Go Back   Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum > Main Category > Guns & Ammo Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-03-2009, 02:25 AM
Selkirk's Avatar
Selkirk Selkirk is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: In the shadow of the Valhalla Mountains, BC .
Posts: 9,174
Default Browning BLR Takedown Rifle


For many years now I've owned 'bolt actions' and 'single shots' almost exclusively. I'm not really a snob about it ... it's just the way my shooting life has unfolded over the years.

This year I'm thinking of "stepping out of the box", and trying something a little different ... a Browning BLR, in the 'Takedown' version . . .





http://www.browning.com/products/cat..._id=012#center


"Why?" you might ask. Well, I guess it's just a matter of; 'Cuz' ... I want to try something a little different this time, and the 'Takedown' version appears to be easier to service and maintain than the standard version.

Yes ... I know. The BLR may not be considered a 'true' lever action rifle. Properly defined, the BLR is a; "lever operated bolt action rifle". I guess it's got my interest mainly because it's a 'lever' rifle that can handle modern high-powered ammunition (30-06, 7mm Rem. Mag., 270 WSM, etc.), unlike traditional lever rifles by Winchester, Marlin, etc.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not knocking the Winchesters or Marlins ... I'm just exploring Browning's version of the 'lever' idea.

I've got my fingers crossed that there are a few AO Members out there who have some experience with BLR's that they would be willing to share. Any thoughts, ideas, pros, cons, suggestions, feed-back, etc., would be 'GREATLY' appreciated!

Thanks,
TF
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-03-2009, 03:00 PM
kayaker kayaker is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,300
Default

I used one of those in regular guise (non-takedown with a stright grip) working on a game ranch in RSA, took a few head with it as it was my bosses 'truck rifle' (in .308 with a 1.5-4.5 Bushnell).

It had a bit of a rough, creepy trigger (better than my lee enfield though!) but I really liked the rifle.

I would jump on one those take-downs in .308...looks like a great compact rifle, easy to transport inconspicuously. In fact the more i learn about take-downs the more I like them (they decent ones just tend to be $$$$)

Last edited by kayaker; 06-03-2009 at 06:54 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-03-2009, 03:04 PM
sheephunter
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I played with one a bit and while I wouldn't say it wowed me.....the cool factor was pretty darned high. It's a Browning that comes with the baggage Browning comes with but damn it's cool. Taking it a part was pretty simple and it was ready to shoot in no time. If your only reason for wanting one is "cause", then I say go for it. Fun gun for sure. If you really needed a lever, I'd say there are far better options but for the cool factor, ya, buy one!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-03-2009, 07:30 PM
lilsundance's Avatar
lilsundance lilsundance is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,539
Default

I have a BLR pistol grip in 30-06. I love it, For me its smooth and when I shoulder it, its right there. Seems to swing nice. I been thinking of the take down, but if I bought one the wifey would flip. lol
__________________
I hunt what I eat, I eat what I hunt
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-03-2009, 09:38 PM
5R Milspec 5R Milspec is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Red Deer, AB
Posts: 63
Default

I have a BLR in a non-takedown straight grip .308 and for a bush gun I love it. It's light and compact and quite accurate for a lever action. I love the .308 cal. anyway but when I'm doing a lot of hiking through the bush it is by far my first pick. Haven't had any experience with the take down model but I really do love my BLR.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-04-2009, 01:44 AM
Selkirk's Avatar
Selkirk Selkirk is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: In the shadow of the Valhalla Mountains, BC .
Posts: 9,174
Default


Quote:
Originally Posted by sheephunter View Post
I played with one a bit and while I wouldn't say it wowed me.....the cool factor was pretty darned high. It's a Browning that comes with the baggage Browning comes with but damn it's cool. Taking it a part was pretty simple and it was ready to shoot in no time. If your only reason for wanting one is "cause", then I say go for it. Fun gun for sure. If you really needed a lever, I'd say there are far better options but for the cool factor, ya, buy one!
Thanks for the feed-back Sheephunter ... much appreciated! Having never owned a 'lever' before, I'm curious as to what would be a better 'lever' ... what would you suggest?

