I'm looking for a project, and thinking about a semi-auto hunting rifle for west and Alaska. (Elk, moose, bear) Here in PA I cannot use a semi auto for hunting (except plugged shotgun for waterfowl). I have seen an old Browning BAR in 300 win mag and thought upgrading it to 338 would be feasible. I like the idea of a 338 WSM, but I hear that will not be coming for a good while. And a semi that is not a pure military ( FAL, AR-10, etc.)is appealing.
Questions:
1. What are quality issues in BAR rifles? - this one is Jap-made, but has the light brown walnut stock and only about 80% finish - I guess it at 15 or so years of petty hard use.
(Could always go bolt gun...)

2. 338 mag as caliber, and as 300 win mag re-barrel project? You don't see a lot of them here in PA, but short action calibers are really all you need here.

3. Source of information on what states (countries - Canda African nations, etc.) allow semi-auto hunting rifles?

I am new here, and if these questions are off topic, I would appreciate direction to a more appropriate forum. thanks,
Harmless

The bar is a quality semi auto but it will never be as reliable as a bolt action.My own barII jammed twice on me in cold wet conditions(in spite of meticulous cleaning and proper lubrication) so it was quickly sold.I have never seen a guide in western or northern canada that carried a semi auto.All carry bolt actions for dependability.

Rebarreling any gas operated semi auto is more work than rebarreling a bolt action.

I had a .338 Win Mag Mark I BAR assembled in Portugal. Worked fine. Moderate recoil. Didn't like Noslers worth a damn. Didn't like 225 gr Core Lokts, but loved 250 gr Core Lokts ... 2" groups at 300 yards.

Was a bit heavy for a mountain rifle so I gave it to my middle son after acquiring a pr-64 M70 rifle with all the bells and whistles.

Rather than rebuild one, find a factory chambered one.

They make a lightweight (about 7.5 lbs) Stalker BAR.

Add a 10oz compact scope and its no heavier than your average bolt action sporter. Weight has its advantages, too.



I wouldn't worry much about the reliability issue if reasonable care is taken. They're as reliable as anything for the first shot, anyway.