Browning/Miroku BLR ‘81 .284 Winchester 20” Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1993
SOLD FOR: $1,226.00
LSB#: LSB250804MF080
Make: Browning
Model: BLR ‘81 Short Action
Serial Number: 02567NX227
Year of Manufacture: 1993 (NX 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. At the back of the receiver, there is a Williams adjustable aperture peep sight installed.
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. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks minimal wear, with only a couple of minor superficial imperfections on the stocks finish. The checkering is well defined. The gloss finish is strong throughout. The stocks fit the frame tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition. There is a leather sling attached to the rifle.
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 only a few minor superficial imperfections on the metal surfaces, and one decent scratch on the left side of the receiver. 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 Fine to Excellent 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, sling, and the peep sight as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Browning/Miroku BLR ‘81 Short Action is a refined, modern lever-action that brings true short-action ballistics to a quick-handling platform. In .284 Winchester — a highly efficient, flat-shooting cartridge that bridges the gap between traditional magnum power and short-action practicality — this BLR combines fast pointability, the convenience of detachable magazines, and the practical sighting options (Williams aperture plus a drilled/tapped receiver) that make it a versatile choice for mountain hunting, and long-range brush country shots.
Cosmetically and mechanically the rifle checks very well. The metal and finish are in great shape, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and the Grade-1 gloss walnut furniture is attractive with sharp checkering and a tight fit — overall stock condition rates Excellent. The action cycles correctly and the half-cock safety functions as intended. The supplied factory 4-round magazine, Williams peep sight, and leather sling make the rifle a practical, ready-to-use package for the field.
This BLR is a clean, finely made example of the model and a very capable shooting/hunting rifle, especially when it is paired with such an efficient cartridge like the .284 Winchester. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