================================================== =======================



Quote:
Originally Posted by lilsundance View Post
I have a BLR pistol grip in 30-06. I love it, For me its smooth and when I shoulder it, its right there. Seems to swing nice. I been thinking of the take down, but if I bought one the wifey would flip. lol
Quote:
Originally Posted by 5R Milspec View Post
I have a BLR in a non-takedown straight grip .308 and for a bush gun I love it. It's light and compact and quite accurate for a lever action. I love the .308 cal. anyway but when I'm doing a lot of hiking through the bush it is by far my first pick. Haven't had any experience with the take down model but I really do love my BLR.
In this world of "bigger is better", it's good to see ^ continued support for the 'tried & true' .30-06 & .308 ... two of my favorites!

Lilsundance and 5R Milspec ... thanks for your feed-back as well. I'm hoping you'll provide a few more details if you have the time.

My only reason for considering the "Takedown" version is that it appears to be easier to clean and service. I 'hear-tell' that one should never attempt to dismantle (take apart) the standard version of the BLR, so cleaning & servicing of the standard version of the rifle appears quite limited.

Being owners of the standard version, what has been your experience with this?

TF

__________________
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-17-2009, 07:57 PM
Aussie Aussie is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
Default Browning Lever action

I had a Mirokou Lever Action in .308W for my main rifle in Australia for over twenty years.
I had various 3 x 9 x 40 scopes but the last one that has lasted was a good Leopold.
It killed many, many dingoes, pigs and roos off the crops Down-Under.

When I reloaded my brass, working up my loads to the best for that rifle, and IF I did my job properly, it was very comfortable with 3 shot groups of under an inch.
My dad used to say I "stretched" the barrel when we were shooting roos off the wheat as that little rifle would make some very long shots at times!

It is extremely "pointable" and very easy to use. When actually hunting, I carried the 5th bullet chambered with the hammer down.

Unfortunately the barrel and chamber wore out. I went to get a new barrel and ended up buying a 2nd hand Browning Lever Action instead.
A bonus of this rifle is that my wife likes it and handles it well to kill bison if needed.

It is tough and accurate and light and big enough for almost anything in Canada in .308.
Enjoy it - those who are lucky enough to own one.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-17-2009, 08:32 PM
catnthehat's Avatar
catnthehat catnthehat is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ft. McMurray
Posts: 38,527
Default

if it were me buying it, instead of the forward mounted scope I'd put a quality set of irons on it!
Cat
__________________
Anytime I figure I've got this long range thing figured out, I just strap into the sling and irons and remind myself that I don't!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10-17-2009, 11:40 PM
Cal Cal is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: slave lake
Posts: 4,221
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by catnthehat View Post
if it were me buying it, instead of the forward mounted scope I'd put a quality set of irons on it!
Cat
After some a six pack and some carefull thinking I beleive that the barrel mounted scope is part of the reason that gun can be taken down, put back togeather and still shoot to the same point of aim. Being mounted on the barrel the scope will always be pointed straight down the barrel regardless if that barrel is aligned precisely the same ever time. If that scope was mounted on the reciever you might notice a little bit more devieation in the sighting after taking the gun down and reassembling it though I dont know if it would be significant enough to worry about. Either way putting a scope on the barrel like that gives you a tiny field of vew and I dont like that system.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-01-2009, 06:25 PM
rugatika rugatika is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 17,790
Default iron sights

Quote:
Originally Posted by catnthehat View Post
if it were me buying it, instead of the forward mounted scope I'd put a quality set of irons on it!
Cat
Cat...I just picked up a BLR in 308 and have decided I'll try shooting it without scoping it (while my eyes can still do it)...what in your opinion would be a good set of iron sights to put on it??

Thanks..
Rug
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:11 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.