Maybe I'm just too much of a traditionalist when it comes to lever guns. But that's just wrong on so many levels.
I wonder when they'll come out with 30 round magazines.
I like the Browning! I think it's tastefully done. The Mossberg...not so much. Lever guns appeal to me being left handed. Love my Marlin 1894 in 44 mag. A lever rifle in 223 with a detachable box magazine... that's a gun I'd give serious thought to.
Not a Jeff Cooper scout. Underpowered 5.56 not a 7.62. No backup sights, sling, or 10 plus round magazine. Flash suppressor and rails don't make a scout.
Sorry, but that rifle just leaves me cold. I'd be embarrassed to carry that in the woods.
Attached is a pic of my pre-81 BLR in .358 Winchester. I have taken a lot of game with it over the years, and it, to me, looks like a rifle should. I have seldom found the need to hang a scout scope, flashlight, or laser off of it.....
Not a Jeff Cooper scout. Underpowered 5.56 not a 7.62. No backup sights, sling, or 10 plus round magazine. Flash suppressor and rails don't make a scout.
I just followed the link you provided and commented on that. Now that you point it out, Browning does make this model in 308 with an 18.5 barrel without a flash suppressor. That's much closer to the scout concept. Does anyone make an extended capacity magazine or aperture sights for the BLR?
It is available in .308 w/ 16" barrel and flash hider. I guess you are having some issues with their website. No after market large magazines are available.
Another option for Browning to consider is a .300 Whisper barrel. This would open up the sound suppressor/ silencer option.