Vintage Browning Japan BLR Lever Action Rifle .308 Winchester Rifle 1976
SOLD FOR: $1925
WAO#: WY230116BK004
Make: Browning
Model: BLR Lever Action
Serial Number: 16932RT127
Year of Manufacture: 1976 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/blr-lever-action-rifle.html)
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Magazine-Fed Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN UTAH & MONTREAL P. Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The right side of the barrel is marked “BLR CALIBER .308 ONLY” over a patent. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “16932RT127 ”. The buttpad is marked, “BROWNING / PAD MADE IN U.S.A. “WHITE LINE PAD BY PACHMAYR USA”. Just in front of the mag release is marked, “NP”.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade dovetailed into a ramped base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch tang sight adjustable for elevation that is screwed into the barrel. The receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for the attachment of an optic rail.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a two-piece wood with checkered straight grip and forend, straight comb, and a brown rubber buttpad. The stocks are largely free of any wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. This rifle is Like New and has been stored responsibly for the duration of its lifetime. it has never been fired outside of factory. There are no signs of any handling or operational wear. There are a couple very faint and very light scratches on the receiver likely from storage wear within its factory box. Screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition. Please see photos for a better understanding of this rifles condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with its original factory box and manual all in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Browning BLR (Browning Lever Rifle) is a lever-action rifle that was introduced by Browning Arms Company in 1969. It was designed by Bruce Browning, the son of the company’s founder, John M. Browning.
The BLR was a departure from the traditional lever-action design in that it used a detachable box magazine rather than a tubular magazine. This allowed for more efficient reloading and faster follow-up shots. The rifle also featured a rotating bolt head similar to those found in bolt-action rifles, which provided a stronger lock-up and improved accuracy.
The original BLR was chambered for the .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and .358 Winchester cartridges. Over the years, Browning has added additional chamberings including the .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .450 Marlin, and .325 WSM.
In 1981, Browning introduced a lightweight version of the BLR called the BLR Lightweight. This version featured an aircraft-grade alloy receiver and a slender barrel profile, making it easier to carry in the field.
Today, the Browning BLR remains a popular choice for hunters and shooters who appreciate the fast follow-up shots and versatility of a lever-action rifle combined with the accuracy and reliability of a bolt-action. This BLR is vintage and nearly new in the box with its original collectible factory box and owners manual. Please see specs below, our in house photos, and good luck on your bid!