I thought this article was worthy of bringing to us here.
Models
A) The BLR, mfg. 1970 to 1981. (70-73 in Belgium) - had the extended magazine.
B) The BLR 81 Short Action, mfg. 1981-1995 (the flush magazine came in 1981)
C) The BLR-81 Long Action, mfg. 1991-1995.
(1991 saw the change in the new fluted bolt/receiver, a change in the lever/cam/pinion system and the folding hammer).
D) The New Model Lightning BLR, mfg. 1995-2002. Alloy receiver.
E) The BLR Lightweight 81, mfg. 2003- present.
F) The BLR Lightweight Takedown, mfg. 2007- present.
(Note - the difference between a Lightweight and a Lightweight 81 is the LW is a pistol gripped stock and the 81 is a straight gripped stock).
G) The BLR Lt Wt Stainless and Stainless Takedown, mfg. 2008 - present.
The DOB can be determined from the two numbers following the letter code (K) in 1975 and earlier models. The DOB can be determined on post 1975 models by the two letter code (ex. RT which is 1976) which are right before the last three numbers, which indicate the BLR type (LA, SA etc..)
1991 also saw the introduction of the firing pin inertia system.
All Browning BLR rifles produced between 1970 and 1980 are correctly referred to as Browning BLR’s. All Browning BLR Rifles produced between 1981and 1994 are correctly referred to as Browning BLR Model 81’s and could be purchased in either short action, or long action after 1991. All BLR Rifles produced from 1995 through 2002 are correctly referred to as the Browning BLR Lightning Model (Alloy receiver). All Browning BLR models produced after 2003 are correctly referred to as Browning BLR Model 81 Lightweights or BLR Lightweights.
Keep in mind that the Browning BLR made changes on the receiver tops in 1995/96. The older receiver tops on pre-1996 BLR rifles were flat. The new BLR's made from 1995/96 on, have a semi-round top receiver. So make sure when your BLR was made. Older pre-1996 mounts from any other manufacturer can't be used on the newer BLR's either.
The primary difference between the original BLR and the '81 BLR is in the receiver shape and, consequently, the magazine. The original BLR (1970 - 1980) has a concave-shaped receiver - it is wider at both ends (flared out), where it attached to the stocks, than it is in the middle. Consequently the magazine is narrower and thus had to be made longer in order to hold an adequate number of shells. The 81 BLR's receiver is straight-sided, which allows a wider and thus shorter magazine which is, more or less flush with the bottom of the receiver. The Lightning has a flare in at the front of the receiver. The Model 81 Lightweight has flare in at the front and rear of the receiver. The Lightweight Takedown has a flare in at the rear of the receiver.
Having owned both, I have not developed a preference over the extended or flush magazine. Some people dislike the extended magazine, but I remain neutral on the issue. The only advantage is that the flush magazines are readily available, and they are the same and interchangeable between model changes since the Model 81’s became available.
Another difference I can mention is that original BLRs have a front sight hood, while '81 BLRs do not. I think they were removed/deleted around 198.
Most BLR’s have been produced with a walnut stock, but lately some stainless models have a Dura Touch (Mossy Oak Brush) camo pattern stock, some have a regular walnut stock and some have a gray laminated stock. (pistol gripped or straight stocked). Some stainless models have a fluorescent front sight.
Early BLR models have the serial number on the bottom of the receiver, behind the magazine. Model 81’s and newer models have the serial number on the right side/rear of the receiver.
The White Gold Medallion has a black/white/black butt plate and a black over white pistol grip cap. It has a dark brown w/ white spacer fore end cap (Schnabel type). It is engraved w/ upgraded wood. It was made in 2009.
Lightning’s are marked on the right side of the barrel. “Lightning BLR Caliber 270 Win. Only”.
Model 81’ are marked on the right side of the barrel. “ Model 81 BLR Caliber 270 Win.”. ONLY also.
Lightweights are marked on the right side of the barrel.. “ BLT LT WT 81 Caliber .270 Win Only or BLR LT WT Caliber .270 Only” Stainless models have “Stainless Steel” marked on the right side of the barrel near the receiver.
Model 81’s had the exposed bolt head (two sets of four bolt lugs - opposing at 90 degrees and locked up in the top and side of the receiver) until the Long Action was introduced in 1991. In 1991, they got the new type of bolt (current one - 6 lug which locks up inside the barrel), changes to the lever (bolt assist) and a cam spring on the lever gear.
