Browning BAR

thatmikeguy

thatmikeguy

Regular
Rating - 100%
40   0   0
Location
Steinbach, Manitoba
I am considering a BAR for my next rifle purchase.
I would like to hear from auto loader fans the pros and cons of this rifle.
I never used to like semi autos at all. I've been a bolt action fan for years. I love the accuracy they deliver but I realize that 1/2 moa is not needed to kill deer.
In the recent years I have discovered enjoyment in auto loading rifles and I think they could be an advantage when hunting. I have always preferred taking only perfect shots and until recently have never taken a shot at a deer that has not resulted in meat in the freezer. I'm realizing that perfect shots are few and far between.
I certainly don't want to become a lead slinging maniac but want to find a balance between there and waiting for the perfect shot. After all, no shots fired never got me any meat and I have gone many deer seasons with no shots fired.
I've researched the BAR and it seems to be THE CHOICE for a semi auto hunting rifle. I'd like to know from experienced individuals what they think.
 
I have owned 2 Browning Bar Safari's and loved them both. A third in 300 win mag is under observation. They both have shot .20 and .25 inch groups when new. 243 & 270 cal. I haven't decided if a 300 is in my future or a 338. The Safari eats 30 to 40% of the recoil. I don't like recoil. Buy with confidence.
 
Thanks. I was considering 243 or 308 or 270 but I'm not sure where to find the BAR in canada. Do I have to buy used? I did find some on gun post but those will be gone buy the time I have the money.
 
Lots of new and old around....the only thing I read negative is they are a bit complicated to tear right down if you are anal about cleaning every little part and nook and cranny. Basic field stripping isn't an issue though.
 
Years ago I borrowed my father in law's BAR 308 to hunt moose and I found the magazine that you had to attach to the floorplate was a PITA to use.
 
Thumper69 said:
Years ago I borrowed my father in law's BAR 308 to hunt moose and I found the magazine that you had to attach to the floorplate was a PITA to use.
Click to expand...

Yes, the Browning mag/floorplate arrangement never made a lot of sense to me. Each has its own benefits on their own, but there is no benefit to combining the 2 designs into one lol.
I went a different route when I was after a 308 semi, I'm anal and need to be able to strip a gun right down to it's parts diagram. And the mag thing of course.
These were on for $999 no tax, free shipping from the now defunct Coastal Outdoors, Benelli R1 in 308. Checks all the boxes for me, and has proven to be reliable and accurate. It does have a Eurotrash look and feel to it though, but since it's the only one in the safe I'm okay with it. If they start multiplying then I will need to see a shrink.
20160430-145112-zpsggkhlqol.jpg
 
Believe i have had 6 over the years, all mk1. They are accurate, tough, easy to take down. Not much heavier than a bolt. If people are talking about semi's being inaccurate, they are talking about Remingtons.

If Mike from canmore hadn't made such a good offer, i would say the 338 win Bar is the ultimate moose rifle.

There is a YouTube video....downeastgunwerks which is excellent as a takedown video. You can pull the bolt, clean the rifle, and have it back together in 10 minutes, if it takes you 5 to find the tools.
 
Last edited:
I've had two. An original model and the newer long track with an aluminum frame. Several of the guys I hunt with have BARs as well.

Action is buttery smooth and recoil for 30-06 is soft
 
Hitzy said:
Yes, the Browning mag/floorplate arrangement never made a lot of sense to me. Each has its own benefits on their own, but there is no benefit to combining the 2 designs into one lol.
I went a different route when I was after a 308 semi, I'm anal and need to be able to strip a gun right down to it's parts diagram. And the mag thing of course.
These were on for $999 no tax, free shipping from the now defunct Coastal Outdoors, Benelli R1 in 308. Checks all the boxes for me, and has proven to be reliable and accurate. It does have a Eurotrash look and feel to it though, but since it's the only one in the safe I'm okay with it. If they start multiplying then I will need to see a shrink.
20160430-145112-zpsggkhlqol.jpg
Click to expand...

I've read negative things about the R1 and they're more expensive. You got a good deal.
 
nowarningshot said:
Believe i have had 6 over the years, all mk1. They are accurate, tough, easy to take down. Not much heavier than a bolt. If people are talking about semi's being inaccurate, they are talking about Remingtons.

If Mike from canmore hadn't made such a good offer, i would say the 338 win Bar is the ultimate moose rifle.

There is a YouTube video....downeastgunwerks which is excellent as a takedown video. You can pull the bolt, clean the rifle, and have it back together in 10 minutes, if it takes you 5 to find the tools.
Click to expand...

Hitzy says takedown is complicated a you're saying its easy. Are some more complex than other?
 
thatmikeguy said:
Hitzy says takedown is complicated a you're saying its easy. Are some more complex than other?
Click to expand...

I guess it's a matter of perspective.
It doesn't disassemble easily like an AR.

iirc, the manual says not to disassemble except by a gunsmith.
I never disassembled mine. Just cleaned the barrel.

 
Exactly, not as easy as an AR but I would say pretty doable for most people if you have even basic tools. The BAR was one of the first guns I dissembled all the way for cleaning and it was fairly easy with the above video. Just follow it all the way through as well as the re-assembly video, I got a little excited and put some parts in incorrectly which all went back together but the bolt wouldn't move properly. If you can change the oil in your car you can probably do this.
 
I have been nothing but impressed with my BAR. I got mine second hand and in fairly rough shape for a good deal.

Accuracy has been phenomenal. It is easily capable of inch groups at 100, and regularly shoot smaller groups than that. On more than one occasion I've shot clover leaf groups with it.

I do find that the balance of the rifle favours the muzzle end, but mine is wearing synthetic stocks. The addition of the scope helped, but its still muzzle heavy due to the gas system. This also goes to say the BAR is going to be heavier than most bolt guns out there. I think mine weighs in around 9 pound loaded with the scope and everything. Not terrible weight, but after a long week of hunting every day it starts to feel like it weighs 9 pounds.

Reliability has been great too. The only issue I had was when I put it together with the spring guide rod in backwards that turned it into a single shot, but that was my fault and not the rifle.
 
Odd Shot said:
I guess it's a matter of perspective.
It doesn't disassemble easily like an AR.

iirc, the manual says not to disassemble except by a gunsmith.
I never disassembled mine. Just cleaned the barrel.

Christ if I listened to that every time I read it over the years we would have starved to death at the shop
Take your time it is no big deal
Cheers
Click to expand...
 
3macs1 said:
Odd Shot said:
I guess it's a matter of perspective.
It doesn't disassemble easily like an AR.

iirc, the manual says not to disassemble except by a gunsmith.
I never disassembled mine. Just cleaned the barrel.

Christ if I listened to that every time I read it over the years we would have starved to death at the shop
Take your time it is no big deal
Cheers
Click to expand...

I hear ya. Honestly. :)
But I was thrown off by the fact that it obviously isn't designed for easy take down like all my other guns and shotgun.

As well, for the 20 years I've had it, there's probably less than a hundred rounds through it. I don't use it as a plinker (I have other rifles for that) and only fire a few rounds through it at the beginning of a season to check if it's sighted in properly.
Click to expand...
 
Some to be taken apart have to have the butt stock removed to get out the trigger group. Others you just knock out the 2 pins above the trigger and it comes out. BAR eats recoil, BLR's don't. You can download part diagrams and everything for Browning Bars.
 
I like it that the gun absorbs recoil. I'm mot a fan of recoil though I can shoot alright with it.
Ive stripped many 1911 pistols and even a cz once. I'm sure I could strip the BAR if needed.
I also changed engines and transmissions at work. I am mechanically inclined.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom