I went to the range yesterday to check out my loads. When I decided to test out some loads for my 308 BLR the trigger was not releasing the hammer. I unloaded the rifle and cycled the action again and pulled the trigger with an empty chamber. No problem. I thought maybe it was my loads so I tried the factory loads that were firing fine a couple of weeks ago. Same problem.

I suspect that maybe the action is not closing all the way but I can't see the difference with the naked eye when I close the action loaded and unloaded.

Can anyone help me with this delema? The nearest gun smith is 2 hours south of where I live and I'd rather not go down to Kamloops.

Take a look at the bolt head, with the action closed, empty. There is no Gap between it and the bolt.
There should also be no gap when closed on a round.
If there is, it's of to the gunshop we go.
My wife had same problem with hers. Still a little tight.

Also, if the above is the problem, you might be able to fire, by cramping the shit out of the lever.

I took a good look at it at the range and could not see any difference loaded and not. I can't recall how it looked before the problem arose but to my eye every thing looks fine. I'm not all that familular with this rifle because I inherited it with the house I bought. I only hunted with it in 2001. It's pretty much been a loaner since then(I'll get even with you guys!).

The only thing that has happened to this rifle before this complication was noticed, was a simple cleaning witch I find a pain in the ass since you have to do it from the muzzle end.

I'm starting to question my two browning rifles. Both have had some issues.

I found you have to keep the lug recesses clean. You don't have the same power to chamber a round as a bolt action, because the rotational torque is converted from the lever to the gearing system and does not convert to the locking lugs directly. Also, I take a small jewellers screw driver and scrape all the junk from the bolt face and from around the plunger off. Any build up at all and chambering becomes difficult. In that respect its more like an automatic. Keep it clean and it works fine. Too much gun oil attracts dirt and it gums up. Its not that hard to get into those locking lug recesses. I go through the ejection port, with a small flashlight shining in at the far end of the port, scrape it clean with a jewellers screw driver. Also, with the bolt almost closed, look from below through the magazine and you will see a hole at an angle between the bolt body and the locking lugs. This is part of the bolts inner bolt body, and when forward force is applied, it converts the angled rotational motion to lock the lugs. Shine a light in this hole and make sure it is free of guck. If it rusts, the lugs will not fully close. I think this can even be lightly lubed, but I'm not sure with what. Something that's not too sticky. I love the BLR, but it needs a little care once in a while. Because its a unique design, most shooters don't know these tips. Good luck!

I had a problem somewhat similar last year with a .30-06 BLR. After a lot of cussing and experimenting I discovered that with my reloads I was not seating the bullet far enough and the lever was not closing far enough. The problem was that the hammer would drop, but "softly", and the round would not fire. I went by the Hornady manual for COL and all is fine. Hope this may help. Karl

I had exactly the same problem. Took it to the smith and he discovered a slight crack in the stock. He fixed the crack and problem was solved. It seamed that the release on the lever was not engaging.

They won't close if the oacl is too long as these guys said keep it clean, I had a similar problem when the trigger would not release but a new spring fixed it. If you get too disgusted with the Blr you can sell it to me for a fair price. I have 3 and love em !

It's not the oacl. I am having the same problems with the factory loads that we're shooting just fine a couple of weeks ago. I suspect that I may have over oiled the action. She was pretty dusty from hunting season so I cleaned her up with Gun Scrubber witch leaves it bone dry. After that I applied a liberal amount of oil to everything. I noticed last night that it was in gobs.

So you want my BLR do you .358

How about I trade my 308 for one of your .358 I allways wanted a 358 for a good bush gun and for moose around my house since most shots are farily close.

I gave her a repeat cleaning and got rid of all that excess oil witch had built up some grime in no time.

I only fired one shot since I was at home and don't want to worry the neighbours. I'm going to the range tomorrow, I hope.

Good luck, I hope you're right, my wifes went to the Browning service center. They said they adjusted the rack. He also said that the aluminum receiver guns have "issues" with pins and screws he didn't elaborate. My wifes is steel.

John

You may very well be right.

I went to the range today and was still having problems. I found that when I put pressure on the lever while squeezing the trigger it fired fine. That does not make for good shooting though and I would hate to forget when I have the big one in my sights. The problem seemed to lighten up after a doz. shots so I'll give another try monday.