment and gives a specific gap measurement between the rotating bolt and the bolt body when it is installed correctly.  In other words, make sure your gunsmith knows what he is doing when it comes to playing with BLR triggers, IMHO.  There is more than one BLR out there that has been disassembled and never been put back together because someone couldn't figure out how to get the gear relationships correct. 

In my experience, the heavy trigger issue goes completely un-noticed in field use.

The forends on my older-style BLRs are attached to the receiver via a long bolt that extends from the tip of the forend down its length to the receiver.  The barrel band is pretty much cosmetic.  If the barrel isn't free-floated, it certainly could be made such with little difficulty.  The new take-down version would obviously be different in its attachment system.

One can single load a cartridge into a BLR with the magazine in place, but "topping off" the magazine from the loading port would be difficult.

Also, be advised that the newer Lighting style BLRs, with the folding hammer, can not utilize the hammer extension available for the older BLRs.

My .243 BLR shoots tiny groups with 105 grain Speers and IMR 4064 - despite its unaltered trigger and forend.  It also likes IMR's SR4759 and 80 grain bullets for recreational shooting.  And there isn't a firearm in my cabinent that carries as well as a BLR does in the field.

pagris


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

[BrnoB78]

Pagris, sincere thanks for your comprehensive reply.

I’m relieved with the fact that the BLR’s apparent bolt like action supports the need to largely only neck size the cases rather than the more ‘stressful on the brass’ full length sizing procedure – excellent.

I’ve read numerous reports of ‘inexperienced’ people tinkering with the BLR’s lever action / trigger assembly and then having various problems with the gear timing mechanism being out of sync etc.

In short, I really favour rifles with a relatively crisp light trigger so, if I eventually buy one, I’ll leave it to an ‘expert’ to carefully lighten the BLR’s typical ‘creepy heavy’ trigger.

 I’m not fussed on the barrel band version – surely it would affect accuracy after quickly firing a few rounds through the thin shortish ‘hot’ barrel !?
The function of the band is possibly to eliminate any pivot related movement resulting from the long bolt passing through the length of the forearm into the receiver. If my inference is correct then removing the band in order to free float the barrel would no doubt result in a ‘wobbly’ forearm !!?

The new takedown model’s disassembly system and how the Lightning’s forearm is attached to the receiver are still intriguing questions.

Once again, I’ve really appreciated your thoughtful input. All the best, Ross.