Help w/a Browning BAR

[crazylikeafox]

I have an older model Browning Bar in .270 Win that I inherited from my grandfather, it's probably around a 1980 model.  Once I have fired the entire magazine I cannot get the bolt to close or get the mag to release without pulling back on the bolt and using my finger to push the mag down.  Anyone suggestions on what the problem might be?

[Rangr44]

AFAIK, that's how it's supposed to work - to let the shooter know the rifle ran dry.
 
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[crazylikeafox]

I was under the impression that you were suppose to pull back on the bolt and then use the mag release button to open the magazine and then let the bolt close.  Doesn't seem very safe to have to stick your finger in the chamber and push the magazine open.

[gunnut69]

crazylikeafox...why would you stick your finger in the ejection port.. The magazine release is located on the bottom of the rifles action and sliding it back will release the floor plate and it's attached magazine. The bolt can then be pulled slightly to release the catch and allow it to close.. It's been a while since these rifles seldom cause problems I don't see them all that often..  I've included a parts blow up for your info.. I consider the BAR to be one of the best if not the best autoloading sporting rifles made.. Good luck with the fine rifle..

[crazylikeafox]

crazylikeafox...why would you stick your finger in the ejection port.. The magazine release is located on the bottom of the rifles action and sliding it back will release the floor plate and it's attached magazine. The bolt can then be pulled slightly to release the catch and allow it to close.. It's been a while since these rifles seldom cause problems I don't see them all that often..  I've included a parts blow up for your info.. I consider the BAR to be one of the best if not the best autoloading sporting rifles made.. Good luck with the fine rifle..

That's what I'm having a problem with.  When i slide back the magazine release back it does not open, unless I mechanical push down on the magazine from w'in the ejection port.

[gunnut69]

Try slightly retracting the bolt to relieve tension on the hold open and while the bolt is held to the rear depress the latch to allow the floor plate to open. Sounds like the rifles just a little tight..

[crazylikeafox]

Try slightly retracting the bolt to relieve tension on the hold open and while the bolt is held to the rear depress the latch to allow the floor plate to open. Sounds like the rifles just a little tight..

That's what i've been trying, but to no avail.  I'll probably just take it so my gunsmith and let him check it out.  Thanks for the help gunnut.

[gunnut69]

Well just let us know what you find out.. It's not something I've heard of before. The BAR's are really fine rifles and seldom get to the gunfixers like me. I bought one on the cheap a few years back but haven't even shot it yet. Most that's I've dealt with (only a few) were really good shooters. One a 7mm RemMag (w/BOSS) owned by a cousin would almost touch bullets at 100 yards and that's off an improvised rest!! I suggested he locate as much of the same lot of ammo as he could find and hunt happily ever after..

[crazylikeafox]

I'll let you know what I find out.  This was a gun that I inherited from my grandfather, it's probably 30 years old.  It was no safe queen either, he took it all over the country hunting.