The Lightning BLR (aluminum receiver) came on the scene in 1996 and the Lightweight Model 81 came on the scene in 2003. It may also have something to do with dissimilar metals in the lever system which can expand/not expand in very cold weather causing parts to bind. There was additionally a recall associated with the long action calibers of 1991, which was apparently the rifle could fire from a half cock position. There was also a change to the lever mechanism during this change over. The long action calibers came on the scene in 1991 and this is when the fluted bolt and fluted receivers started. The BLR 81 started in 1981 with some minor changes including a flush magazine. Miroku produced BLR’s have a polyurethane type finish to the stock and forearm. I should also note very early on in this article that the Japanese made BLR’s are every bit as good as any earlier produced FN Browning BLR. I can absolutely show you “Belgium” marked BLR’s from 1973 and I have some very good backup sources that will support me in this statement. Almost all references state that the “Japan” produced BLR’s began in 1971/72. Again, my research has found that “official records” are probably wrong.
This change was needed because of production costs. Next came the move to have all of the BLR’s produced by Miroku in Japan. They were straight stocked and as best as I can tell, all the Belgium produced models all had oiled finished stocks. The original BLR’s receiver were made of steel and they had an extended magazine.
Browning serial numbers dscmr serial number#
Go to the Serial Number portion of this article to see what I am writing about. I will also note that all of my research shows that “all official” references for determining “early 69-75” Browning BLR years of production using the serial numbers are also somewhat wrong. Almost everything that you read/research states they started the production in 1969, but there are no BLR’s from that year that I can find and/or verify. I will change my article and give you credit if you can. Now I know this will raise some questions and retribution from some who have researched Browning BLR’s, but I challenge you to show me a pre-70 Belgium BLR.
Production of the BLR as we know it, which had the magazine that extended below receiver, began in 1970.
Browning serial numbers dscmr plus#
On the plus side, the detachable magazine feature does allow for pointed bullets and some impressive calibers. If you have a BLR 81 or later model, get at least one extra for the comfort.
If you have a pre-81 BLR, start gathering a few extra magazines. I am very surprised that no outside company has picked up on producing the early model magazines (pre-81). If there is a second draw back, it is the availability of early BLR magazines and the cost associated with any extra BLR magazine. The Browning BLR is a very dependable, accurate and easy to operate lever action rifle. For many years we only had short action caliber choices, but since 1991, we have had long action caliber choices. There is one feature however that distinguishes it from most lever actions and that is it’s detachable magazine. The BLR has been made in many configurations including straight stock and pistol gripped models. The trigger system has sometimes been criticized as being to heavy, but I must admit that I have not encountered one that I can not adjust to. The later models also have a folding hammer system which could act as a backup safety system. The early models have an exposed bolt head, the later an enclosed bolt head. The early steel version is drilled and tapped for scope mounts and the later version has steel inserts press installed for the same purpose. For the sake of easy writing, let’s call it an aluminum alloy receiver. The receiver on earlier models is steel and on later models is a light weight alloy. I will get into this issue later, but I encourage you not to do it. It can be done at home, but I do not recommend it for the faint at heart. If there is a draw back to the BLR, it is this system, which requires extreme knowledge to remove, replace and time for safe and proper performance. The BLR also has a unique rack and pinion lever system for actuating and moving the bolt and completing the loading/unloading and cocking cycle. I must admit I have never had a problem with finger jams when working a lever action, but it must exist for some. It also has a very smooth short throw lever which incorporates the trigger system into the lever assembly, thereby eliminating finger jams. On the first models, the bolt lugs locked into grooves in the receiver, but the later grooves are part of the barrel. The BLR is a lot like many bolt action rifles because multiple locking lugs on the head of the bolt rotate into the breech end of the receiver/ barrel to create a very strong action.
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