Browning BLR in .308?

M

Max-4

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Southern Ontario
I am looking for a nice "bush gun" that I can use for both deer and moose here in Ontario. I have always liked lever actions and the BLR seems nice cause I can choose the .308 Win with its box magazine. I dont know much about the Browning BLR's and their reliability/accuracy, what have people found with them?

Would a Browning BLR Lightweight Pistol Grip in .308 be a good "bush gun" for deer, moose and black bear? With a nice 2-7x32 scope what type of range can I shoot an animal comfortably?

The rifle im looking at: http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=003B&cat_id=034&type_id=009
 
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I have the takedown version of the pistol grip BLR in .308 Win which I feel would be good to go to 250-300 yards, providing I do my part, practice frequently up to and including those ranges and use a good quality bullet. They are a good gun to shoot with.

It will certainly do the job on any thing from moose on down.
 
The action is shorter and lighter on the .308. BLR's have been very popular over here in Quebec for both deer and moose. Personally, I prefer the old straight grip configuration, but that's just a personal preference.

The one my buddy has in .308 was quite accurate and a fine well-balanced rifle in the field. He<s had his for overe 25 years and loves it.
 
Max Owner said:
What about a 30/06?
Click to expand...

I have used both and the biggest difference is the length of throw on the lever. I can cycle my 308 with my fingers where my brothers 30-06 my hand has to leave the pistol grip, also there is quite a difference in weight with the longer 30-06 barrel. My choice would be the shorter throw rifles and if I was buying again probably would get a 358, but then there are the issues of getting ammo at the local shops with a 358 where any Walmart / CT has 308's.
 
go ahead with the BLR short action, you'll love it! I have many BLR's, all short action and love them all. The long action ones are monsters in my hands and not for me. Consider the 358 as well, plan ahead, get your ammo in advance, or reload your own, not hard to do. Good luck.
 
My solid frame, pistol grip .308 is arriving here early next week! Can't wait! I was considering 358 as well, but with the cost/headache of ammo... and I'm not a reloader yet, so when a .308 came up in the EE I jumped on it.

I have read that you can expect accuracy typical of good quality bolt guns - somewhere in the neighbourhood of 2 MOA. Not a sniper rifle, but adequate for hunting. Unfortunately there is very little that can be done to economically improve the accuracy. Just buy one and go shooting!

Mine will be used with open sights until I cave and dress it up scout style. I've heard different opinions on long eye relief scopes, so it's time to find out for myself.

Good luck with your decision :cheers:
 
.308

I chose the .308 cause it will drop deer and moose well enough and is not overkill or undergunned on both animals. I like the idea of a short action on a lever gun, then the lever throw is short and the recoil is better on the light gun. Plus the 30-06 has a 22" barrel and im looking for a 20".

Here in Ontario most of our hunting is done in the bush, there are some farm field shoots that can have shots out to 200yrds though, but the BLR should handle that.
 
I believe 1981 was when they went to the lightweight "alloy" (aluminum) frame. This is only possible because the bolt locks up inside the barrel, instead of between the barrel and receiver. I Don't know if there was a pistol grip before '81. If you are considering seeking out an old steel frame model, because of strength concerns, I wouldn't trouble yourself. Browning claims the new frame is made from "aircraft grade alloy". I presume this to mean it's one of the 7000 series aluminums, which largely have a tensile strength greater than mild steel. Also, there is no load on the frame from discharge because, as I mentioned, the bolt locks up in the barrel.
 
I think that the .308 BLR may just be the best all around BLR out there. Good combo of power and compactness. I sold mine a couple of years ago and would love it back. Down to my .243 BLR and a .300 mag take down.
 
I have a BLR in 284 win and 358 win. Both steel . They will put the first 2 shots side by side then open up to 1 1/2" @ 100yds. If you wait for the barrel to cool down they will clover leaf 3 shots. I have shot deer out to 250 yds with the 284 and would have no hesitation to shoot 350 to 400 yds. Enjoy your 308 :)
 
BLR .308 Win

Have had 3 BLR's all in .308 Win. First two were the earlier versions with the stick out mag the last was the flush mag model. All very slick & handy. Rotary bolt locks up nice. Found on all three that the first two shots off the bench would touch but the third was always a slight flyer likely because the thin barrel had heated up.

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NAA.
 
Max-4 said:
I am looking for a nice "bush gun" that I can use for both deer and moose here in Ontario. I have always liked lever actions and the BLR seems nice cause I can choose the .308 Win cause of its box magazine. I dont know much about the Browning BLR's and their reliability/accuracy, what have people found with them?

Would a Browning BLR Lightweight Pistol Grip in .308 be a good "bush gun" for deer, moose and black bear? With a nice 2-7x32 scope what type of range can I shoot an animal comfortably?
Click to expand...

While not a Browning, the Remington 7600 pumps are know for accuracy and dependability. They also use detachable magazines and are less expensive than the BLRs. Very fast follow up shots, probably faster than a lever.

My brother-in-law has used one as his main moose/deer gun for decades. He bought a second as a backup but after years of it sitting in the cabinet unused, he gave it to his son.
 
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