BLR’s and early Model 81’s had the steel receiver. Lightning’s (1995/96) started the alloy receiver.
Metal receiver models have pins for retaining the lever etc.. Alloy receiver models have screws.
Alloy receivers have steel inserts for the four scope base screws.
Some Lightning models have a pistol gripped stock w/ a squared grip cap w/ a black grip cap. Most have a rounded knob type of pistol gripped stock.
Early BLR’s had an oiled stock - at least by 1974 (Japanese models) they had a polyurethane type finished stock.
The gold trigger shows as early as 1978 - It was not on 1976 models and no 1977 have been found with it.
Timelines
May, 1969
BL-22 Lever Action 22 rifle introduced.
1970
BLR Lever Action high-power rifle introduced in .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester.
1976
B-78 in 45-70 and 7mm, and BLR 358 introduced.
1981
Model 81 BLR lever rifle introduced with the flush magazine.
1982
The .22-250 was introduced into the BLR calibers.
1983
The .257 Roberts and 7mm-08 were introduced as BLR calibers.
1985
The .222Rem and the .223Rem were added for a total of 8 different BLR calibers.
1989
The .284 Winchester was added to the BLR calibers. It only lasted a short time.
1990
The BLR caliber .222-Rem was dropped.
1991
The BLR long action calibers were introduced (30-06, 7mm Rem Mag and .270 Win.).
1993
The .257 Roberts and the .358 were dropped from BLR production
1995/96
BLR Lightning (pistol gripped stock) with fold-down hammer introduced and the .284 Win. BLR caliber was discontinued. M-1885 BPCR in 45-70 and 40-65 calibers introduced.
1997
BPR (Browning Pump Rifle) in long and short action. Six calibers in long action 270, 30-06, 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag. and short action in 243 and 308. M-1885 Traditional Hunter in 30-30, 38-55 and 45-70 calibers introduced.
2003
The BLR 81 comes back out in a new straight-grip style stock.
2005
The BLR 81 is now available in a new Lightweight, short-action, long action pistol grip model. The BL-22 rifle has a new caliber: the 17 Mach 2. Called the new BL-17, it has new looks and an octagon barrel as an option. The 325 WSM caliber is added.
2007
The BLR 81 is offered in two takedown models, one with a pistol grip and one with a straight grip. New WSM calibers added.
Calibers
The BLR is or has been available in the following calibers:
222 Remington
223 Remington
22-250 Remington
243 Winchester
25-06 Winchester
257 Roberts
284 Winchester
7mm-08 Remington
308 Winchester
358 Winchester
270 Winchester
30-06 Springfield
7mm Remington Magnum
300 Winchester Magnum
300 WSM
270 WSM
7mm WSM
450 Marlin
325 WSM
Standards
As a standard, the short action BLR’s have 20” barrels, the long actions have a 22” barrel and the magnums have a 24” barrel. The WSM calibers have a 22” barrel. There have been some exceptions and special runs.
Below is an example of one BLR specification for the current 30-06:
Specifications and features:
Browning BLR take-down lever-action rifle
.30-06 Springfield caliber
22" button-rifled barrel
1:10" twist
4 Round detachable box magazine
Long, lever-action
Hammer block safety
Fold-down, 4-position hammer
Full-####, half-####, folded & dropped & fired
Multiple-lug breech bolt
Recessed bolt face
Rotating bolt
Side ejection
Gold bead raised ramp front sight
Low profile adjustable square notch rear sight
Lightweight aluminum receiver
Gray Laminated stock
Schnabel forearm
Crowned muzzle
Flush-mounted, detachable box magazine
Recoil pad
4-1/2 lbs. trigger pull
14-1/4" length of pull
19-3/4" sight radius
7/8" drop at comb
15/16" drop at heel
43" overall length
7 lbs. 4 oz.
Early BLRs had a straight stock, front sight hood and sling swivels. Red ventilated recoil pad w/ black and a white spacer. Stock and forearm were checkered and they had an extended magazine.
BLR 81s have a black recoil pad and sling swivels and a flush magazine.
The difference in receiver length between short actions and long actions is ¾” (6 ¾ vs. 7 ½).
