Author Topic: Browning BLR (Read 20964 times)

Rustbucket · « **on:** March 08, 2006, 02:48:09 AM »

Does anyone have have a BLR? How do they shoot? Are they practical for hunting? Iam thinking of getting one in 308.

pagris · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2006, 07:15:45 AM »

Rustbucket: I own four BLRs and have used them as my primary hunting rifles since 1980. IMO, they are very handy rifles, a real joy to carry. They balance nicely, have smooth actions, are well made and just feel right to me. All of mine are good shooters, though they all have heavy triggers that have considerable creep.

You didn't mention whether you are considering a new or used one - if you want a used one, I can provide you with a little historical time line that chronicles the changes to the BLR over the years.

Give one a try - I think you will like it.

1977 .358 BLR
1980 .358 BLR - original owner
1987 .243 '81 BLR
1991 7mm-08 '81 BLR

mt3030 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2006, 07:32:24 AM »

I just picked up my third BLR. This one in 358 Winchester. It joins my 308 Winchester and 257 Roberts. Although I have other action types, I do love my lever actions. These three could cover all game I hunt here in Montana, from antelope thru elk/bear.
Rustbucket: Get that 308. It probably is the most versatile of them all.

Wally

T.R. · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2006, 05:28:01 AM »

There are several BLR's in my family and extended family. Certainly well made hunting rifles in a wide diversity of calibers.

My wife's BLR: It started out as a 270 but I had it rebarreled to 6.5mm Swede and fast 7.5 twist rate. She has toppled 3 bull elk and 4 cow elk in 7 years. Most were one shot kills. I load Nosler's 140 grain Partition bullet.

My sister-in-law's BLR: Her 1st one was a 257 Roberts that worked fine for mulies and 'lopes. She even toppled a couple elk with it but didn't have the penetration to get the job done quickly. Once, we chased a medium sized bull for over a mile in rough country before it expired. My brother bought her a new BLR in 7mm-08 and its a genuine keeper! 140 grain Nosler Partition spells quick death to Wyoming elk each Fall.

My nephew's BLR: A .358 that he loads with a variety of bullets for everything from 'lopes to moose!

My BLR: Started out as a 30-06 but had it rebarreled to 9.3mm X 62. Similar to 35 Whelen but a heavier bullet. I hunted with it one season and sold it for a small profit. It didn't kill elk any better than my trusty .308. Heavy recoil was a factor also.

Doubtful if a better saddle rifle for a "lefty" exists! These are very good rifles.
TR

DavOh · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2006, 06:31:10 PM »

I'm looking at the Browning BLR also. There's just something about a lever gun that just feels right to me. My family has killed countless deer with .30-30s but I want something in the 1 MOA out to 300 yds class.

My main concern is in the medium-long range accuracy department. Anyone have trigger time with them in primarily .308, .270, .243, or .25-06 calibers? I'm leaning toward the .308 because I've always been a big .308 fan, and caliber debates are for another time. I dont even know if the BLR comes in .25-06 so that might be a moot point. What have your experiences been with this rifle at longer ranges. Shots where I hunt are not uncommon out to 250-300 yds.

Anyone out there use one for the 200+ yd whitetail gun?

deerslayer1616 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2006, 04:00:56 PM »

I have 2 BLRs and they are my favorite rifles.My 358 is my black bear rifle,perfevt short range cartridge.I had it out today though and on 2 shots,it failed to fire the cartridge.Anyone have this problem or know how to fix it?

2poor · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2006, 02:31:28 AM »

I have the pleasure of owning a BLR in 284 Winchester. I have little need for any of the other rifles in the cabinet as this gun is all business. A very nice quick handling rifle that is a very good shooter out to 200yds. That detachable clip sure is a fine addition to a lever gun. Took a big bull moose in 95 with the gun and several whitetails every year. If I had to choose another cartridge I would favor the 7mm-08 I believe.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2006, 03:03:28 AM »

I have a BLR 81 in 223.
My friends bring over their varmint rifles and we get targets out and shoot side by side.
I don't always outshoot them but they usually leave with a new opinion of accuracy in lever actions

Old Griz · « **Reply #8 on:** May 14, 2006, 06:14:33 PM »

:cb2: Hey TR:

How much trouble and expense was it to convert that BLR to a 6.5 Swede?!? That's my favorite caliber of all time. I was thinking about getting a BLR in 7-08, but now you've really got me dreaming!

mt3030 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 15, 2006, 06:50:20 AM »

Rustbucket:
Did you get the 308?
Wally

HuntAway · « **Reply #10 on:** May 17, 2006, 07:07:02 AM »

I just got a BLR in 300 win mag. Haven't been out yet with it, but soon :grin:

Any scope / mount suggestions?

