FN Belgian Browning Model BLR 20″ .243 Winchester Lever Rifle, 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,000.00
WOA#: WY240607RT001
Make: FN Browning
Model: BLR (Browning Lever Rifle)
Serial Number: 13820K71
Year of Manufacture: 1971 C&R
Caliber: .243 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 BELGIUM”. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIBER .243 ONLY” with a patent number. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number just ahead of the lever and has a Belgian proof just ahead of the magazine release.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a cylindrical square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation in a base screwed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for an optic mount (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a banded forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and brown rubber Browning ventilated recoil pad. The stocks have light handling wear with some scattered minor nicks and scuffs. There is one more notable scratch along the belly on the right and another at the toe on the left. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad shows light wear and has hardened some with age. The stocks rate in Very Good-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 infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some minor scuffs, tiny nicks and light handling marks. There are infrequent spots of minor oxidation, most notable on the left of the front sight base. The bright-finished muzzle shows discoloration from oxidation. The receiver’s finish has a slight plum hue. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine 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: A single 4-round magazine is included.
Our Assessment: This FN made Browning BLR lever action rifle is fed via a removable magazine, something you don’t see on most lever action rifles. 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 .243 example is from fairly early in production, made during the introductory year 1971. The 243 Winchester is one of the more popular hunting cartridges in the United States, having a flat trajectory and typically available in a variety of loadings. This rifle is in Fine condition with a pretty good bore and smooth mechanics. Though she’s got life left in her for field use, this would also sit nicely in an FN Browning collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