Models
A) The BLR, mfg. 1970 to 1981. (70-73 in Belgium) - had the extended magazine.
B) The BLR 81 Short Action, mfg. 1981-1995 (the flush magazine came in 1981)
C) The BLR-81 Long Action, mfg. 1991-1995.
(1991 saw the change in the new fluted bolt/receiver, a change in the lever/cam/pinion system and the folding hammer).
D) The New Model Lightning BLR, mfg. 1995-2002. Alloy receiver.
E) The BLR Lightweight 81, mfg. 2003- present.
F) The BLR Lightweight Takedown, mfg. 2007- present.
(Note - the difference between a Lightweight and a Lightweight 81 is the LW is a pistol gripped stock and the 81 is a straight gripped stock).
G) The BLR Lt Wt Stainless and Stainless Takedown, mfg. 2008 - present.
The DOB can be determined from the two numbers following the letter code (K) in 1975 and earlier models. The DOB can be determined on post 1975 models by the two letter code (ex. RT which is 1976) which are right before the last three numbers, which indicate the BLR type (LA, SA etc..)
1991 also saw the introduction of the firing pin inertia system.
All Browning BLR rifles produced between 1970 and 1980 are correctly referred to as Browning BLR’s. All Browning BLR Rifles produced between 1981and 1994 are correctly referred to as Browning BLR Model 81’s and could be purchased in either short action, or long action after 1991. All BLR Rifles produced from 1995 through 2002 are correctly referred to as the Browning BLR Lightning Model (Alloy receiver). All Browning BLR models produced after 2003 are correctly referred to as Browning BLR Model 81 Lightweights or BLR Lightweights.
Keep in mind that the Browning BLR made changes on the receiver tops in 1995/96. The older receiver tops on pre-1996 BLR rifles were flat. The new BLR's made from 1995/96 on, have a semi-round top receiver. So make sure when your BLR was made. Older pre-1996 mounts from any other manufacturer can't be used on the newer BLR's either.
The primary difference between the original BLR and the '81 BLR is in the receiver shape and, consequently, the magazine. The original BLR (1970 - 1980) has a concave-shaped receiver - it is wider at both ends (flared out), where it attached to the stocks, than it is in the middle. Consequently the magazine is narrower and thus had to be made longer in order to hold an adequate number of shells. The 81 BLR's receiver is straight-sided, which allows a wider and thus shorter magazine which is, more or less flush with the bottom of the receiver. The Lightning has a flare in at the front of the receiver. The Model 81 Lightweight has flare in at the front and rear of the receiver. The Lightweight Takedown has a flare in at the rear of the receiver.
Having owned both, I have not developed a preference over the extended or flush magazine. Some people dislike the extended magazine, but I remain neutral on the issue. The only advantage is that the flush magazines are readily available, and they are the same and interchangeable between model changes since the Model 81’s became available.
Another difference I can mention is that original BLRs have a front sight hood, while '81 BLRs do not. I think they were removed/deleted around 198.
Most BLR’s have been produced with a walnut stock, but lately some stainless models have a Dura Touch (Mossy Oak Brush) camo pattern stock, some have a regular walnut stock and some have a gray laminated stock. (pistol gripped or straight stocked). Some stainless models have a fluorescent front sight.
Early BLR models have the serial number on the bottom of the receiver, behind the magazine. Model 81’s and newer models have the serial number on the right side/rear of the receiver.
The White Gold Medallion has a black/white/black butt plate and a black over white pistol grip cap. It has a dark brown w/ white spacer fore end cap (Schnabel type). It is engraved w/ upgraded wood. It was made in 2009.
Lightning’s are marked on the right side of the barrel. “Lightning BLR Caliber 270 Win. Only”.
Model 81’ are marked on the right side of the barrel. “ Model 81 BLR Caliber 270 Win.”. ONLY also.
Lightweights are marked on the right side of the barrel.. “ BLT LT WT 81 Caliber .270 Win Only or BLR LT WT Caliber .270 Only” Stainless models have “Stainless Steel” marked on the right side of the barrel near the receiver.
Model 81’s had the exposed bolt head (two sets of four bolt lugs - opposing at 90 degrees and locked up in the top and side of the receiver) until the Long Action was introduced in 1991. In 1991, they got the new type of bolt (current one - 6 lug which locks up inside the barrel), changes to the lever (bolt assist) and a cam spring on the lever gear.