I was thinking of using Millett See Thru mounts with a Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9x40.

Would the see thru's be too high?

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 17, 2006, 01:08:23 PM »

HuntAway, you are correct. The see-thru mounts are not the way to go. They are basically gimmick. Your head will always be in the wrong position for either irons or scope. Sight in the irons, then mount that scope as low as possible. If the scope actually breaks get a screwdriver and take it off.

Keith L · « **Reply #12 on:** May 17, 2006, 02:05:41 PM »

Quote

HuntAway, you are correct. The see-thru mounts are not the way to go. They are basically gimmick. Your head will always be in the wrong position for either irons or scope. Sight in the irons, then mount that scope as low as possible. If the scope actually breaks get a screwdriver and take it off.

Great advice. Peek through rings make the setup a poor compromise. This is a great solution. Wish I had thought of it.

HuntAway · « **Reply #13 on:** May 18, 2006, 09:49:47 AM »

Thanks Blackhawk. I thought they looked awfull high.

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2006, 07:55:18 AM »

Another idea is to use Weaver style bases, buy the removable (by thumb wheel) receiver sight fron Northeast Custom Gun (NECG) for $85, sight it in, remove it, put it in your field bag and mount your scope. If the scope ever breaks or fogs, remove it and slip the peep sight on the base, ready to go.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #15 on:** May 27, 2006, 07:18:00 AM »

I found a BLR (older model) in 7mm08. The rifle is in very good condition except for the bore. Lot of pitting. I can pick the rifle up for $250. I will have to have it rebarreled and I am thinking either .250/3000 or .22/250. I mainly want it for a truck gun. I don't do much deer hunting and that would be the largest animal that I would encounter on my place in South Georgia. I do have cayotes on my place and like to pop a crow now and then. I gave up reloading some years ago, so I would be using factory fodder. Just looking for some advise on which caliber to rebarrel for and where would be the best place to find a barrel.

Old Griz · « **Reply #16 on:** May 27, 2006, 07:53:59 AM »

:cb2: Since you don't reload, I think you'd have a much easier chance of buying .22/250 than finding the .250/3000. Have you thought about .223? It will do what the .22/250 will do at the ranges you'll be shooting the BLR, and the ammo is a lot cheaper and easily available. (Sorry, I'm just an old tightwad.) More cheap bang for your buck, but I must admit, the .22/250 is a mighty nice round. I don't even know if I could find any .250/3000 around here! :eek:

Dixiejack · « **Reply #17 on:** May 27, 2006, 08:22:38 AM »

Appreciate your imput. I thought about the.223, but wouldn't that require a lot of gunsmithing on the bolt face, extractor, etc. since they are not the same case head size? Also, wouldn't the magazine have to be altered to handle the .223? Maybe the .22/250 would be the way to go, but I grew up on a Savage 99 in .250 Savage. Always gave me good results on deer. I looked up the parts page on the Browning website and you can't buy just a barrel. You have to buy bbl. and action for about $700. If I could find an excellent used barrel in .22/250, I would probably go the route.

pastorp · « **Reply #18 on:** May 27, 2006, 06:33:03 PM »

Dixiejack. If you stay with the 308 family of brass then a simple rebarrel is all that is necessary. You magazine will work also. 243 would be a smaller caliber that will work with a new barrel only.

