I was in a shop today and saw a used BAR in '06. I don't really know anything about them, but it sure felt nice in my hands. Barrel said "Made in Belgium." Are they all still made there? No BOSS. It had scope bases, but no rings. It had a flip-up front sight that felt like plastic.

Asking price was $695. Play or pass?

Thanks in advance,
Herk

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Where's my dad's America?

I'm not sure about where the BAR is made now, but the Belgium versions are more desirable. They are generally very accurate for a semi auto. Quite reliable too. If it has the scrollwork on the sides of the receiver, and is all blue, then it is an older grade II. They made them in grades up to V. I still have some Browning catalogs from '74, '75 etc., that show all of these guns. I wouldn't pay anymore than that for one where I live, but up in your area that might still be a decent price. The actual condition would be the determining factor for me, bore, outsides, etc.

I prefer bolt guns for their reliablity, especially where you live and the animals around you. To each his /her own though.

Would depend on condition for me. When I lived there I used a BAR in .338 for 12 years, best gun I ever had. If I could go back I would find another.
Bob

The Browning Automatic Rifle was the rifle of choice for Clyde Barrow. That's gotta be good for something

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Dum spiramus tuebimur

I've got a BAR Grade II made in 1969 and it is a shooter. Depending on condition, $695 sounds a little high for not already having a scope mounted on it.

Some of the older ones had wood that had a "salt cure". The salt was not fully removed and corroded the receiver. Not sure as to the years but it was a long while ago.. 60's?? Somebody with more knowledge than me will hopefully educate us all.

Hmmmm, I've got a BAR manufactured by Winchester in 1918, but I think you may be referring to a different type of BAR!

Came out in '67,,,made in Belgium til '76. After that, the parts were produced in Belgium but the rifles themselves were assembled in Portugal. The barrel markings will make note of the change. The '67-'76 Belgian guns will have an 'M' followed by a 1 or 2 digit number code for the year of mfg in the serial number and they restarted with ser#0001 each year during that time IIRC. Not sure what they did during the later assembled guns.

All were drilled and tapped at the factory for scope mounts.

Brownings 'salt cured wood' problem starts around '66 production and is seen most often in the O/U shotguns though it can be found in any of their models in that time period up to around '76/78.

Mostly high grade wood used on 'graded' guns was affected.

Plain rock salt was used to draw the natural moisture from the uncured wood in what was thought to be a quick way to cure the wood instead of having to wait months/years for it to air dry for use.

It impregnated the wood with salt as the moisture was drawn out and to this day the wood will rust the metal parts of the gun as it still draws moisture back into it as any hygroscopic salt will do.
For many years Browning would replace the wood on these 'salt guns' guns, but I don't think they'll do that anymore.

There have been many tricks written about to block the rusting from occuring but none are 100% and it will reoccur,,humidity has alot to do with it of course.
The damage is nasty and goes on inside with usually only a hint of rust usually seen along the wood/metal line visable. It is salt water pitting.
That small line of rust and the attempt to remove a butt plate wood screw are usually the first things that draw attention to the problem. The butt plate screws usually twist right off at the head as the shank is rusted and eaten away in the wood from the salt.

Close examination of the metal/wood line for rust,,,,suspect a of a reblue,,,a very close examination on the high grades are things to watch for salt wood.