Gun Discussion: Browning BLR 30-06

XSlor

XSlor

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Was visiting a LGS and I was recommended this rifle.

Anyone have any experience with it or thoughts about it?

Lever action and mag fed. Seems like a very cool combo.

I like the grip as well.

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I prefer the Winchester 88 for that combination, but my preference is a tube mag lever, such as my '94. I find the trigger on the BLR a little spongy, since it travels with the lever. I've yet to pinch my finger in any lever, so don't see the advantage. Your experience may vary.

I'd check out a savage '99 as well.
 
Have a gold trigger miroku blr in 308 win.
Great gun!
My brother tuned the trigger to a crisp 4 pounds.
He has done quite a few of them for his friends.
He said taking a blr apart and reassembling it is not for novices.
Something to do with getting the gear timing right.
He did a great job on mine.
 
To the best of my knowledge to Winchester 88 and Savage 99 are discontinued guns (long time ago). The BLR is a current model and a very respected firearm. The BLR is fairly expensive but it is a quality gun with excellent reloading capability with the detachable mag. Phil.
 
Anything that you could find "wrong" with it would come down to preference, mechanically the firearm has an excellent reputation and the way the action locks up is exceptionally strong and accurate for a levergat.
 
I had one of these and sold it only because I personally did not feel comfortable with the safety on the rifle (probably the same with all levers). What I did like about it very much were: 1. It had a box magazine which allows for pointed rounds that are more accurate. 2. It had an excellent grip for my smaller hands. 3. It was lightweight and compact for the bush. 4. It came in .308 which I would recommend over the '06 as it is a shorter action and less felt recoil IMHO.
The only other downside was it needed a hammer spur if you mounted a scope on it.
BTW mine was the last year before the hammer safety was changed. If I had one of those models, I may very well still have the firearm.
 
P of PDent said:
To the best of my knowledge to Winchester 88 and Savage 99 are discontinued guns (long time ago). The BLR is a current model and a very respected firearm. The BLR is fairly expensive but it is a quality gun with excellent reloading capability with the detachable mag. Phil.
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Correct. If the OP is looking for new, BLR it is. A fine gun it is as well. Based, I believe, on the '88. Both are "lever actuated bolt guns".
 
Yeah, doesn't have to be new. I'll keep my eyes open for the Winchester come the Chilliwack gun show in March. I had my heart set on a Zastava rifle originally (no detachable mag is the only downside imo), but this BLR mag fed lever seemed like an all round great gun. Want a heavy hitter with iron sights plus option for scope. I'm also open to a .308 rifle. Price is about 4 to 5 bills more than the Zastava though.

Anyone know what those Winchesters 88 usually sell for in the used market?
 
I had a beat up used one for a while, given to me by a friend who didn't want to register it. Eventually traded it in on a new Ruger 77 all weather.

Ok gun to shoot but it didn't make me fall in love with it. YMMV.

I did not find getting the lever/bolt timing difficult at all especially after the first time.
 
I have a BLR .308.

My only issue is the magazines.

The latching system does not provide for the kind of reliable, positive mag change that I am accustomed to.



For most people, I don't believe that would be an issue.

When handling it in the store, to see if the BLR feels right in your hands, inset and remove the magazine a number of times to see if it would be an issue for you.
 
Great rifle, poor trigger (heavy) If you get one and plan on mounting a scope, mount it as low as possible. I own the identical rifle in .30-06.

Taken half a dozen moose so far.
 
You have three basic options with the BLR's (new) - and as someone noted, these are "really" a bolt action rifle but the bolt is lever operated - so the action is not much like what you find on the (average) lever gun and that allows them to chamber in some calibers that you don't find in other models of levers.

They come with a straight grip stock (BLR 81), a pistol grip version (in a couple different finishes) and a take-down model (currently a stainless/laminated straight grip - but there is a number of discontinued blued take-downs with walnut stocks around on shelves).

The take-down models are pretty sweet if you can handle the straight grip (I prefer the pistol grip in heavier calibers such as the 30.06 - just feels more comfortable to me) but they are the most "expensive" of the line (save the White Gold BLR versions with engraving etc).

They call all the BLR's "lightweights" and they do come in at about 6 1/2 pounds (unloaded) - so "light" compared to many bolt guns which seem to come in at 7 1/2 lbs nowadays - something to keep in mind if you are sensitive to recoil - a lighter rifle always thump a little harder and the stock on these doesn't fit everyone well - I know a guy who has one of these in 270 WSM and a few of us agree that it's just downright "uncomfortable" to shoot.
 
If you want a heavy hitter in a short action I have a 325 wsm in a 81 blr pistol grip takedown, if you can find one I would reccomend it highly. The take down can make packing it easier and definitely helps with the cleaning. The box clip is a godsend if you need to load and unload regularily
 
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