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Browning BLR

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BLR
A Browning BLR, with the addition of a scope
TypeRifle
Place of originUnited States
Production history
DesignerKarl R. Lewis
Designed1960s[1]
ManufacturerBrowning Arms Company
Produced1971-Present[1]
VariantsModel '81, Lightning BLR
Specifications
Mass6lb 8oz-7lb 12oz[2]
Barrel length16-24 inches[2]

CartridgeNumerous
ActionLever-action
Feed system3-5 round detachable magazine
SightsOpen sights, drilled and tapped for optional scope mounts

The Browning BLR is a lever-action rifle manufactured for Browning Arms Company by Miroku Firearms in Japan and stamped Morgan Utah USA. It comes in many different variations and is chambered in numerous calibers from small and fast (.22-250 Remington and .243 Winchester) to the large Magnum rounds (7mm Remington Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .325 WSM).[2]

Design

The BLR uses a detachable box magazine. Because of this, the BLR can be chambered for rounds with pointed tip Spitzer bullets that would be inappropriate for the tubular magazines more commonly used in lever-action rifles. Another difference is the rack and pinion geared lever and bolt design that can accommodate high-pressure modern magnum rounds. A 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.

Browning BLR in 7mm Remington Magnum (note the gear in the open action)

Variants

Production of the BLR began in the 1960s[3]. [4] 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, many owners prefer the steel receiver version. The Model 81 also incorporates changes to the action.[5][3] 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.[2] 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 a 16-inch barrel fitted with a flash hider.

Cartridges available

Cartridges available in the Browning BLR:[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Date Your Firearm, Browning
  2. ^ a b c d Browning BLR catalog Archived October 6, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ a b Dave Anderson (November 2005), "Browning's BLR: a better lever rifle", Guns Magazine
  4. ^ "Discontinued — BLR Rifles".
  5. ^ Browning BLR '81 Stainless Takedown Review, American Rifleman
  6. ^ https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/blr/current.html