Browning BLR Question

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04 July 2011, 19:17

Dave Bush

Browning BLR Question

Guys, I have been thinking about picking up a BLR just because I never had one. I have a Marlin 45-70 but I was thinking of a 450 Marlin. Anybody have one? How do you like it? What do you think, straight stock or pistol grip?

I like the idea ot the stronger rotary bolt lock up. That way, I could just shoot my 45-70 with the 28,000 psi loads and use the BLR for the stuff that is loaded to 40,000 psi.

Dave
DRSS
Chapuis 9.3X74
Chapuis "Jungle" .375 FL
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Krieghoff 500 NE

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"If the biggest, baddest animals on the planet are on the menu, and you'd rather pay a taxidermist than a mortician, consider the 500 NE as the last word in life insurance." Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (8th Edition).

04 July 2011, 23:10

dave sorel

Dave
I did just what you are talking about. I had a Marlin in 45-70 and bought a BLR straight stock in 450 Marlin. I really like the BLR and it loves the Leverevolution ammo. Dave

05 July 2011, 17:10

BISCUT

I have 2 BLR's in 450M. Very happy with both of em. Mine are take down models so cleaning is a bit easier. They shoot very well with IMR4198. Brass lasts forever, which is good because it's really only available when Hornady does a run, which seems to be once ever 12 to 18 months.

Only complaint on the BLR is that removing the bolt (IMHO) is a no-no on the newer models. Very difficult to get the timing correct whem re-installing. Since mine are take downs I dont have to clean from the muzzle. The lever that does not close when the rifle is apart bothers me a little, but no that much anymore.

05 July 2011, 22:08

Dave Bush

quote:
Originally posted by BISCUT:
I have 2 BLR's in 450M. Very happy with both of em. Mine are take down models so cleaning is a bit easier. They shoot very well with IMR4198. Brass lasts forever, which is good because it's really only available when Hornady does a run, which seems to be once ever 12 to 18 months.

Only complaint on the BLR is that removing the bolt (IMHO) is a no-no on the newer models. Very difficult to get the timing correct whem re-installing. Since mine are take downs I dont have to clean from the muzzle. The lever that does not close when the rifle is apart bothers me a little, but no that much anymore.

Biscut, do you prefer the straight grip or pistol grip stock?

13 July 2011, 17:14

BISCUT

Looks wise I like the straight but shooting wise I prefer the pistol grip.

14 July 2011, 23:24

Grenadier

I have owned four BLRs. Two were 308s, one was a 358, and one was a 308 rebored to .338 Federal. All four were very accurate. All four had straight stocks. The 308s and the .338 were easy shooters. The 358 kicked so hard that I didn't like shooting it at all. The recoil was worse than that of a Marlin 45-70 shooting full power loads. I only mention this because I would suppose the 450 would a very hard kicker in a straight stocked BLR.

18 August 2011, 01:52

sourdough44

I just ordered a 'Light-Weight' BLR in 7mm-08. I got it in the pistol grip configuration. I debated between the 308,243 @ 7mm-08.

15 September 2011, 01:18

Atkinson

Isn't the 450 Mag. a rimmed cartridge..The BLR takes rimless rounds unless you intend to spend a bundle..

If I were converting a BLR then I would opt for a 416 Taylor ( on the 338 case) and probably load it down to where I wanted it or go shoot and elephant with it as is...

15 September 2011, 06:04

SR4759

I have one of the fixed hammer .358 rifles.
Mostly I like it though the trigger is about the worst I have ever had. With 250 grain loads recoil is pretty brisk.
If I get another it would be one of the .223s.

08 October 2011, 05:59

dwheels

"Brisk" thats about an understatement if I ever heard one. My marlin in 45-70 compares to shooting a 3" twelve guage buckshot round with no recoil pad. "Brisk" now thats funny right there.