Browning BLR
BLR | |
---|---|
A Browning BLR, with the addition of a scope | |
Type | Rifle |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Designer | Karl R. Lewis |
Manufacturer | Browning Arms Company |
Specifications | |
Weight | 6lb 8oz-7lb 12oz[1] |
Barrel length | 16-24 inches[1] |
| |
Cartridge | Various (see Calibers section) |
Action | Lever-action |
Feed system | 3-5 round detachable magazine |
Sights | Open sights, drilled and tapped for optional scope mounts |
The Browning BLR is a lever-action rifle manufactured by Browning Arms Company. It comes in many different variations and is chambered in calibers from .22-250 Remington to .325 WSM and .450 Marlin.[1]
Design
The BLR uses a detachable box magazine. Because of this, the BLR can be chambered for rounds with pointed tip bullets that would be inappropriate for the tubular magazines more commonly used in lever-action rifles. Another difference is the geared lever and bolt design that can accommodate high-pressure modern magnum rounds. Another notable feature is that the trigger moves with the lever when it is operated, which prevents the shooter's trigger finger from being pinched between the lever and the stock when the lever is closed.
Variants
Production of the BLR began in the 1960s.[2] The original "Model 81 BLR" revision had a steel receiver, which was changed to an aluminum alloy receiver with the introduction of the "Model 81 Lightning BLR" in 1995. Although this made the rifle lighter, some owners prefer the steel receiver version. The Model 81 also incorporates changes to the action.[3][2] The rifles are made in short-action and long-action models to accommodate a variety of calibers and is available with a straight-grip or pistol-grip stock. A takedown model for easy transportation and shipping is also available.[1] The Black Label Edition include a rugged straight grip laminated wood stock, matte black finish on the metalwork, a multitude of Picatinny scope bases and there’s the sleek flash hider mounted at the end of the 16-inch barrel.
Calibers available
Calibers available in the Browning BLR:[1]
- .22-250 Remington
- .223 Remington
- .257 Roberts
- .243 Winchester
- .270 Winchester
- .270 Winchester Short Magnum
- .30-06 Springfield
- .300 Winchester Magnum
- .300 Winchester Short Magnum
- .308 Winchester
- .325 Winchester Short Magnum
- .358 Winchester
- .450 Marlin
- 7mm Remington Magnum
- 7mm Winchester Short Magnum
- 7mm-08 Remington
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Browning BLR catalog Archived October 6, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
- 1 2 Dave Anderson (November 2005), "Browning's BLR: a better lever rifle", Guns Magazine
- ↑ Browning BLR ’81 Stainless Takedown Review, American Rifleman