Browning BLR lightweight 81 in .243 or 7-08

[coop2564]

How does ths gun shoot and handle. Been thinking about getting one for some time in one of the above cal. And what about the trigger can it be adjusted and how is it out of the box? Thanks

[Syncerus]

The triggers are mediocre and the comb can be a little low for most scopes, but that's about the only thing wrong with the rifle. It's a great gun. It also holds its value well. I would pick the 7-08 myself.

[Muddy05]

I have the .308 win and it handles like a dream. I get about 3 inches at 100yrds, so it's not the most accurate gun I've shot. But, I've only tried Win. 150gr. power-points. I haven't messed with the trigger so I don't know about that. I have enjoyed this rifle very much.

[smong2000]

Had one in .308 also and wasn't happy with accuracy or trigger.  It was a sweet handling rifle though for close range.

[Syncerus]

My .308 did much better with 180 gr ammo than it did with 150 gr ammo. Also, let the barrel cool between shots at the range. It's quite light, and mine was sensitive to heat.

[p15camborne]

I bought my Model 81 BLR .243 in the early 90's.  It has the steel receiver.  I had a gunsmith work on the trigger.  So it's now lighter with some creep.  The trigger moves with the lever.  So probably can't be made perfect.  The barrel is thin.  In three shot 50 yard groups one hole is an inch from the other two which are close together.  Perhaps the cold barrel throws to a slightly different point.  I only let the barrel cool between groups.  When my nephew visits, he likes shooting the BLR across the hay field - about 225 yards.  All his shots would fit in a pie pan.  Good enough for deer hunting.

[dpe.ahoy]

I've got one in the 7mm-08 and love it.  Wanted one for years and finally got one, used it and nothing else for 2 years deer hunting.  Closest one was about 15' in front of me on a dead run, and the longest shot was 200 plus yards.  Never had any problems with any shot.  My trigger is a little heavy but breaks clean enough.  It's not a target rifle but has made plenty of meat and is quick to mount and points right where I look.  I'll keep mine till I'm gone and the youngest boy will get it then.  DP

[grvj]

I had a .243 BLR with a Leupold 2x7 and this was THE most accurate rifle I have shot - 3 holes under a dime, at the bench - 100 yards.

Offhand, this is a fairly light rifle and needs practice to be proficient typically hit 2-3" groups at 100 yards with an occasional 1.5" teaser. Barrel is 20" and light, heats up after a string of shots. Lack of forend weight makes hold more critical, at least for me.

[BRL]

My BLR is in 7mm-08 and it's probably my favorite rifle to shoot (maybe a close tie with an AR-10). Feel, fit, finish...has it all. I recently put a Burris Fullfield II in 3X9 on it but have yet to try it since the addition. Great rifle, great caliber. All you'd ever "need" for deer hunting.

[Ahshucks]

I bought a BLR in .308 for the 2008 deer season.  Didn't scope it, wanted to try it with open sights.   First 3 shots at the range and my buddy said I didn't have to shoot it anymore.  Dead center accurate right out of the box.  Trying to decide on a 2x7 scope to put on it with ballistic reticle.  It's light, doesn't pinch your fingers when cycled, mag for quick unloading, comes right to target when shouldered, easy to carry in brush, and deadly accurate, combined with the fit and finish what's not to love?



Like the 308 BLR so much, I'm prepping to take it out for a first time predator hunt shortly.  I've found a source for .223 BLRs and may have to get one of those for this purpose, but will try out the 308 first.