Browning BLR 81 opinion
- Thread starter y2k
- Start date
I love the looks (but that's a personal thing).
The fit in finish is what you would expect from Browning.
Again, just from personal experience, the (model) 81's, with their straight grip can get a little nasty to shoot in the higher recoiling calibers - so "for me" a 308 or below would be fine with the straight grip, I just find the pistol grip a little more comfortable to shoot with say a 30.06 which kicks a little harder.
The BLR's are really a "bolt action" that's operated by the lever - they just look way "cooler" - Browning also makes the 81 in a take-down version (which is the way I would go if you can find one in the caliber you are after - they are "cooler than cool") - currently with a laminated stock/stainless but there is a good supply of the walnut/blued models still around and available.
I have shot one of the 81's in 270 WSM, was not a pleasant experience, but in a 25.06 or 7.08 it would be a pretty sweet combination.
Just one guys opinion.
The fit in finish is what you would expect from Browning.
Again, just from personal experience, the (model) 81's, with their straight grip can get a little nasty to shoot in the higher recoiling calibers - so "for me" a 308 or below would be fine with the straight grip, I just find the pistol grip a little more comfortable to shoot with say a 30.06 which kicks a little harder.
The BLR's are really a "bolt action" that's operated by the lever - they just look way "cooler" - Browning also makes the 81 in a take-down version (which is the way I would go if you can find one in the caliber you are after - they are "cooler than cool") - currently with a laminated stock/stainless but there is a good supply of the walnut/blued models still around and available.
I have shot one of the 81's in 270 WSM, was not a pleasant experience, but in a 25.06 or 7.08 it would be a pretty sweet combination.
Just one guys opinion.
Milanczar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
They are smooth and slinky. At the larger calibers they get to be more of a handful as noted.
I have one in .223 with a scope and it is a favourite whenever we get together at my friends place or the range.
I have one in .223 with a scope and it is a favourite whenever we get together at my friends place or the range.
Tabacco Brook
Regular
- Location
- Nova Scotia
They are a great handy little rifle. I have an older Model 81 with the steel receiver,...I can't find a thing I don't like about it,..they are accurate as bolt action rifles,.. short and quick handling,.. action is smooth as butter,.. quick loading/unloading,.. light and nice to carry,... fit and finish is excellent,... they are a quality rifle,....IMO, they are one of the best all around rifles out there.
Not sure what your intended use is for the 81,.. but my advice is to stick with the short action,..they are nice and compact compared to the long action model.
Not sure what your intended use is for the 81,.. but my advice is to stick with the short action,..they are nice and compact compared to the long action model.
I love my stainless takedown in .308W except for 2 things. The latch that holds it together releases with a finger whacking *snap* and it is impossible to find stainless or bare aluminum scope rails. I use the receiver mounting holes as the only mount that fits the barrel holes is ridiculously priced. $120 vs. $6 x2. Spare magazines are expensive too. $100+
Years ago one of my favourite rifles was a BLR in .243. A mid 60's rifle. It was comfortable for me to shoot as a young adult, comfortable to carry, and I even packed it on a horse a few times. Smooth action with a really positive feel. Didn't have to muscle it like a Win 94. Gave it to an ungrateful great uncle when my dad died in respect for his help in some tough years. Since then I have casually searched for another. Probably because of my memories of the rifle, my opinions about the BLR are what they are.
I found a later model BLR with pistol grip and pale mediocre wood in .243. Picked it up and put it down like a stick smeared with crap. I have handled the aluminium receiver one (post 1995 I think) and didn't like it either.
I found a later model BLR with pistol grip and pale mediocre wood in .243. Picked it up and put it down like a stick smeared with crap. I have handled the aluminium receiver one (post 1995 I think) and didn't like it either.
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
One of or the favorite hunting rifle I own.
Mine is a strait grip in 7WSM.
A coyote @ 300 or a deer @ 30 in the timber.It truly is an all round rig.
With hand loads, deadly accurate and consistent.
Never a feeding issue even with the WSM shouldered cartridge.
Mine is a strait grip in 7WSM.
A coyote @ 300 or a deer @ 30 in the timber.It truly is an all round rig.
With hand loads, deadly accurate and consistent.
