Just picked up a nice straight grip BLR in 243 for less than I think it should have been even in this market. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Made In Belgium stamped on the barrel. If I'm reading the serial number right it's a first year production 1971. I suspect it's worth way more than I paid, not that it's going anywhere.

Congrats, nothing like a new rifle.

Confirmed 1971 Belgium production. Oiled walnut finish, red pad, steel receiver, hooded front sight....

They are nice rifle's. Should be a good shooter also. Don't lose the magazine!

I might be wrong, but I believe the BLR’s were made in Belgium from 1969 until 1972. Nice find, I always liked the steel receivers better also, and the Belgium made usually brings a premium.

I believe before that trw corp made them, then production went to belgium? I also thought that val browning designed them or had a hand in their development?

There were a few rifles produced between 1969 and 1971 when full production started in Belgium . They were made in Belgium from 1971 until the end of 1972 , From 1973 on they have been made in Japland by Miroku . The BLR 81 came along in 1981 . Karl Lewis was the stated designer of the first BLR.

You have a jewel and has been said, don't loose the magazine. I much prefer the early one over the new editions.

Congratulations on a good find.