BLR vs M88

[flying pig]

My son is growing quickly, and is quite fond of lever action rifles. He loves his Great Grandpa’s ‘94 SRC in 38-55, but I’d like to see him with a bit more forgiving cartridge to hunt with and something with a scope preferably.

If I find opportunity for either rifle in 308, which would you prefer and why? He leans more for Winchesters, I think he just likes the old cowboy appeal. Both can be had in the same price range but the BLR would be in better shape for the same price from what I’m seeing.

Thoughts?

 

[coyotebc]

I own and love my win 88, however the BLR is basically the same internal design, and it looks more traditional than the m88.
If the price is similar and the BLR is in better shape, I would pick the BLR

 

[Duramax6.6]

BLR for me. The beauty of the steel receiver on the older ones separating front and rear stocks has a solid, traditional look and feel to them.

 

[anglia2]

I've owned both and I prefer the BLR . They both have their good points , but I prefer the look of the Browning .

 

[Crashman]

The BLR is a nicer rifle and takes a scope much better. The stock design on the M88 will give your boy every ounce of recoil energy that the cartridge has to offer, in 308 it is very stout, plus you will likely have to add a cheek riser for scope useage. Whereas the BLR stock is more forgiving in this respect. I have owned both, currently my oldest boy has my dad's M88 and my youngest boy has my F-I-L's M100, I am looking for a BLR.

 

[Lefty Dick]

Why no love for the Savage 99?

 

[kamlooky]

Why no love for the Savage 99?

Or a Marlin 35rem?
There’s a 99C in .308win here I could be talked out of.

Good thinking on the caliber choice too, op.

 

[NAA]

I've owned both and I prefer the BLR . They both have their good points , but I prefer the look of the Browning .

+1 for me, too.

And if a BLR I prefer the looks of the flush magazine model not the older 'stick out mag' version.

-----------
NAA.

 

[NAA]

Why no love for the Savage 99?

Another good choice to consider, too.

In fact, while I no longer own a BLR or M88 but I do have a 99.

------------
NAA.

 

[sendymcsendyface]

+1 for the 99 in 308, I love mine. Handles great, and shoots solid minute of deer groups.

 

[Hand Skills]

Savage 99

 

[mike t]

Browning BLR, carries nice and slimmer than the winchester m88.

 

[DGY]

Yeah a mod 99 in great condition would be my pick too!

 

[anglia2]

Why no love for the Savage 99?

I love the 99 ,but the OP has an opportunity to buy either a BLR or an 88 and asked for an opinion on them , not a 99 .

 

[mussyhairhillbilly]

I like my BLR .. don't know about the 88'

 

[dan belisle]

Another good choice to consider, too.

In fact, while I no longer own a BLR or M88 but I do have a 99.

------------
NAA.

I'm in the same boat. But it's two 99's. - dan

 

[jimmerp]

New to me BLR is a recent addition. It is steel receiver, and 19.5” barrel.
It shoots 3shot moa groups with factory federal 308. I love its short handy length, and light weight for still hunting.
The stocks have a super tough epoxy type finish that is not affected by rain.
For me, it comes up quick and naturally points well, very happy with its hunting qualities.
Highly recommend.

 

[tiriaq]

If disassembly is necessary, neither the 88 or the BLLR is user friendly. While reassembly of the 88 can be challenging, reassembly of the BLR can be extremely frustrating.
Either would be OK.
If he really likes Winchesters and their appeal, look for a 94AE in .307Winchester. Has the performance and can be scoped.
And as previously mentioned, don't forget the 99 Savage.

 

[Goo98]

savage 99 is closer to the cowboy era than the blr or win88

 

[milkbone96]

I have a BLR stainless takedown in .270 that is a nice shooter. Have been on the fence about keeping it though - if you'd like to chat more about it, shoot me a PM.