BLR’s and early Model 81’s had the steel receiver. Lightning’s (1995/96) started the alloy receiver.
Metal receiver models have pins for retaining the lever etc.. Alloy receiver models have screws.
Alloy receivers have steel inserts for the four scope base screws.
Some Lightning models have a pistol gripped stock w/ a squared grip cap w/ a black grip cap. Most have a rounded knob type of pistol gripped stock.
Early BLR’s had an oiled stock - at least by 1974 (Japanese models) they had a polyurethane type finished stock.
The gold trigger shows as early as 1978 - It was not on 1976 models and no 1977 have been found with it.
Timelines
May, 1969
BL-22 Lever Action 22 rifle introduced.
1970
BLR Lever Action high-power rifle introduced in .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester.
1976
B-78 in 45-70 and 7mm, and BLR 358 introduced.
1981
Model 81 BLR lever rifle introduced with the flush magazine.
1982
The .22-250 was introduced into the BLR calibers.
1983
The .257 Roberts and 7mm-08 were introduced as BLR calibers.
1985
The .222Rem and the .223Rem were added for a total of 8 different BLR calibers.
1989
The .284 Winchester was added to the BLR calibers. It only lasted a short time.
1990
The BLR caliber .222-Rem was dropped.
1991
The BLR long action calibers were introduced (30-06, 7mm Rem Mag and .270 Win.).
1993
The .257 Roberts and the .358 were dropped from BLR production
1995/96
BLR Lightning (pistol gripped stock) with fold-down hammer introduced and the .284 Win. BLR caliber was discontinued. M-1885 BPCR in 45-70 and 40-65 calibers introduced.
1997
BPR (Browning Pump Rifle) in long and short action. Six calibers in long action 270, 30-06, 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag. and short action in 243 and 308. M-1885 Traditional Hunter in 30-30, 38-55 and 45-70 calibers introduced.
2003
The BLR 81 comes back out in a new straight-grip style stock.
2005
The BLR 81 is now available in a new Lightweight, short-action, long action pistol grip model. The BL-22 rifle has a new caliber: the 17 Mach 2. Called the new BL-17, it has new looks and an octagon barrel as an option. The 325 WSM caliber is added.
2007
The BLR 81 is offered in two takedown models, one with a pistol grip and one with a straight grip. New WSM calibers added.
Calibers
The BLR is or has been available in the following calibers:
222 Remington
223 Remington
22-250 Remington
243 Winchester
25-06 Winchester
257 Roberts
284 Winchester
7mm-08 Remington
308 Winchester
358 Winchester
270 Winchester
30-06 Springfield
7mm Remington Magnum
300 Winchester Magnum
300 WSM
270 WSM
7mm WSM
450 Marlin
325 WSM
Standards
As a standard, the short action BLR’s have 20” barrels, the long actions have a 22” barrel and the magnums have a 24” barrel. The WSM calibers have a 22” barrel. There have been some exceptions and special runs.
Below is an example of one BLR specification for the current 30-06:
Specifications and features:
Browning BLR take-down lever-action rifle
.30-06 Springfield caliber
22" button-rifled barrel
1:10" twist
4 Round detachable box magazine
Long, lever-action
Hammer block safety
Fold-down, 4-position hammer
Full-####, half-####, folded & dropped & fired
Multiple-lug breech bolt
Recessed bolt face
Rotating bolt
Side ejection
Gold bead raised ramp front sight
Low profile adjustable square notch rear sight
Lightweight aluminum receiver
Gray Laminated stock
Schnabel forearm
Crowned muzzle
Flush-mounted, detachable box magazine
Recoil pad
4-1/2 lbs. trigger pull
14-1/4" length of pull
19-3/4" sight radius
7/8" drop at comb
15/16" drop at heel
43" overall length
7 lbs. 4 oz.
Early BLRs had a straight stock, front sight hood and sling swivels. Red ventilated recoil pad w/ black and a white spacer. Stock and forearm were checkered and they had an extended magazine.
BLR 81s have a black recoil pad and sling swivels and a flush magazine.
The difference in receiver length between short actions and long actions is ¾” (6 ¾ vs. 7 ½).
I apologize for the confusion. Didn’t mean to lead you astray.
