Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General BLR accuracy

I'll be taking my stainless, pistol grip out for a shakedown tomorrow. This will be the first time I've shot it since it was returned from Neil Jones. I have a box of 150 grain core loks and a box of power points. We'll see which Brownie likes better.

So far I can echo what others have said this is easily under one inch and doesn't seem to care much about ammo choice.

John

My 81' light-weight in .358win will usually hover around an inch to 1-1/2" and thats with handloads. If i really got to testing i know i could get it to shoot sub one inch groups consistently. The way it is will get the job done well and its a great little carbine, i really love carrying it in the tight stuff.

I bought a BLR '81 last fall based on the positive reports on this thread. I found one in great condition, from I think 1993, in 7mm-08. I put a Leupold 1.75-6x on it. I couldn't get it to shoot with much accuracy until I had a local guy who specializes in trigger work (he had never done a BLR before, but he did a great job) bring the trigger down to about 3 pounds. The first load I tried, 120 gr Barnes TSX bullets over H414 put 3 shots into around an inch pretty much every time. I started getting cratered primers a couple of grains below the Barnes recommended maximum so I've kept the loads pretty mild. Not surprisingly, I discovered that it likes new or full length sized brass. But here's why I really like this rifle: I tried some offhand shots and was able to consistently hit a 10" steel plate at 200 yards. I shot 2 deer with it this season, both quick shots in the woods at less than 60 yards, and the BLR handled amazingly. It's a bit chintzy and glossy, and the gold trigger is tacky, but this rifle is one great hunting tool.

In terms of accuracy my experience with them is - 1- on the straight forearm - do not tighten the long bolt holding the sling peg to tight. -2- try to get the factory to take the trigger pull to its advertised 4.5#'s. -3- If you do not reload try federal fusion ammo.
I had been going to buy these for 20 years. Finally did and now have 3 - Wish I would have done it earlier.

My BLR is in transit now, but I am prepared to have the trigger worked. How did you get Browning to resolve the trigger issue, and did they get it to or below the advertised 4.5#'s?

I may bypass Browning if all they can get is 4.5#, but that may not be that bad even though I am used to around 3# or less in my bolt guns.

Thanks
Allen

No accuracy data yet, but I was surprised at a 200 Hornady loaded ahead of 50.0 H 335 wasn't as brutal as I had expected it could be.

One major problem I see is the feed rail of the magazines do not line the rounds up for feeding. I loaded the one case I was doing multiple loads in to determine case life and looking at primer pressure indications, and I loaded one of my RCBS 200FN bullets and it or any pistol bullets will not feed. I think I can add material to the forward rails of the magazine to lift the ammo once the case body clears it and lift the round centered on the chamber as it's centerline is 1/4+ " low of the chambers Centerline out of the box. Loading a 308 round fed well.....but they have a longer nose. The 358-200 fn only has an 1/8" nose, so it will only feed spire points right now. The corner of the fn digs into the chamber edge.....

Allen

John T, I had a simialr problem with a 308 feather weight. Took it to the gun smith at the Wausau Gander Mountain who fixed it at no charge. He claimed that it was a known problem to Browning. Something to do with the tight firing pin chanel. What ever he did worked.

I only shoot .250 speer for bear in my steel reciever .358 3 shots into 3/4 inch at 100. 30 bears dead with one shot but I always shoot them twice. If I coud get another .308 with a steel reciever I would trade my BAR short trac for it ! almost even up

Got two now, the first is from 1972 in .358 win. it shoots great with either factory 200 gr or loaded with 225 gr sierra's. came in less than 1.5 inch which is not bad using a old weaver 4x and old eyes..

Just purchased a NEW one again in .358 win camo and Stainless (not that it matters) mounted a VX-III 2,5-8 leupold on it and today was my first range time with it. Fired only factory loads which shot around 1.75 in. with the second group fired (third cleaning) looking to play with some Barnes 225 TSX once it is broke in.

Sounds like you move fast Ted. Any pictures and/or mount information? I am hoping to leave mine open sighted, but may go with a scope down the road.

Thanks
Allen

Got home and checked trigger it is breaking 6.5 to 7+ lbs. Called a local gunsmiths from Browning's list they claim a "action" job will bring around 4 lbs and be smoother..cost $99.00. it is 3 hr round trip and only opened weekdays so 6 hours of work time to take and pickup....plus last time there cost me big $$$ they have the best prices on Tikka's and Sako's I have seen....

Other option is Neil Jones near Erie PA, he is &120 plus shipping ($50 both ways) and was recommended by a few 24hr members should find out if he can get them to 3 lbs...

Allen

In the picture I used a dednutz Game Reaper mount (matte), it is a great mount. Called factory and can get silver or camo by request. Local dealer did not list one for BLR but they have it online and in "new" catalog..

I think these may be better than "talleys" which had been my favorite mount.Light weight, very strong, easy to mount and $46 at most gun shows $56 in stores. Replaces base and rings so price is reasonable compared to most..

Looks goo Ted. I tried to blow the picture up, but can't tell for sure... Dead nutz or...???

Go with Neil, too rich for my current situation, but probably worth the extra 1# less pull he offers.

Allen

DEDNUTZ ONE piece precision mounting systems

They are line bored and the well made...local dealers want $56 but I see them at the gun shows for $46 out the door.

http://www.dednutz.com

Just got off the phone with Browning repair, asked about a trigger that is breaking at 6 lb 7 0z to 7 lbs 2 oz. Their spec is 4 to 6.5 lbs and they will repair it to be in range and I can take it to my local authorized Browning repair center and give it a try.

It's very encourging to know that all internet lever action rifles shoot under an inch.

I have found most of the BLRs that I have shot performed very well indeed, usually under a couple of inches with one now and then that shoots an inch. I always shot 3 shot groups with lever guns so don't know how much they will open up for a 5 shot group, but some I am sure.

These are from my BLR in 325 WSM. Shooting a Sierra 220 Gameking over 61.0 grs. of IMR 4007SSC with WLR primer.

All that I have owned would shoot 1.5moa or a little better hovering around 1moa with factory loadings. Really nice guns.

I had two early BLR's both were 308. They would shoot 1.5 to 2 inch groups without much trouble. Sold them both years ago and have been in the market for another. I found a steel frame, short action the other day in 284 Winchester. While it's not a 308 I think it will work ok. I haven't had time to check the accuracy yet but the horrible trigger pull is still there and something you don't easily forget. It makes my 88 Winchester seem like a fine target rifle. I will do something about that before I worry too much about accuracy. I'm not having much luck finding an extra magazine; they must not have made these 284's very long.