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Browning BLR

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
BLR
A Browning BLR, with the addition of a scope
TypeLever action rifle
Place of originUnited States
Production history
DesignerKarl R. Lewis[1]
Designed1960s[2]
ManufacturerBrowning Arms Company
Produced1971-Present[2]
VariantsModel '81, Lightning BLR
Specifications
Mass6 lb 8 oz—7 lb 12 oz (2.9—3.5 kg)[3]
Barrel length16–24 inches (410–610 mm)[3]
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. 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 the large bore .450 Marlin.[3]

Design

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The BLR uses a detachable box magazine. Because of this, the BLR can be chambered for rounds with pointed tip Spitzer bullets that could be a safety issue for the tubular magazine more commonly used in lever-action rifles where a pointed bullet may, through the forces of recoil, strike the next round's primer and ignite that round. The rack and pinion geared lever and bolt design 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

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Production of the BLR began in the 1960s.[4][5] 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.[6][4] 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.[3] 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

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Cartridges available in the Browning BLR:[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ US patent 3471961, "BOLT AND FIRING MECHANISM FOR BOLT ACTION TYPE FIREARM", issued 1969-10-14 
  2. ^ a b Date Your Firearm, Browning
  3. ^ a b c d Browning BLR catalog Archived October 6, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ a b Dave Anderson (November 2005), "Browning's BLR: a better lever rifle", Guns Magazine
  5. ^ "Discontinued — BLR Rifles".
  6. ^ Browning BLR '81 Stainless Takedown Review, American Rifleman
  7. ^ "BLR Lightweight with Pistol Grip - Lever-Action Rifle - Browning".
  8. ^ "Browning BLR 81 .25-06 24" : 925681429". GunsAmerica. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
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