Browning BAR Semi Rifles
- Thread starter Crazytrout
- Start date
I really like them, really was ready to buy one, so I decided to call Browning to get some more input on them, when I asked them on how the rifle would perform in -15 to -20c, the guy told me that the rifle at that temperature may not be reliable. So it tourned me off on purchasing one.
Just thought I should pass on this info.
Just thought I should pass on this info.
Had a couple Belgums, heavy, pain in the ass clip systems, very accurate, very nice trigger for a hunting rifle, never skipped a beat in any one of them!
I handled a few Jap BARs, they seem to be accurate, but have terrible triggers in them.
I handled a few Jap BARs, they seem to be accurate, but have terrible triggers in them.
Great Guns.
Have to agree with Huntinstuff. Make sure they stay clean and use a light lube.
I've had my 243 since new in 1976, my 308 new since 1978 and my sons shoots a 1981 308. In fact my BAR 22 is also a great gun.
NEVER a problem and ACCURATE. I have a 3 X 9 Bushell scope on my 243 and have shot ground hogs at to 320 yards.
Perhaps the guy and Browning doesn't shoot/hunt. I've used mine is freezing temps and it works great. The only problem was I wondered why the hell I was out in that temperature.
People might think they are over priced, but they sure do sell fast at a good price when up for sale used. I figure I can double my money from what I paid for mine new to what they sell for now.
I'm not much for the newer lighter gun, I would look at the older models. Then again, I haven't shot the newer models a lot.
Anyway, that's my 10 cents worth. I love mine.
Have to agree with Huntinstuff. Make sure they stay clean and use a light lube.
I've had my 243 since new in 1976, my 308 new since 1978 and my sons shoots a 1981 308. In fact my BAR 22 is also a great gun.
NEVER a problem and ACCURATE. I have a 3 X 9 Bushell scope on my 243 and have shot ground hogs at to 320 yards.
Perhaps the guy and Browning doesn't shoot/hunt. I've used mine is freezing temps and it works great. The only problem was I wondered why the hell I was out in that temperature.
People might think they are over priced, but they sure do sell fast at a good price when up for sale used. I figure I can double my money from what I paid for mine new to what they sell for now.
I'm not much for the newer lighter gun, I would look at the older models. Then again, I haven't shot the newer models a lot.
Anyway, that's my 10 cents worth. I love mine.
Not much new that I can say that has not been written above. I have owned a bunch of them, from .243 to .338 Win Mag. I had two of the .338s. I have one in .270 right now.
Pro:
accurate
dependable (when maintained!!!)
design reduces recoil from big boomers
Con:
heavy
fiddly magazine (in two pieces!)
I bought one (used) in .308 Win for a buddy of mine who wanted a semi for deer hunting. I scoped it and sighted it in for him, and was quite pleased with the gun. He fired one round, which did not eject, and was mad as hell at me about the gun>>>>>>> turned out the gas piston was filthy dirty and that was the problem. A thorough cleaning by my smith and all was well.
Speaking of my smith, he had the same thing happen to him last year. He had done his initial sighting in with Berdan primed Czech hard point .308 ammo, and had cleaned the BARREL etc. First shot worked, and then no ejection for a follow-up shot on a buck going Mach II in front of the hounds. You can imagine the fun the guys had in HIS hunt camp when it turned out that a GUNSMITH had a malfunction because his gun was dirty!!!!!
So if you are a non-technical person like myself, who has no idea whether you need to install the scope adjustment fluid before or after you put the break-free in the gas piston filler hole, then you might want to think about a rifle that is not a semi.....
Doug
Pro:
accurate
dependable (when maintained!!!)
design reduces recoil from big boomers
Con:
heavy
fiddly magazine (in two pieces!)
I bought one (used) in .308 Win for a buddy of mine who wanted a semi for deer hunting. I scoped it and sighted it in for him, and was quite pleased with the gun. He fired one round, which did not eject, and was mad as hell at me about the gun>>>>>>> turned out the gas piston was filthy dirty and that was the problem. A thorough cleaning by my smith and all was well.
Speaking of my smith, he had the same thing happen to him last year. He had done his initial sighting in with Berdan primed Czech hard point .308 ammo, and had cleaned the BARREL etc. First shot worked, and then no ejection for a follow-up shot on a buck going Mach II in front of the hounds. You can imagine the fun the guys had in HIS hunt camp when it turned out that a GUNSMITH had a malfunction because his gun was dirty!!!!!
So if you are a non-technical person like myself, who has no idea whether you need to install the scope adjustment fluid before or after you put the break-free in the gas piston filler hole, then you might want to think about a rifle that is not a semi.....
Doug
gunrunner100
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- NW Ontario
Reliable follow-up shots can be had if you buy one of the "Semi-auto" shot cards, usually available at convenience stores. Nothing worse than being in the bush when your SA card is low, your rifle could crap out right in the middle of your hunt.
Some stores have these by the Pre-paid phone cards and such, but then it depends where you live. Quite common up here, maybe not available in urban areas.
As for Browning rifles, I've had 3 and all were accurate. There seems to be an issue with the magnums as far as degenerating accuracy. This can usually be attributed to forend pressure or copper fouling. Keep them clean and they work excellent.
