Tell me about the BLR

[Halffast]

My local shop has a used Browning Lever Rifle in .243 Win. It is in excellent shape and has the steel receiver. It has a Redfield mount, but no scope or rings. They are asking $379 for it. Questions:

1. Is this a good deal?

2. How reliable are these rifles?

3. How accurate are these rifles?

4. Is there anything to watch for on a used one?

Thanks for the help.

David

 

[Jeff, CA]

I have the same thing in .308.

1. I think so, if .243 is what you want.

2. Like all lever actions, you can't baby the lever, but if you're firm with it, it works fine. Lever throw is shorter than most, which means operating force is higher, but it's smooth. Magazines are expensive ($40).

3. 1 1/2" or so @ 100 yds (mine).

4. I'm not too sure here, except to say mine has a terrible trigger - about 8 lb. Try it first if you're picky about triggers. If they'll let you, remove the screw at the front end of the forend, and slide the forend off (forward). The cleanliness of the area underneath might give you a clue as to the overall care the gun has received.

Forgot to mention: I had a scope on mine, in Leupold super-low rings. It was so low I couldn't get a good grip on the hammer spur (critical since the half-cock is the only safety), but the scope was still too high for my taste. The stock is definitely made for low iron sights - even the aperture sights I put on it are a tad too high.