Author Topic: Browning model 81 BLR 308  (Read 3560 times)

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Offline GregD

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Browning model 81 BLR 308
« on: March 16, 2011, 06:17:35 PM »
Any reviews on the Browning model 81 BLR 308 (1993) ?  Someone wants to swap this rifle for my Marlin model 1894 carbine .357 lever action.  I really like the marlin but could use the Browning for coyotes.

Thanks,

Greg

Offline Dixie Dude

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Re: Browning model 81 BLR 308
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2011, 06:25:52 PM »
I have a Browning BLR in 308.  Steel receiver.  Slick, very accurate, 1-1/2" groups with Rem 150 gr Core Loks.  Never had the lever out, but can clean with a bore snake and a light.  Mags are expensive if you want a spare.  Sights are good and easy to mount a scope.  Lever is small if you have big hands especially gloved. 

Offline Bigeasy

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Re: Browning model 81 BLR 308
« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2011, 06:28:55 PM »
The BLR's are fine rifles.  Well made, accurate, and one of the smoothest operating lever actions out there.  I have several, and they are one of my favorite rifles.  The BLR and the Marlin 1894 in .357 are two totally different rifles for two totally different purposes.  The .357 is a mid-powered handgun cartridge, most useful for small game up to deer size at close range.  The 308 can be used for small game, but is a better deer and above sized round, with a lot longer range potential.  It really depends on what you hunt, and the terrain / ranges involved.  They would actually make a good pair and cover a wide spectrum of what you probably shoot.  I'd say get both... :)

Larry
Personal opinion is a good thing, and everyone is entitled to one.  The hard part is separating informed opinion from someone who is just blowing hot air....

Offline GregD

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Re: Browning model 81 BLR 308
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2011, 06:47:41 PM »
Thanks guys for the reply.  This one was made in Japan, any negatives ?


Offline Bigeasy

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Re: Browning model 81 BLR 308
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2011, 06:58:25 PM »
No negatives.  I have an early Belgian, and two Jap models.  If anything, the Jap rifles are a little nicer.  The Belgian models were only made for a few years before production was switched to Japan.

Larry
Personal opinion is a good thing, and everyone is entitled to one.  The hard part is separating informed opinion from someone who is just blowing hot air....

Offline Dixie Dude

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Re: Browning model 81 BLR 308
« Reply #5 on: March 17, 2011, 06:03:00 AM »
Mine is Jap made, slick as a whistle.  I know of doctors locally who go to Argentina to shoot dove.  They were using Browning shotguns made in Belgium.  Wore them out in about a year or two.  Then when Browning switched to Japan, they bought those.  The lasted longer with less signs of wear.  The Jap tolerances were better. 

Offline GregD

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Re: Browning model 81 BLR 308
« Reply #6 on: March 17, 2011, 10:12:50 AM »
I missed the deal, he sold the rifle at 6:00 am for $550.00.    :'(

Offline pastorp

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Re: Browning model 81 BLR 308
« Reply #7 on: March 19, 2011, 06:02:18 AM »
Don't fret Greg, there are a lot of them out there. Just keep looking. Just a suggestion but one in 243 might be a better coyote gun if that's what you really want it for.

Regards,
Byron

Christian by choice, American by the grace of God.

NRA LIFE

Offline MSP Ret

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Re: Browning model 81 BLR 308
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2011, 09:11:11 AM »
I have a BLR in 7mm-08 and it is a smooth and slick rifle. If you want a lever capable of reaching out a bit more for some long range work they are great guns. But as has been said, spare magazines are expensive...<><....:)
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline Country Boy

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Re: Browning model 81 BLR 308
« Reply #9 on: May 05, 2011, 02:13:44 PM »
I have a spare blr mag in .22=250 that I would swap for a .308 or .358 magazine. 8)