My dad is a lever guy who I convinced to try a bolt. He bought a tikka and openly admits it's the most accurate rifle he has ever owned but...he wants to go back to a lever(years of using the savage 99). He is all but sold on the BLR in a 300 win mag or 300 WSM. I have my conerns about the WSM in a 22" barrel and the accuraccy of this rifle over all. Tell me what you think....
bc300winguy: BLRs are certainly capable of good accuracy - the thing that holds them back the most is a rather heavy trigger that has a fair amount of creep. With the right loads, all four of my older BLRs will group around an inch when I do my part. And they are well-made rifles that handle beautifully in the field. If I were interested in either of those two calibers, I believe I would pick the 300 Win Mag, as it comes with a 24" barrel, versus the 22" barrel of the WSM - the longer barrel would be more pleasant to shoot with those recoil-heavy calibers and I believe that a 22" barrel would probably negate any performance advantage for the WSM.
Also realize that Browing currently offers both straight-grip and pistol-grip version of the BLR - your father should try to handle both to see which one feels best to him.
Thanks, Dad, for taking me into the Great Outdoors.
Posts: 226 | Location: Western Maryland | Registered: 21 August 2003
I like the older BLR that I have and it is true the trigger isn't as good as my model 70 but, it can be overcome. I have never needed, nor thought I needed, a magnum.
I guess it all depends on what type of terrain you mostly hunt. If there are a lot of long shots then go with the 300 win mag. If its brushy stuff with not that many long shots go with the 300WSM, the shorter barrel and action will make a difference.
BLR's are the most accurate levers in general due to its rotating bolt. While some may not like its looks, im hunting with mine not dating it
Posts: 498 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: 22 May 2004
