Author Topic: Browning Lever Rifles (Read 2341 times)

Dixie Dude · « **on:** August 07, 2007, 06:44:17 AM »

How well made are Browning BLR rifles? Are they as well made as Marlin? I have both, the Browning is so easy to work the action, and with the aluminum reciever, just wondering how long it will last with a lot of use? Light and handy though.

Ridge Runner · « **Reply #1 on:** August 19, 2007, 09:57:16 AM »

Quote from: Dixie Dude on August 07, 2007, 06:44:17 AM

How well made are Browning BLR rifles? Are they as well made as Marlin? I have both, the Browning is so easy to work the action, and with the aluminum reciever, just wondering how long it will last with a lot of use? Light and handy though.

I have wondered the same thing and want to know. I would love one in 30-06, but the alloy receiver kind of puts me off.

Anyone?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2007, 10:01:50 AM »

Considering the BLR is chambered in several short magnums, it should be very obvious as to their strength compared to any other levergun.

Tim

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=003B&cat_id=034&type_id=006

pastorp · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2007, 02:10:42 PM »

Dixiedude, I'm using one that was made in the first year of production. 1970. If It ever breaks then I'll let you know how long it will last. Byron

superdown · « **Reply #4 on:** August 19, 2007, 06:21:46 PM »

I have/had 3 one was a blr 81 358win next is blr lightning 300win then a 270wsm blr 81 ss lam lightweight all very good rifles. it will last longer than anyone needs to worry about.

Rangr44 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 21, 2007, 03:44:17 AM »

[the first year of production. 1970]

I bought my .358 in 1971, IIRC - and it has a steel receiver. I believe all BLR's had steel until the advent of the BLR-81, with it's flush magazine, in 1981.

ncsurveyor · « **Reply #6 on:** August 21, 2007, 04:35:44 AM »

Quote from: Rangr44 on August 21, 2007, 03:44:17 AM

[the first year of production. 1970]

I bought my .358 in 1971, IIRC - and it has a steel receiver. I believe all BLR's had steel until the advent of the BLR-81, with it's flush magazine, in 1981.

I thought steel receiver went away with the advent of the BLR "Lightning" in 1995?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** August 21, 2007, 06:08:28 AM »

Maybe this will clarify what's what.

Tim

All barrels, buttstocks, forearms, magazines, and other parts found in this category fit Browning BLR rifle models produced prior to 1981. All Browning BLR rifles produced prior to 1981 are correctly referred to as The Browning BLR Rifle or the Pre 81. This model was only available in short action. All Browning BLR Rifles produced between 1981 and 1994 are correctly referred to as The Browning BLR Rifle Model 81 and could be purchased in either long or short action. All BLR Rifles produced from 1995 through the present are correctly referred to as The Browning BLR Light (Alloy receiver) or Lightning Model (Steel receiver).

http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/CTGY/C-008

ncsurveyor · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2007, 06:17:06 AM »

I suppose that settles that.

Now if I can only find the twist of a 1992 BLR in .257 roberts.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2007, 06:23:53 AM »

I looked for ya, the only thing I found was the A-bolt II 257R is 1:9½". It's easy to check if you have a cleaning rod with a ball bearing handle, or one that can rotate freely to follow the rifling, use a tight patched jag, start the jag in the bore, mark the rod at the muzzle and place a flag of tape around the rod close to the handle so you see when the rod had turned 180º as you push the jag thru the bore, mark the rod again at the muzzle, then withdraw the rod and measure between the two marks, double it for the twist rate.

Tim

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reference/pdf/Twist%20Tables_Rifle.pdf

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #10 on:** August 21, 2007, 11:01:02 AM »

I really like the BLR's since they are so light weight and shoot great. I have thought about a .325 WSM. Is this caliber the same as 8mm. I know it compares to the .338 WM in ballistics. Also, is it hard to take the lever and bolt out for a good cleaning with the aluminum receiver? I assume you can just tap the pins out. I know Marlin's are easy to take the lever off and clean with just a screwdriver.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #11 on:** August 21, 2007, 11:11:25 AM »

After removing the bolt from my BLR, I can say it can be an exercise in futility getting the lever and bolt timed properly when reinstalling it, I've only done it once, and don't care to do it again!!

Although with a manual, it's probably easier. The 325WSM uses .323"(8mm) bullets.

