Browning Miroku Model BLR .308 Winchester 20″ Leupold Lever Rifle, MFD 1975
SOLD FOR: $1150
LSB#: 211202EM09
Make: Made by Miroku for Browning
Model: BLR (Browning Lever Rifle)
Serial Number: 07491K57
Year of Manufacture: 1975
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Detachable Magazine Fed Lever Action
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The right side of the barrel is marked “BLR CALIBER .308 ONLY / PATENT NO. 3377731 The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number just ahead of the lever and “NP” just ahead of the magazine release.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade that sits atop a ramped riser which is fixed to the top of the barrel. The riser is slotted for a hood that is not present. The rear sight is a cylindrical square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation that is screwed to the rear of the barrel. Equipped to the top of the receiver via a one-piece Redfield rail system and two rings is a Leupold Vari-X II scope with 2-7x magnification and a duplex reticle. The scope shows a faint plum hue with some scratches at the front and rear. The lenses are clear. Overall, the scope rates in about Good-Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, ventilated brown rubber Browning recoil pad, and sling studs front and rear. There are some light draglines and faint handling marks. The most notable imperfection is a minor scuff on the bottom of the forearm. The nose of the forearm is darker than the rest of the wood. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 3/4” & 12 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad and wood, respectively. The pad shows light wear and the pad remains pliable. The stocks rate in about Fine-Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion on the lands.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is thinning at all leading edges of the receiver and lever as well as around the muzzle. There are nicks and scratches on the barrel and on the forearm band. There is some light surface oxidation on the left side of the receiver. There is standard operational wear on the bolt as well as some infrequent faint oxidation. The pinheads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the previously mentioned scope and one 4-round magazine. The magazine has some scattered light surface oxidation.
Our Assessment: This Japanese-made Browning BLR lever action rifle has a removable magazine, something you don’t see on most lever action rifles. It is in Fine-Excellent condition. The lever throw on this rifle is very smooth due to its gear-style mechanism, so this should really be a fast handling rifle. What makes it even more interesting is that the trigger is mounted in the lever, not in the receiver, which is nice so there is no danger of smashing your trigger finger if you leave it in the trigger guard when working the action. This example was manufactured in 1975 and is chambered for .308 Winchester. The 308 Winchester is one of the most popular hunting cartridges in the United States, and possibly the world. It has gained popularity in many countries as an exceptional cartridge for game in the medium- to large-sized class. Although in North America it is commonly thought that it is only recommended for whitetail deer, pronghorn and the occasional caribou or black bear, the 308 Winchester is among the calibers recommended for hunting brown and grizzly bears by the Alaska Department of Game and Fish. This rifle is in about Very Good condition with a nice bore and smooth mechanics. She’s got plenty of life left in her! Please see our photos and good luck!