I just added the first Browning to my lever action rifle collection.

A BLR in 308 Win.

This one is an early 80's model with the steel receiver.

BLRs use a magazine similar to a bolt action rifle. So, Browning chambers them in "normal" rifle calibers. You can use spire point bullets because the rounds are not in a tube magazine like most other lever actions.

Here is a picture:

Attached Images

BLR-308.jpg (164.5 KB, 3851 views)

WOW congrats on the fine rifle, i actually have one of the early production models that was made in belgium.
i called browning to get info on it and the historian was astounded i had one and its only been fired 5 times so its like 99% condition.

enjoy your rifle they are fine guns im sure you will get a lot of good shooting from it.

any pics???

I had a Belgium in .358, mounted a 2-7 Redfield on it. It was a very good gun and converted a bunch of deer into venison. I hand loaded for it as ammo was a bit scarce and pricey. It was easy to find .308 brass and size it up.


Sounds like you have a nice rifle there enjoy it!

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

I had a Pre-81 in 308 Win as well. Mounted a Leupold 1-5x, which made for a very fast brush gun with the advantage of taking much longer shots. Very comfortable to carry in the woods or up the mountain.

Be thankful you have the Model 81. Tried to find magazines for my Pre-81 and they can run upwards of $150+.

Wow, that is a nice one! I had one in .308 and traded it off - a notably dumb move in a life full of dumb moves!

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Rule of law, not a man.

I had one in .22/250 once that shot like a bolt gun. Traded it toward my Coonan .357 pistol. Browning is real proud of the magazines...don't lose it.

I had a early model Belgium .308 that I sold about ten years ago. That rifle is the only gun that I wish I had never sold. Shoot your and enjoy it.

I have a pre 81 in 308 and an 81 in 358. The 308 is accurate with 125-165 gr bullets and a joy to own. In a financial catastrophe, it would be the last gun to go.

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Front sight and squeeze

Nice BLR! That brings back memories. Had one through the 80s that I used for deer hunting in the thick woods of Upstate NY. Had to sell it in the early 90s while between jobs, after the big move to Arizona. I still miss it......

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Tom
"Panem et Circenses"

I have a Belgium made BLR in 308 and a BLR-81 in 223
Both shoot surprisingly well.
Congrats on a great gun!

I have one in. 358 with a Leupold vx-3 2.5-8x36 that I took on a dream trip to South Africa. The PH was skeptical when I told him I loaded my own ammo, but when I told him 250 gr. Speer Grand Slam bullets, he relented. I remounted the scope (hand-carried it on the plane), and put the first and only sight-in shot in the x-ring. Brought home trophies of an impala, warthog, and wildebeest. Great trip and great rifle. Wife loved it (the trip) as much as I did.

I have one in 7 mm from the 90s. Never had a chance to use it. Still NIB. Got it for elk hunt that fell thru

Got one myself, a pre 81 in .308.

Just found an extra mag for it. Couldn't believe the gun shop had it and priced as originally marked. I almost hurt my wrist getting my wallet out.

These are fine rifles and I am honored to own one.

Enjoy yours!

My aunt gave me a blr in .243 cal. That belong to my uncle it is drop dead mint and a blast to shoot. I love lever gun's

You have made a fine choice! My father-in-law has been hunting with one of those beauties since 1974...

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Still just a kid at heart

I know its painful, but swallow any pride you might have left and just buy another now. Before everyone else smarter than you gets them all. Its just a hard lesson we've all got to learn. Back in the 1960s I bought a Tbolt 22. It was the T2 model and came with 2 mags. And I showed foresight and added at 3rd. Now those mags are selling for what I consider big bucks if you can find one at all. Lesson learned.

In 1998 I picked up an A bolt so I just bought a 2nd mag. Then maybe 10 years ago I bought a BAR and bought a mag right away. I may be dumb, but I learn.

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Dick Burg