Browning BLR 358 recommendations

I'd get a current production model. They are all lightweight models (including the 81's) with aluminium receivers. You may hear the strength discussion (steel vs. alu receiver) .....blah, blah... which is moot due the bolt lock-up.

They are very well manufactured IMO better than the older models which are (almost) all more or less dinged up and modified in some way even it is just a stock refinish. You will get warranty (if needed), all parts readily available and spare mags for far less than $250,-.

RR
 
I have a steel 81. Build quality is A1 and it is very accurate. It carries nicely in the hand compared to the belly mag pre 81 . I have owned both and prefer the 81 model hands down.
 
hoytcanon said:
IMO of half a dozen owned... build quality and accuracy... all of the Pre-81's have been super accurate.
Click to expand...

I've not shot many of the older BLRs. I'm sure the Belgium made ones are second to none. I wouldn't buy any aluminum framed firearms if I didn't have to.
 
I recently bought a new laminate stainless takedown in 308, with 180 Hornady flat base interlocks pushed by 45 grains of IMR 4895 it shoots .75” 3 shot groups. I have owned four BLRs with flush mags and they have all been very accurate.
I always wondered why Browning makes them in 300 WM but not 338 WM, I would think that would be a popular rifle if they did.
 
joey.45 said:
I have a steel 81. Build quality is A1 and it is very accurate. It carries nicely in the hand compared to the belly mag pre 81 . I have owned both and prefer the 81 model hands down.
Click to expand...

So, you do have an older BLR then. The "belly mags" (including pricing on 'em) are a real pain. Makes receiver carry - if the rifle is not scoped - unnecessarily uncomfortable. And personally, I like the Schnabel fore-end better than the barrel band on the 81 models.

Also, OP, some prefer pistol grip some prefer straight grip whatever your preference is can be taken into your consideration.
 
Aluminum receivers, stainless barrels, blued steel magazines/sights and walnut butt/forestocks...beauties. They are light, accurate, fast and all weather.

These are in 358, 308, 7mm08 and 243. The bottom two are White Gold Medallion versions.

4 blrs.JPG
 

Attachments

  • 4 blrs.JPG
    4 blrs.JPG
    136.6 KB · Views: 208
Yappy bunch.

Bring a goll dang trigger scale with you.
Check the trigger pull as some are down rite reedickyewluzz.

Oh, stick yer left tumb in front of the hammer so the seller don't clawber yewse.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the BLR models. I have never handled or shot a pre 81, but I do have 2 steel receiver model 81's (7-08, 284) and a Alloy receiver PG model (358),.. they are all great rifles.
I prefer the PG model for use with a scope, hunting from a stationary position, and prefer the 81's for use with open sites or a Red Dot for faster handling when sneaking in thicker cover,.. I'm not saying the 81's aren't great with a scope aswell, I'm just saying they seem a bit more streamline for a tad faster handling.
While the BLR actions are the slickest working of all lever actions, the steel receiver actions function just a tad bit slicker than the alloys.
Don't worry about all the talk about the triggers,.. they are no where near as bad as some people make them out to be,.. you are obviously not buying a BLR for a bench rest competition rifle, although most of them are as accurate as the average bolt action, all 3 of mine will shot MOA.
As we all know, handling/shooting the different models is the best way to make up your mind, but sometimes that just isn't possible,.. anyway,.. I think you will like what ever model you choose, and the 358win is a wicked round, especially in the BLR.
 
I own a pre-81 BLR in 358 and have owned a newer BLR with flush magazine in 358 and a Belgian in 243. All straight grips, which I personally prefer, but that is just my preference. I too, also prefer the steel receivers. Not overly excited about the aluminum pistol grip versions.
My pre-81 will shoot 1" groups with its preferred handloaded Speer 220 gr FP's, and has a terrible trigger. But with practice I have learned exactly where it breaks. I have had it for over 15 years and used it a lot. My daughter took her first big game (mulie buck) with it. It was rode hard and put away wet when I first got it, but a new oil finish on the stock, teflon job and a Decelerator pad gave it a whole new look and lease on life. It is now an old, trusted friend.
The newer BLR was very accurate, would shoot 1/3 MOA with 200 gr TSX's, and had a better trigger. A friend on the westcoast now has it.
Never did shoot the 243 as I had bought it for my daughter, who decided she wanted a bolt action instead. Wished I had of kept it, but the funds went towards her new to her rifle.
Would love to find an early model in 257 Roberts.
 
FLHTCUI said:
He said bring a trigger scale and drop the hammer on yer thumb and not the firing pin.

Whats so 'ard about that?

They are gun that either you like it and it fits you or you just like it.

Thats my .05

Rob
Click to expand...


Woww, no harm intended here - jokes go both ways. Keep your shoes on bud you may step into thornes.

RR
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom