Belgian Browning BLR .243 Win. 20″ Lever Action Hunting Rifle, MFD 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,080.00
LSB#: LSB260706PF002
Make: Browning
Model: BLR
Serial Number: 19722K71
Year of Manufacture: 1971 / C&R Eligible.
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY, MORGAN, UTAH, & MONTREAL, P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the barrel is marked “BLR CALIBER .243 ONLY”, along with patent numbers. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, dovetailed to a ramp base. The rear sight is a square notch sight, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is not functional, as the left side of it is missing. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, vented brown rubber Browning buttpad, checkered and banded forend, and sling rings front and rear. There is a camo nylon sling attached to the stocks. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light to moderate wear, with scratches, dings, compressions and scuffs throughout. The stock’s finish is largely intact. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Good to Very Good 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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few hairline scratches and minor dings throughout the metal surfaces. There are some light operational marks on the bolt. Otherwise, the bluing is intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good 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 sling and magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Browning BLR brought modern centerfire cartridges to the lever-action format by combining a detachable box magazine with a strong locking system capable of using pointed bullets and higher-pressure sporting cartridges. This Belgian-made 1971 example is chambered in .243 Winchester and features a handy 20″ barrel, checkered walnut furniture, and a detachable 4-round magazine. The .243 Winchester’s mild recoil, flat trajectory, and versatility for varmints and medium game make it a natural complement to the BLR’s fast-handling sporting configuration.
This rifle is in Good to Very Good condition overall, retaining about 95% of its original blue finish with scattered hairline scratches, minor dings, and light operational marks on the bolt. The checkered walnut stocks also rate in Good to Very Good condition with scratches, dings, compressions, and scuffs from field use, but remain solid with no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the action and quarter-cock safety function correctly. The rear sight is incomplete and presently nonfunctional because its left side is missing, though the receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting an optic. The rifle includes a Very Good condition factory 4-round magazine and a camouflage nylon sling. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.