Browning/Miroku Model 81 BLR Short Action .257 Roberts Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,735.00
LSB#: LSB260113JS031
Make: Miroku; Japan, for Browning
Model: Model 81 BLR
Serial Number: 12243NM227
Year of Manufacture: 1990 (
Caliber: .257 Roberts
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, dovetailed to a ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch sight, on an adjustable ramp, screwed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Simmons Model BP400M scope. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling and storage wear. Overall, the scope rates in Fine condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece, gloss finished, checkered walnut stock set, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black rubber Browning buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13.75″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light handling wear. The gloss finish on the stocks is intact throughout. The checkering is well defined. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. THere are a few light scratches and compression marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in about Fine condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 4rd factory magazine, in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no handling wear. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. There are a couple of light scratches 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 quarter-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 scope and the magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Browning Model 81 BLR is a modern lever action sporting rifle developed to bridge traditional lever operation with contemporary cartridge performance. Manufactured by Miroku in Japan for Browning, the Model 81 represents the refined phase of BLR production, utilizing a rotating bolt and detachable magazine that allow the safe use of spitzer bullets and modern chamberings. Chambered in .257 Roberts, this rifle reflects Browning’s continued support of classic American sporting cartridges within a modernized lever action platform. Its 1990 manufacture places it squarely within Browning’s mature Japanese production era known for consistent fit and finish.
This example is configured with a 20 inch barrel, brass-beaded front sight, adjustable U-notch rear sight, and a Simmons BP400M scope mounted to the receiver, with clear glass and light external wear. The rifle retains approximately 98 percent of its original metal finish, with only minor scratches and minimal handling wear visible, and the bluing remains deep and even throughout. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, showing fouling and rating 7 out of 10, while the gloss-finished checkered walnut stocks show light handling marks with intact finish and no structural issues, overall rating Fine. The action functions correctly and the rifle includes one factory four-round magazine and the mounted scope. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P