Never a feeding issue even with the WSM shouldered cartridge.
I bought one in .308 for wolves and for hunting deer in the bush. Favourite smith who installed a sling stud for me said, and I quote, "Great rifle, just don't bring it in again." This echoes what was said above, they are difficult to repair.
That hasn't been a problem. Great gun, very accurate, very dependable. Unless you are looking for a high volume shooter, I would recommend a BLR.
That hasn't been a problem. Great gun, very accurate, very dependable. Unless you are looking for a high volume shooter, I would recommend a BLR.
I have 4
an older made in belgium assembled in portugal 308
2 take down 81's one in 243 and one in 325 wsm
1 in 450 marlin with a camouflage composite stock
Love them thinking of a total herd dispersal except my levers
an older made in belgium assembled in portugal 308
2 take down 81's one in 243 and one in 325 wsm
1 in 450 marlin with a camouflage composite stock
Love them thinking of a total herd dispersal except my levers
I bought a Stainless Takedown in .308 last year, as a backup for my aging Marlin 444. It's great to be able to stuff in (in two pieces) into a two pocket pouch that I cobbled together and toss it into my backpack on my annual 7 - 10 day hunting trip in the middle of nowhere. My original plan was just to leave the iron sights on it to reduce weight and make it easier to pack, but that plan has been modified somewhat.
The rifle itself? Excellent fit and finish. As one other poster noted, the takedown lever is pretty stiff when new, and has a bit of a "snap" to it when it opens up. But I find it's loosening as it wears in. Trigger: I've had a lot worse on factory guns. I'm seeing a very clean break about 4 pounds or a touch more. Maintenance: the best part of the takedown, I can split it, and clean from the breech. On my 444, it's relatively easy to take out the action (lever/bolt/ejector) and clean from the breech to keep the crown from cleaning damage. On a BLR, you don't want to even attempt to take out the action parts, unless you're a 'smith and have lots of time on your hands. With the takedown, it's easier and faster to keep clean than my Marlin or any other lever gun I've ever seen. The assembled rifle itself is short and nice-and-light for bush carry. No sling doesn't bother me, it'd be a pain when the gun is split in two anyway.
Downside (not the gun's fault): Aging eyes with iron sights. Fixed that by buying a red-dot scope and scout mounting it on the take-down barrel. Hey, presto, I don't have to line up rear sight, front sight and target any more. The 1X power works just fine up to about 100 yards.
Summary: I really like the thing.
O.N.G.
The rifle itself? Excellent fit and finish. As one other poster noted, the takedown lever is pretty stiff when new, and has a bit of a "snap" to it when it opens up. But I find it's loosening as it wears in. Trigger: I've had a lot worse on factory guns. I'm seeing a very clean break about 4 pounds or a touch more. Maintenance: the best part of the takedown, I can split it, and clean from the breech. On my 444, it's relatively easy to take out the action (lever/bolt/ejector) and clean from the breech to keep the crown from cleaning damage. On a BLR, you don't want to even attempt to take out the action parts, unless you're a 'smith and have lots of time on your hands. With the takedown, it's easier and faster to keep clean than my Marlin or any other lever gun I've ever seen. The assembled rifle itself is short and nice-and-light for bush carry. No sling doesn't bother me, it'd be a pain when the gun is split in two anyway.
Downside (not the gun's fault): Aging eyes with iron sights. Fixed that by buying a red-dot scope and scout mounting it on the take-down barrel. Hey, presto, I don't have to line up rear sight, front sight and target any more. The 1X power works just fine up to about 100 yards.
Summary: I really like the thing.
O.N.G.
257Roberts
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Peterborough ON
I have had 4 of them and now down to one the 257 Roberts.
SuoerCub hit all the good and bad points very well.
They are great rifles if you get one that is accurate.
The 243 that I had was very picky as far as bullets were concerned and the 358 would shoot everything well.
The 308 never did trip my trigger in any rifle that I have owned.
My 257, what can I say....
David
SuoerCub hit all the good and bad points very well.
They are great rifles if you get one that is accurate.
The 243 that I had was very picky as far as bullets were concerned and the 358 would shoot everything well.
The 308 never did trip my trigger in any rifle that I have owned.
My 257, what can I say....
David
