FN Belgian Browning Model BLR .308 Winchester 20″ Lever Rifle, MFD 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,825
WOA#: WY231108TS007
Make: FN Browning
Model: BLR (Browning Lever Rifle)
Serial Number: 20464K71
Year of Manufacture: 1971 C&R
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Detachable Magazine Fed Lever Action. Please note, no magazine is included.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the barrel is marked “BLR CALIBER .308 ONLY / PATENT No. 3.377.731”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number just ahead of the lever and has a Belgian proof just ahead of the magazine release. There is a “lion / P.V” proof mark on the bolt.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade that sits atop a ramped riser which is fixed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a cylindrical square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation that is screwed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for rail options. This rifle comes with its Browning Scope Mount Base still in its vintage box.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a banded forearm, straight grip, straight comb, brown rubber Browning butt pad, and sling studs front and rear. The right upper edge of the forearm has a small compression mark. The buttstock shows a few scratches throughout, The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt pad. The top of the comb has a scratch running down the length. The stocks rate in about Fine-Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The receiver shows a faint plum hue on either side as well as some faint marks. There are a few small scuffs through the finish on the bottom of the barrel band. The pinheads are unmarred. The operational wear is minor. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a total of 3 magazines, Browning Scope Mount Base, and a Hard Case.
Our Assessment: This FN made Browning BLR lever action rifle is fed via removable magazines, something you don’t see on most lever action rifles. The lever throw on this rifle is very smooth due to its gear-style mechanism, so this should really be a fast handling rifle. What makes it even more interesting is that the trigger is mounted in the lever, not in the receiver, which is nice so there is no danger of smashing your trigger finger if you leave it in the trigger guard when working the action. This example was manufactured in 1971 and is chambered for .308 Winchester. The 308 Winchester is one of the most popular hunting cartridges in the United States, and possibly the world. It has gained popularity in many countries as an exceptional cartridge for game in the medium-to-large sized class. Although in North America it is commonly thought that it is only recommended for whitetail deer, pronghorn and the occasional caribou or black bear, the 308 Winchester is among the calibers recommended for hunting brown and grizzly bears by the Alaska Department of Game and Fish. This rifle is in about Excellent condition with a nice bore and smooth mechanics. Though she’s got plenty of life left in her for field use, this would also sit nicely in an FN Browning collection, as this rifle was produced before manufacture was switched to Miroku in Japan. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
