Jim,
I owned a Browning BLR in 223 for a few years as my primary coyote calling rifle, but when the FIL fell in love with it, he got it.
The little Browning shot a load with 52 or 53 gr HP bullets much less than 1". It was a short, handy rifle. Never malfunctioned. They have a unique action with a gear system that essentially acts like a bolt action on lockup. The bottom of the newer ones carry better than the old ones with the protruding magazines, imo. Not sure that they made the old style in 223 anyhow.
Being a 99 fan, I was never happy with the hammer or the balance of the rifle. More than once the hammer caused me grief in a tight spot with action happening fast.
All that said, I did try a few more BLR's, 7-08 and 450 Marlin I remember, but came to the same conclusion. I was able to successfully harvest game with them, but always found them lacking after owning a 99. I eventually came to the conclusion that I am a died in the wool Savage man, and elected to try to find or build whatever 99's could fill my needs best. That's why all the rebarreling and restocking. Getting off track but I think you'll understand.
I've been struggling to fill the small rifle void with a 99, having tried few factory 22-250's. Currently have one at the gunsmith getting rebarreled to 22-250 that I hope will put this issue to rest.
Sure wish Savage would have made a 2/3 scale 99 for the 221/222/223 family.
Sorry to be so long winded. My advice is if you like Winchesters or Marlins with their hammers you'll probably like the Browning, if you can get used to the balance.