What do you think Browning BLR 81 in 308?

[TCB in TN]

Not that it fit into my plan but I just got what seems like a real good deal on a nice BLR 81 in 308, with a 3 x 9 x 40 scope for $500 (very good condition, not NIB but very good). I haven't even shot it yet (don't even have a .308 cartridge), had planned to narrow down the number of Center fire caliburs, but love the look and feel of the rifle. Anyone have any thoughts on this rifle/cal combo. Years ago I bought a brand new BLR in .270 and like it, but the longer cartridge was a little cumbersome in the lever action. Any thoughts/commits, etc would be appreciated.

 

[rbernie]

That's a good deal on a good rifle. Enjoy!

 

[eliphalet]

I have had a couple of short action BLR's good rifles both. I haven't a bad thing to say and about them everything was good.

 

[ugaarguy]

I can't remember what year production was switched from Belgium to Japan. If it's a Japanese made rifle the mags will be very easy to get. Mags for Belgian made rifles on the other hand, are scarcer than hen's teeth. Either way it's a great price, but just beware the mag issue.

I've got a BLR in .308 and I've found it to be a great rifle.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Yes the brownings are very good rifles. I've got an older jap model in .308, but had to have the stock cut down as it was too long. Before you buy it shoulder it and see how she fits. I've found that browning rifle stocks tend to be too long for me.

 

[absolute0]

I bought one used last year from one of the fellows on the board here. It's an absolutely terrific rifle...fast handling, quick to the shoulder, extremely accurate and fast follow up shots for field use. Pretty little thing too.

The trigger could use some work, but that's my only gripe.

 

[44AMP]

BLR in .308

I have one, inherited. Gun is near mint, and a fine shooter for what it is, a light weight hunting rifle. Trigger is not the best, but you don't get match type triggers on these kinds of guns.

Can't say if $500 is a good deal or not, but with today's prices, it doesn't sound too unreasonable. Check out Gunbroker.com and see if any are for sale there, and what they are asking.

 

[TCB in TN]

Thanks for the input, I checked out Gunbroker, and I feel pretty dang good about my purchase (most I saw in equivalent condition were $150 or more above what I gave). I have got to make a run into town tomorrow and get some ammo to try her out, but a for fit, finish, and the feel of the gun I really like it.

 

[kmrcstintn]

guess I'm a bit late...

@ 1 week ago I got a call from a friendly shop that alerted me that they had just taken in a NIB unfired BLR pistol grip in .308; the guy bought it and decided on something else; at the time I declined since my Dad handed down his Remington 760 Gamemaster in .30-06 and I wanted to 'update' it before I did anything else...that damned BLR itch...kept irritating me

yesterday, I took my Dad's rifle in and told them what I wanted done and I took along a Winchester M70 in .270 that was going to be consigned...that damned BLR was sitting there and I made the mistake of taking a closer look...

you guessed it...the BLR came home (well, stopped by a few shops to look at scopes for it) and I topped it with a Bushnell 3200 Elite 3 - 10 x 40 scope using see through mounts...3 shops and not a single Weaver or Leupold base in stock to fit BLR's; since the buttstock doesn't have the tapered angle top like Marlin lever guns, the high mounted scope thing seems to work okay; gotta get to the range this week and sight in at 25 yds and get the barrel broken in; next trip will resight scope for 100 yds

BLR was $600 (trade-in covered that) and the scope was $220; hope I like the combo...cost a pretty penny