Browning BLR: Steel or Alloy?

[lilsurfer]

Caliber and condition aside, I am just wondering what makes a BLR desirable in terms of receiver material. In general, is the steel or alloy receiver more desirable/valuable? I know the steel receiver has its following, but I am wondering if this is just for tradition sake or if there is merit to steel receiver BLRs. In short, what I am wondering is does value differ between steel and alloy BLRs, and if so, by how much?

 

[jakebrake]

steel. what would you pick for a reciever

 

[lilsurfer]

steel. what would you pick for a reciever

I don't know, that's why I'm asking. Although steel would be stronger, alloy is lighter and it would be sufficiently sturdy. How much more is a steel receiver BLR worth?

 

[woodlotowner]

The alloy gun is superb. My BLR in .270 WSM is my absolute favourite gun (for nice days) and has accounted for three deer so far since I purchased it new about 5 years ago. On dirty days it stays home and this year the stainless/synthetic Ruger was the main piece.

If you shot an aluminum receiver type BLR relentlessly at the range and put thousands of rounds through it then steel would probably be a better choice, but the way I use mine (and love to carry it due to it's light weight) it will last two lifetimes with no ill effects from having an aluminum receiver. These are hunting guns anyway, not range rifles. I can think of no reason whatsoever not to own an aluminum receiver. As for differences in value, I have no idea what the market place dictates, but I place a premium on mine due to it's light weight for carrying all day. Just my thoughts.

 

[gtrussell]

I have both,not a lot of difference .Woodlotowner has it right...

 

[jakebrake]

What I should have said is steel is a stronger material for a receiver than aluminum

 

[two-dogs]

What I should have said is steel is a stronger material for a receiver than aluminum

no doubt, steel is stronger, but does it need to be that strong? I have both types of BLR's and like them both. I haven't seen or heard of any problems with the either.

 

[kamlooky]

I like the flush mount mag better on mine.

 

[Charlie38]

no doubt, steel is stronger, but does it need to be that strong? I have both types of BLR's and like them both. I haven't seen or heard of any problems with the either.

Since you have both, question for you. Side by side is there any difference in the dimensions of both guns. ie width, length, depth etc. Just curious. I have a steel receiver and it looks thinner than the alloy but I have never had the chance to compare.

 

[Jeff/1911]

I have owned both, and while I have placed a perceived value increase on the steel receiver models, I have no basis of experience to support this. The steel receiver rifles I've owned (in both .308 and .358) both were the BLR 81' style w/ flush fitiing (sort of) magazines. My next one will likely be an alloy receiver model so as to save weight. While I didn't own both at the same time, I didn't notice any perceived difference in dimension of both.