Beenelli R1 Or Browning BAR
- Thread starter mobiletec
- Start date
Have an R1 in 308, it's surprisingly accurate, little eurotrashy looking, very nicely made, mags are really good, never had any reliability issues, and you can actually take it apart fairly easily to clean it properly.
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Years ago I owned a wood stocked Benelli R1 in 30.06, accurate, dependable rifle but found the stocks to be very thin and did not keep it very long.
I got the bug for a new semiauto before Christmas, and a new wood stocked Browning BAR MK3 in 7mm-08 Remington arrived in the mail today. From just handling it out of the box I can tell you it feels much beefier than I thought it would be. Now to collect ammo for it and wait out the -35 weather before any shooting time happens could be a while.
I got the bug for a new semiauto before Christmas, and a new wood stocked Browning BAR MK3 in 7mm-08 Remington arrived in the mail today. From just handling it out of the box I can tell you it feels much beefier than I thought it would be. Now to collect ammo for it and wait out the -35 weather before any shooting time happens could be a while.
I have a 30-06 bar Belgium made and love it! It fits me well, shoot well, handle well, all steel construction, fairly easy to take apart when you learn it( tons of YouTube about the process)
Never had an issue with it!
The bad is parts are getting harder to find for those old ones!
Never had an issue with it!
The bad is parts are getting harder to find for those old ones!
- Location
- sudbury, ontario
Got them both bar has the edge for accuracy ( for me )
I picked up a BAR Mk3 in 30-06 last year and had accuracy issues right out of the box. With multiple different scope, rings and ammo combinations shot from a sled it would give me an average group of 7" at 100 yards. Browning told me as there are no accuracy guarantees that I was on my own. It also developed failure to feed issues.
My buddy had an R1 and it was flawless, albeit very ugly.
My buddy had an R1 and it was flawless, albeit very ugly.
Couple guys i know use the Bars and love them. One has an older Belgium made one that still is working strong. The others have a Mk II safari and a Mk3's and they did good this year at the camp. Personally I'd go with the browning. But i haven't used or seen a R1 so can't really say how good they are or aren't.
Is the BAR still legit, though I saw it on a “the list”. I haven’t put in the days of research to kept up with all the news.
Like can I use one to go hunting this fall? Seems like it might be a guys last chance.
Its a nice and accurate semi auto.
Like can I use one to go hunting this fall? Seems like it might be a guys last chance.
Its a nice and accurate semi auto.
If your looking for a Non restricted Semi auto the BAR would be a great choice.
Every gun is gonna be on "the list" eventually. Buy it, shoot it, enjoy it, fight for it. Ive had every iteration of the BAR sporting rifle. Love them and will never sell em because of fear its on a list.
I used to have 2 short-trac in 300wsm sold both not too happy about the accuracy then bought a bar Safari ll in 30-06, that Safari ll is the most accurate semi I have ever own.
It will out shoot most bolt gun and shoot as good as one of my Tikka (sub moa if I do my part).
Shot my buddy's R1 on many occasions with the right ammo it will shoot close to moa but tried different load still can't get in under at 100s.
Stock trigger both guns are similar but slight edge to Browning,.weight wise R1 wins Safari ll is no featherweight, but ease of cleaning the R1 is lightyear ahead of Browning.
That being said I still prefer the Bar for esthetic reason and slightly shorter overall length.
It will out shoot most bolt gun and shoot as good as one of my Tikka (sub moa if I do my part).
Shot my buddy's R1 on many occasions with the right ammo it will shoot close to moa but tried different load still can't get in under at 100s.
Stock trigger both guns are similar but slight edge to Browning,.weight wise R1 wins Safari ll is no featherweight, but ease of cleaning the R1 is lightyear ahead of Browning.
That being said I still prefer the Bar for esthetic reason and slightly shorter overall length.
- Location
- Vancouver Island, BC
The Benelli with comfortech stock really soaks up the recoil. My R1 in 9.3x62 feels much lighter than the BAR even though looking at the specs they seem to be the same weight. The benelli has adjustable LOP, comb height and cheek riser. Try to shoulder both and see which fits you best. I prefer the R1 due to the fit and the iron sights.
FWIW MDC is clearing out their sauer 303 stock which is also a good option. IMO the extra price over the R1 is not justified though.
FWIW MDC is clearing out their sauer 303 stock which is also a good option. IMO the extra price over the R1 is not justified though.
I've owned and shot both , I'd have a hard time choosing between them to be honest . It's a purely personal thing , but I've always had a soft spot for the BAR , my late father carried one for years . I will say that the stock design on the Benelli was more comfortable when shooting heavier recoiling cartridges , a 300WSM in the Benelli versus a 300WM in the BAR . Again , a subjective viewpoint . If you can , handle , or better yet shoot , both and go with whatever fits you better .
