Browning BLR

Infobox Weapon
name=BLR


caption= A Browning BLR .308, with the addition of a scope
origin= United States
type= Rifle
is_ranged=yes
is_UK=
service=
used_by=
wars=
designer= [http://www.rareguncollection.com/ Karl R. Lewis]
patent no. 3471961
design_date=
manufacturer=Browning Arms Company
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants=
spec_label=
weight= 6lb 8oz-7lb 12oz
length=
part_length= 20-24 inches
width=
height=
diameter=
crew=
cartridge= Various (See Calibers Section)
caliber= Various (See Calibers Section)
barrels=
action= Lever Action
rate=
velocity=
range=
max_range=
feed= 3-4 round detachable magazine
sights= Open sights or various scopes

The Browning BLR is a lever action hunting rifle. It is manufactured by Browning Arms Company, and comes in many different variations: Chambered from .22-250 Remington to .325 WSM to .450 Marlin. The image at right shows a Browning lever action BLR Lightweight '81, chambered for the .308 Winchester, with the addition of a Leupold 2-7x33 scope, mounted directly onto the receiver.

Uses

The BLR can be used for almost any shooting, from plinking to hunting. Since the BLR can be chambered for so many different cartridges, it has very many uses. The .22-250 and .243 Win can be used for small game such as coyotes, the .308 is very suitable for deer or elk hunting. Large calibers will handle almost any large game in North America.

Differences

One of the advantages of the BLR design is that it uses a conventional magazine. Because of this, the BLR can be chambered for rounds with pointed tip bullets, such as the .308 that would be inappropriate for tubular magazines. Another difference is the geared lever and bolt design that can accommodate high pressure modern magnum rounds (see picture of 7mm to the right).

Variants

Most BLR's are called the model '81. Older rifles were made of steel, current models have an action made of aircraft-grade alloy which is much lighter. The rifles are made in short-action and long-action models to accommodate a variety of calibers. The BLR is available with a straight-grip or a curved pistol-grip. A take-down model for easy transportation and shipping is now available [ [http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=003B&cat_id=034&type_id=011 Browning Catalog] ] .

Calibers Available

.22-250 Rem,
.243 Win,
7MM-08 Rem,
.308 Win,
.358 Win,
270 Win,
30-06 Springfield,
7MM Rem Mag,
.300 Win Mag,
.300 WSM,
.270 WSM,
7MM WSM,
.450 Marlin, and
.325 WSM.

References

External Links

* [http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/category.asp?value=003B Browning BLR page]
* [http://www.rareguncollection.com/ Karl R. Lewis official Web site] photos & details of the late designer's gun collection