I just had a pre81 blr rebarreled to 260 from 308. New barrel and set the headspace was all that was required. It feeds and shoots very well. Regards, Byron

Dixiejack · « **Reply #19 on:** May 28, 2006, 12:55:57 PM »

Staying in the .308 case family is what I intend to do. Just wish I could find a .22/250 barrel somewhere. That would be my cheapest option. I have purused the internet trying to find a factory barrel, but have not had any luck.

pastorp · « **Reply #20 on:** May 30, 2006, 06:41:17 AM »

The 22/250 is not in the 308 family. Regards, Byron

HuntAway · « **Reply #21 on:** May 31, 2006, 01:30:30 PM »

I went with the Elite 3200, 2x7x32. I decided against the Millet See throughs and went with a 1 piece redfield base and low rings. As it turned out the rear sight interfered with the scope so I took it off anyways. I'll pack it along, just in case something happens. I sighted in the iron sights to 100 yds before taking them off so they should be close if I have to put them back on. Here's a pic of it. Just got to get out and get the scope dialed in now. Then look out Mr. Moose. :grin:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v445/HuntAway/105-0512_IMG.jpg

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 23, 2006, 09:31:20 AM »

Dixiejack, just trade for an orginal .22-250. They have been offered since at least the inception of th '81 and still a listed caliber today.

wahunterinrok · « **Reply #23 on:** June 26, 2006, 04:08:40 AM »

My first deer rifle was a BLR, in 243, have had it for 15 yrs now, and it is one gun that will not be leaving my possesion... killed my first 5 deer with it!!! Always reliable, always accurate

Carl Crocker · « **Reply #24 on:** July 19, 2006, 05:02:28 AM »

I have 3 two .358 win. and a .308 blr81's and they are accurate and work fine on just about anything. I have a friend that has a .22/250 he would sell. Forget about the rebarreling stuff, you can a blr in a caliber that will duplicate or better any wildcat you might think of , and the blr will take almost any handload you want to put in it. Oh the .308 or 7mm08 will kill deer at 300 yds with no problem.

BRL · « **Reply #25 on:** July 19, 2006, 06:36:50 AM »

This thread is a little old but hopefully people will still be interested. I have a BLR 81 in 7mm-08 and love it. I haven't scoped it yet but intend to. What have others put on their BLR's in tems of optics. Has anyone removed the sights? I am considering that.

Thanks

pastorp · « **Reply #26 on:** July 24, 2006, 06:58:15 AM »

Blr, I like something fairly small for a scope. On my blr's I have a 2&1/2 leupold, 3 with 2-7 leupolds, and one with a 2-7x40 swift. The 40mm swift is really getting too large for my tastes.

As far as sights. On the older models the front is souldered on and leaves a ugly place if removed. Of course the rear can be easily removed. Regards, Byron

BRL · « **Reply #27 on:** July 24, 2006, 11:49:22 AM »

Thanks for the info. I have an older Redfield "Low Profile" 2x7 on my .30-06. I thought about putting that on my BLR and getting a new scope for my 06.

Thanks

17 hummer · « **Reply #28 on:** August 16, 2006, 03:18:31 PM »

good gun if you dont take it apart there is alot of gears that u have to time properly i still havent fixed it

mine is a .308 win

Dai.S.Loe · « **Reply #29 on:** August 16, 2006, 04:51:55 PM »

Your posts on this have gotten me interested in this rifle.

I went onto the Browning site last night and had a good look at their models.

Very interested.

From when I lived in the UK I seem to remeber a company that made some alterations to these rifles in light of the ban on sermi auto rifles.

The practical rifle competitors over there some how managed to fabricate or alter new or standard magazines to a hig capacity (20-30 rounds.). Definitely in .308 but for some reason I have the caliber .223 fixed in my head also.

Does anyone know of these alterations ort the UK company that did them?

Here in New Zealand there is strict control on semi auto military style firearms. A .22 can only have a 15 round mag and a fullbore a 7 round mag, unless you get a different licence and a new safe to keep the firearm in.

Recently here in NZ the new Remington pump action .223 has gone on sale and they take the AR15/M16 mags. Added benifit is that it is only semi auto firearms that have a capacity limit. Bolt, lever and pump have no restriction on mag size and no requirement to get a different licence apart from our basic rifle/shotgun one.

I digress. Thanks for an interesting discussion.

Dai