The Browning BAR in detail

abbaswede

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Of course, that makes this a semi-auto thread. :rolleyes: But then let's assume we don't care about that controversy. If you were going to buy a semi auto, what is the overall quality of the Browning? Strengths, weaknesses, different production eras etc. Owners, let's hear your thoughts. :)
 
If you're looking at a semi auto, you can do no better than a Browning BAR, as far as I'm concerned. I had one in .338 Win Mag and it was perfectly reliable and shot really, really well.:) It was also a real "pussycat" to shoot.

Jeff/1911.
 
Very nice rifle, better looking that the lever job, like that was hard:D
Yes the BAR is a fine gun , a bit heavy, but this just makes it shoot better , does not wave around as much off hand. And I saw the sweetest clover group last fall from a Bar with factory 7 mag ammo that I have ever seen from a bolt gun, and it came from a semi.:)
Frank
 
Heavy!!! with the worst clip system I ever saw on a firearm :confused:
The Jap BARs have very poor triggers with LOTS of CrEeP!

On the other side VERY accurate as a rule, very reliable cycling:) in fact, of the two I owned I never once had a failure to cycle:)
Belgium BARs have as good a trigger as your gonna find on a hunting rifle:)
 
The new short/long trac model BAR's with the aircraft aluminum recievers are approximately a pound lighter than the safari models (steel reciever).
The BAR has a proven action and rarely have I seen one that would not shoot reliably and accurately.
The Remington Klingon Forehead although unproven to date shows promise and are 1/3 less expensive than a BAR. The fit and finish is excellent and they sport very nice wood. The high comb problems on the old 7400 has been redressed with the new model and you can now comfortably use the open sights on the Rem Semis!
The Benelli R-1 is the best of the bunch, and although it is 1/3 more expensive than the BAR it is flawless in function, ergonomically outstanding and unbelievably accurate.
I would definitely spend the money on the Benelli... and will as soon as they chamber for a .325WSM.:cool:
 
I have had three BARs.All accurate and reliable,and yes a little heavy.Way better mag set up than the Rem which causes most of the Rem feeding issues.I have owned quite a few 742s/7400.Only one I can say was reliable for me.
As for the benelli R-1 i am sure its probably a great gun.I just dont like the way the mag sticks out like a prick at a garden party.(eye sore)

I am waiting for a review on the Sauer S-303 semi.It is IMO the best looking semi I have seen thus far.Wondering what cals they will chamber this rifle in?
 
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I have a BAR ShotTrac in 308. It is about the same weight as my A-bolt which is significantly lighter than the safari models. The ShortTrac looks very different. People either love the way it looks or hate it.

It is reliable and shoots 1.5 MOA. Not great but I say it is acceptable. I will find the right bullet and load for it before the next deer season.

Danny
 
Mark:

I had enough of the BLC2 and have switched to Varget. I am shoot 165 gr Hornady SP with 44.5 gr Varget. It is stable but not great. I will try the 165 gr Interbond. The IB generally shoots better than the SP.

I have IB load using BLC2 that shoot near 1 MOA but I find the BLC2 too dirty. Given that warm weather is coming up, I want to switch to a powder that is less temperature sensitive. I am confident that Varget will do well.

Danny
 
The BAR is a good rifle. I prefer the steel receiver, not sure of the rubbing of steel on aluminum in the ShortTrac (time will tell).
Every rifle has it's strengths and weaknesses, but this may be up to you to decide.
 
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