Browning BAR generations and changes?

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alpining

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Hi all - I keep coming across what look like great deals on used Browning BAR rifles, but I don't know anything at all about the differences between the generations. Anyone care to fill me in?

Are there issues with any of them? Parts availability? Or are parts likely to never be needed?

If it makes a difference, let's say we're just talking about 30-06 models, and to be used relatively little (10-20rds per year).

Thanks!
 
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Without going to into crazy details

BAR Mk1 Type 1
Original with scalloped receiver and simpler sights, all Belgian Made and Assembled, floorplate detachable mag. Parts harder to find

BAR Mk1 Type 2
Changes on receiver, sights, few small things, Belgian Made, assembly moved to Portugal. Parts still available.

BAR Mk2
Slight changes on receiver(aluminum now an option) sights, trigger group, bolt hold open added. Changes to gas system

Shorttrac/Longtrac
Changes cosmetically to euro style, same features, trigger group and magazine floorplate become polymer. FN FNAR version available with detachable magazine (no floorplate)

BAR Mk3
Changes again cosmetically, same features. Most updated version. Fully detachable mag available

No BAR were ever made in Japan!

If firing 10-20rds a year, it will last many lifetimes. I had a quite a few BAR with all Mk's. I have a few Mk1 Type 2 that had a few issues with maintenance related and base screws protruding into the receiver but nothing major. One of the Type 2 in 30-06 has slightly over 2k rounds now. Most accurate? Mk3. Average? 1.5"- 2" @ 100yrds is honest with most factory. My Mk3 does much better with reloads.
 
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alpining said:
Hi all - I keep coming across what look like great deals on used Browning BAR rifles, but I don't know anything at all about the differences between the generations. Anyone care to fill me in?

Are there issues with any of them? Parts availability? Or are parts likely to never be needed?

If it makes a difference, let's say we're just talking about 30-06 models, and to be used relatively little (10-20rds per year).

Thanks!
Click to expand...

There are a lot of deer hunters who buy two boxes of ammo, shoot most of one for sighting in and for confidence, and pack the second one for the hunt. Over time, they decide the scope is still hitting where they're pointing and the hunter will shoot fewer boxes.
 
I have one in 30-06 Belgian made… I’m not sure of the age, mk 1 type 1 or 2 but is is a solid shooter moa or better if I do my part!
 
Had one in .308win and picked up a spare mag.
It caused some grief to gitter the heck out the floor plate.
Closerest inspection found the tab was a coontzs’air longer than the original.
Nutt’in a file and sum oayshints wood’int cure.

Short tab, longer tab.
This is awl I know.
 
the mark 2 you can disassemble without removing the rear stock...amazingly accurate shooters as a rule
 
I have a 30-06 grade II Belgium and had a 243 Belgium grade 1. The 243 was unbelievably accurate. The 30-06 is good, haven't shot it too much, too pretty. i wanted to use the 243 as a coyote gun but 243 is a tad too much where I live. The load was 55 grain NBT pushed but IMR4166. I'm sure more loads would have been very accurate as that was the first one I tried lol.
 
Thanks again folks, good info.

Anything to be careful of with the carbine versions? Shorter barrel, gas pressures with handloads, etc.?
 
alpining said:
Thanks again folks, good info.

Anything to be careful of with the carbine versions? Shorter barrel, gas pressures with handloads, etc.?
Click to expand...

For reloading, full length resize to prevent any jams as they got tight chambers. On one of my Mk2 7mm Rem Mag, was the only one needing small base dies. I use Lee FL dies for all others without issues. BAR are good for any powder except the slowest powders but should be safe for most powders...for 30-06 I use H4895 and Varget when I dont have any. Mk2 up have adjustable gas blocks and can be tweaked but best do your research first...too far one way and you got a single shot...the other way and things break. Good luck on the carbine version.....hard to come by but they are out there.
 
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