Long about 15 years ago, I obtained a BLR in 257R for my younger sons first deer rifle. However, shortly after that, Remington came out with the 700 Mountain Rifle (short action) in 257R, so I went that route, and sold the BLR. While the Mountain Rifle is one great little rifle, I really regret selling the BLR!! I never did shoot the BLR, so can't really speak to how good a rifle it was. Recently, there was (and still may be) a BLR 257R, used, for sale in my local money pit. It actually is a beater, pretty rough condition, rode hard and put up wet, but they are still asking either $700 or $800 for it, my memory fades in and out!! If it was priced reasonable, I would get it anyway, but for that kind of money, I would expect one NIB.
As far as the BLR 257R being the perfect hunting rifle, well, I would have to admit it very well could be a candidate, particularly as a deer rifle, even more specifically as a deer rifle for shooters who either don't like recoil, or who are not very tolerant of recoil. The topic of a perfect hunting rifle covers a lot of ground, and there are a lot of differing interpretations!
