Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General your thoughts on Browning BLR

I have a chance to pick up a BLR in a trade. Its Belgium and in 243 cal. Never owned one, and dont really know the value (95%). Any comments appreciated, thanx.

Well Kenster, it looking like no one wants to talk about them. I was myself kinda curious about how they shot and such. Hopefully some of these fine fellows will visit with you.

Yeah, maybe I should post under different section.

They suck..................Hope that helps <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

They are coming out with a take down model which interests me a lot. Thanks...Bill.

The made in Belgium Brownings were a cut above the Jap models.

The BLR is one of my favorite rifles. I have one of the older Belgian models in .308, and it has taken quite a few deer for me. The orginal BLR's were made in Belgium from around 1969 until 1972, so there are as many floating around as the Japan versions. I think they are excellent rifles, and mine has been plenty accurate for a woods gun. It averages around 1.5" with 180gr Core-Lokts, and has been 100% reliable.

The only negative about the guns are the magazine prices. Whatever you do, don't lose your magazine! Replacements for the early models can go as high as $40-50 each, and aren't compatible with current guns.

I had one in 257 Roberts for awhile. I bought it for my Mom to hunt with, but sold it for a bolt action when she couldn't get used to having to cock the hammer. I felt it was a very nice gun. Trigger was so-so, but accuracy was in the 1.5" range with factory loads.

Those a pretty good little rifles. Shooting 3 shot groups with good ammo don't be surprised if it'll shoot clover leafs for you.What has worked well for me to get the most accuracy is to make sure the forearm bolt is just as tight as you can get it. Remington brass in handloads, or factory rounds , has been the preferred diet of 3 different rifles I'm well acquainted with.
450 would likely be about the right price.

My dad has two early BLR's in .308 and .358. Both have been very good rifles. I used the .308 to take a small 4X4 muley.

There's been alot of threads previously on the great quality of the BLRs and those who own them. I have only one, the BLR 7mag lightning, which is very accurate and easy to shoulder for me. I had the trigger smoothed and lightened to 4lbs which works great for me, and have a Leupold 4x scope, which I may change to a 6x scope, for a little more sighting range. The older ones had the steel receivers, which many prefer, but I've never had any problems with mine at all. In my area, used ones, the newer models go for $500-550 used, and the older models may fetch a higher price depending on condition.

Not so! My early Browning BLR in .358 Win. will outshoot my three bolt action rifles chambered to the same cartridge. Come to think of it, so will my Savage 99, also in .358 Win. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I do agree that the trigger leaves a bit to be desired, but you can get used to it. Oh yeah, it was made in Japan. Who cares? it's accurate and that's what counts. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Paul B.

I only have experience with the newer Miroku-made BLR, specifically a late 1990's Lightning chambered in .308. I have no complaints, and recently purchased one of the limited run of stainless-steel BLRs, and put another on layaway. The BLR handles VERY well for ME, being fast on target and well-balanced. I also appreciate the lefty-friendliness of the BLR. As for value of pre-owned BLRs, I cannot help there. There are some older posts that can be researched for more information, and also, take a look at leverguns.com.