Browning/Miroku BLR ‘81 .284 Winchester 20” Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1992
SOLD FOR: $1,125.82
LSB#: LSB250804MF104
Make: Browning
Model: BLR ‘81 Short Action
Serial Number: 04714NY227
Year of Manufacture: 1992 (NY Date Code)
Caliber: .284 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UT & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”, and an “NP” proof mark at the chamber. The right side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 81 BLR CALIBER .284 WIN. ONLY”, followed by a patent number. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The bottom of the trigger guard is marked with the Browning Buck Mark.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, dovetailed to a ramp that is screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square-notch sight, screwed to the barrel. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece Grade 1 gloss finished, checkered walnut, with a straight grip, straight comb, black rubber buttpad, and a checkered banded forend, with sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks light wear, with only a few minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. The checkering is well defined. The gloss finish on the stocks is strong throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks fit the frame tightly, with no play. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 4rd factory magazine, in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with some light pitting on the right side of the receiver. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Browning/Miroku BLR ’81 short-action is a supremely practical modern lever rifle — fast handling, magazine-fed, and built to accept short-action cartridges without the compromises of a tube-mag lever gun. In .284 Winchester this BLR brings a pleasing balance of flat trajectory and real-world power in a compact, quick-pointing package well suited to mountain, brush, and general field hunting where speed of and follow-up convenience matter.
This particular example presents very well. The metal and finish are essentially intact, the Grade-1 gloss walnut furniture is attractive with sharp checkering and a tight fit, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling. Mechanically the action cycles correctly and the half-cock safety functions as intended. The rifle includes one factory 4-round magazine and is drilled/tapped for optics if you prefer a scope over the installed sights.
Cosmetically it’s a clean, ready-to-hunt rifle with only minor, honest handling marks; the BLR’s detachable-magazine layout and short 20? barrel make it especially handy for hunting in confined terrain. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