Tim

http://www.midwestgunworks.com/field_service_manual/browning_blr_pre_81_field_service_manual

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 21, 2007, 01:17:08 PM »

With the proper use of a tapered brass rod guide/muzzle protector, cleaning from the muzzle is no great chore. With periodic use of spray cleaners, disassembly of the BLR should not be an issue.
Regarding the .325, the proper 200gr premium bullet in the .300WSM will accomplish the same goals while giving you a far better chance of finding properly head stamped brass or factory ammo in the future.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** August 21, 2007, 01:50:11 PM »

I've only tore mine down once in the 24yrs I've owned it, as Blackhawk44 said, spray cleaners work pretty darned good. I've used an Otis pull thru on mine all these years, it works great.

Tim

http://www.otisgun.com/cgistore/store.cgi?page=/new/fcatalog.html&setup=1&cart_id=

pagris · « **Reply #14 on:** August 22, 2007, 08:17:24 AM »

Tim: A couple of comments regarding your replies about the BLR. The factory manual clearly states that adjusting the action timing between the bolt and cocking lever gears is a trial and error adjustment. The manual is really of no help in providing any genuine assistance to the user in timing the action correctly.

Also, the statement that you quoted from Midwest about the steel versus alloy receiver material is incorrect. All BLRs manufactured since 1995 have had an alloy receiver. There is no such thing as a Light (alloy) version or a Lightning (steel) version. Since 1995, they have been given different names over the years (first Lightning for the pistol grip version and now Lightweight '81 with or without the pistol grip), but they all have had alloy receivers.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #15 on:** August 22, 2007, 08:21:57 AM »

Are the pins for the levers through the alloy? I heard that with a lot of use, they can fall out. I was wondering how that was made, like if it had a steel sleeve inside for strength. I know the gear is pinned in also from what drawings I have seen, that is another weak point. Just wondering how it would hold up with a lot of shooting.

J'hawker · « **Reply #16 on:** August 22, 2007, 11:57:54 AM »

I've had my 358 Win BLR for about 4 years now and have put about 2,000 rounds through it, most of them loaded fairly hot. I'm confident that it will outlast me. I also know that it's probably a lot more complicated than it needs to be, but it works and shoots just fine. I see no need to take it apart for cleaning, tinkering, or out of curiosity.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #17 on:** August 22, 2007, 02:30:11 PM »

Quote from: pagris on August 22, 2007, 08:17:24 AM

Tim: A couple of comments regarding your replies about the BLR. The factory manual clearly states that adjusting the action timing between the bolt and cocking lever gears is a trial and error adjustment. The manual is really of no help in providing any genuine assistance to the user in timing the action correctly.

Also, the statement that you quoted from Midwest about the steel versus alloy receiver material is incorrect. All BLRs manufactured since 1995 have had an alloy receiver. There is no such thing as a Light (alloy) version or a Lightning (steel) version. Since 1995, they have been given different names over the years (first Lightning for the pistol grip version and now Lightweight '81 with or without the pistol grip), but they all have had alloy receivers.

Someone needs to point that out to em so they can correct their web page info, I thought all the late models were aluminum alloy, no steel any more. I've never liked the looks or feel of the any of the "light" new ones, so I've never really had any interest in em. Seems to me I read on here or elsewhere that the timing required a trial and error method, that was what I used long time ago when I tore mine down, thought I'd ruined it forever until I finally got it right!! $:-\$

Thanks,

Tim

Country Boy · « **Reply #18 on:** August 27, 2007, 06:33:35 AM »

I have two steel reciever one's and prefer them to the alloy reciever models, yes I had one of those too with a pistol grip. The steel models action looks a bit different and the bbl is free floated. My only complaint is the length of pull. It's a little long for me. Eventualy I will replace the 1" recoil pad with a 1/2" pad. Great hunting rifles. Buy one off one of the internet sites but be careful. This past month I got one good one and one bad one. The good one will shoot milk jugs full of water to 300 yds. My .358 has never failed me in any way and I have done a lot of hunting with it.

MIKE THE BEAR · « **Reply #19 on:** August 28, 2007, 04:55:53 PM »

I have an 81 BLR in .284. Believe it was only made for one year. Steel receiver; Slick action; comes up smoothly in the woods. Works for me.
My only wish is that it had the style / attractive lines of something like the Winchester 1886.

ncsurveyor · « **Reply #20 on:** August 29, 2007, 02:38:19 AM »

Quote from: MIKE THE BEAR on August 28, 2007, 04:55:53 PM

My only wish is that it had the style / attractive lines of something like the Winchester 1886.

receiver style or wood style? You can always create your own stock!