Is the BAR in .338 a worthy candidate for use in the North American woods for BIG game like ELK, BEAR or MOOSE?
Have any of you used this gun in either the Belgian format or the newer MkII Safari and/or BOSS model?

Did I mention, that I don't really care much for the .338 Win.Mag., but if my .375 ULTRA MAG proves to be too much for me, I might HAVE to like the .338...?
I already LOVE the BAR.

BM007,

I have had one for about ten years.....nice rifle, easy to shoot....a number of years ago, while hunting in Canada during a very cold spell, mine failed to cycle after firing even though it was not lubed w/anything that should have been afftected by the cold.....got it home, warmed it up and it fired and cycled properly.....haven't hunted w/it since....still have it.

Joe

Had a MK I assembled in Portugal. Put B&C synthetic stocks on it.

Took a while to get the scope mounts level and to find a load for it. It really liked 250 gr Factory Core Lokt's and 250 gr Noslers. Would hold a ~2" at 200 yards. Never had a feeding problem with it but never used it in the miserable part of the winter.

Found I preferred a bolt gun after shooting a custom built on a pre-64 M70 fitted with a Kreiger bbl, NECG iron sights, nice bottom metal, and an excellent McMillan stock. The .338 Win Mag seldom needs a second shot no less a fast second shot. Gave the BAR to my middle son.

I had an old Belgian-made BAR in 338 Win. Mag. that was a minute-of-foot rifle, and I couldn't get rid of it fast enough.

As far as I'm concerned, the 338 Win. Mag. is one of the finest all-around cartridges available, and it's a perfect wilderness cartridge for everything from elk to moose to grizzly. As such, it's at its best when chambered in a simple, reliable, rugged bolt action rifle. Personally, I'd forget the BAR and invest in something else that represents less fuss, clutter, and complication......

AD

Ditto what Allen said on the BAR. I had one and it was the most fussy-finicky rifle I've ver owned. The key to accuracy in that rifle, appeared to be the torque on the front swivel, I mean just breath on it (or take tension with a sling) and your groups had a bad habit of shifting just enough to be bothersome. The first shot out of a cold barrel was always 3" higher than the other two that would almost touch. It was a 2" rifle and I guess it was ok for the Alabama woods as I took a few deer with it. But for a "money hunt," forget it.

As far as the 338, I think Winchester produced a winner there, and it's here to stay as sales demonstrate.
The 375 RUM I don't think will ever attain the same popularity and that's too bad as it's almost as good as a 375 Weatherby. jorge

The .338 Win.Mag. is a GREAT cartridge.
I was just dismayed that it didn't kick as much as I expected/wanted it to.
That's why I traded off mine for the .375 RUM.

I have a BAR/MkII in 7mm Rem.Mag., and after hearing what you guys have said, will most likely leave it at that.
Warmer weather and Deer for that one.

ovis,
What do you think caused the BAR/.338 to give a FTF...?

BM007,

The cold...-30F makes self operating machinery do funny things.

Joe