Browning/Miroku Lightning BLR 7mm Rem. Mag 24” Lever Action Rifle & Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,449.00
LSB#: LSB250927RD023
Make: Browning/Miroku
Model: Lightning BLR
Serial Number: 01605MZ341
Year of Manufacture: 2001 (MZ Date Code)
Caliber: 7mm Remington Magnum
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Detachable Magazine (No Magazine Included)
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN/MIROKU”. The right side of the barrel is marked “LIGHTNING BLR CALIBER 7MM REM MAG ONLY”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front and rear sights have been removed. The receiver is mounted with a Leupold VX-III 4.5-14×40 scope with Leupold’s Boone & Crockett reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on, and sits in 1” Talley rings.
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 buttpad, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light to moderate wear, with scattered scratches, dings, compressions, and scuffs throughout both the buttstock and the forend. The gloss finish is mostly intact. The checkering is well defined with sharp peaks. 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: This rifle DOES NOT come with a magazine.
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 thinning of the finish at the muzzle, and scattered scratches and nicks throughout the metal surfaces. Otherwise the bluing is mostly deep and dark. 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 Leupold scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Browning’s BLR series stands apart in the lever-action world for its modern, rotating-bolt design capable of safely chambering high-pressure cartridges. By 2001, the production year of this rifle, the Miroku-built Lightning BLR had become well established as a premium hunting rifle, combining the speed and familiarity of a lever action with the accuracy and ballistic potential of contemporary magnum rounds. This example retains the sleek lines and deep blue finish characteristic of Miroku craftsmanship, and the walnut stock, though showing moderate field wear, remains tight, stable, and well checkered. The rifle carries the honest cosmetic marks of a hunting tool, but its mechanical function and bore condition remain excellent.
Chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum, introduced in 1962 and long considered one of the finest all-around big-game cartridges ever produced, the BLR takes full advantage of the round’s flat trajectory, long-range capability, and balanced recoil. The 24-inch barrel and bright, sharp bore support that performance, while the Leupold VX-III 4.5–14×40 with Boone & Crockett reticle provides a field-ready optic suited for Western game and open-country shooting. Though the rifle is missing its detachable magazine, replacements remain available, and the platform continues to be valued for its strength, accuracy, and versatility. With its quality glass, excellent mechanics, and enduring design, this Lightning BLR offers a compelling mix of classic lever-gun handling and modern ballistic capability. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
