If you have a BLR 81 or later model, get at least one extra for the comfort. If you have a pre-81 BLR, start gathering a few extra magazines.
I am very surprised that no outside company has picked up on producing the early model magazines (pre-81). If there is a second draw back, it is the availability of early BLR magazines and the cost associated with any extra BLR magazine. The Browning BLR is a very dependable, accurate and easy to operate lever action rifle. For many years we only had short action caliber choices, but since 1991, we have had long action caliber choices. There is one feature however that distinguishes it from most lever actions and that is it’s detachable magazine. The BLR has been made in many configurations including straight stock and pistol gripped models. The trigger system has sometimes been criticized as being to heavy, but I must admit that I have not encountered one that I can not adjust to. The later models also have a folding hammer system which could act as a backup safety system. The early models have an exposed bolt head, the later an enclosed bolt head.
The early steel version is drilled and tapped for scope mounts and the later version has steel inserts press installed for the same purpose. For the sake of easy writing, let’s call it an aluminum alloy receiver. The receiver on earlier models is steel and on later models is a light weight alloy. I will get into this issue later, but I encourage you not to do it. It can be done at home, but I do not recommend it for the faint at heart.
If there is a draw back to the BLR, it is this system, which requires extreme knowledge to remove, replace and time for safe and proper performance. The BLR also has a unique rack and pinion lever system for actuating and moving the bolt and completing the loading/unloading and cocking cycle. I must admit I have never had a problem with finger jams when working a lever action, but it must exist for some. It also has a very smooth short throw lever which incorporates the trigger system into the lever assembly, thereby eliminating finger jams. On the first models, the bolt lugs locked into grooves in the receiver, but the later grooves are part of the barrel. The BLR is a lot like many bolt action rifles because multiple locking lugs on the head of the bolt rotate into the breech end of the receiver/ barrel to create a very strong action.
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