Which BLR

spuddog · 11-12-2004, 05:05 PM

I'm deciding on a hunting rifle.

(I'm still trying to convince my wife

) I like my 30-30 but want something more versatile. I've settled on getting a Brownig BLR '81 (I like levers and don't get along w/ bolt action, don't want a semi auto). I will use it for antelope, mule deer, elk, and blk bear. More for elk and deer.

I'm trying to decide on caliber. I've read all the .308 vs 30-06 debates and don't want to start another (these are my two preferences), but I'm open to other calibers and interested in specific feedback on the performance of these calibers in this specific rifle. Any input on recoil would be helpfull as I'm concerned with this light of a rifle. I know that the ideal is to shoot the rifle itself, but It doesn't look like that is an option.

furbman · 11-12-2004, 06:14 PM

I have the BLR in both the 308 and 358/ Neither one are uncomfortable to shoot, the recoil is well handle witht the stock configuration. Both are MOA shooters at the range. Both have nice one shot deer to thier credit. I wont go into the 308/30-06 stuff, either one will work, the 308 is a little shorter, the 358 will handle a heavier bullet than either of the 30's and with the 200 gr bullet it is just about the same as the 308. I like my BLR's very much, oh yes, I have a scope on the 358 and peeps on the 308, the 308 carries like air and comes to the shoulder like it knows the way. Good luck

furbman · 11-12-2004, 06:16 PM

When i said the 358 was like the 308 I meant as far as felt recoil.....sorry about that, guess i should proof read with the glasses on..........

Virginia7 · 11-12-2004, 06:22 PM

BLR is a great rifle in either caliber. I like the 308Win. myself. Have owned/traded approx. six of 'em, and have two now. Never found it wanting on game, and all were
very accurate.
As to convincing the wife, might try making a note of the cost of the new rifle/scope you want. Then add up the lbs. of meat you should be able to take in one season assuming
just one antelope, one or two deer, and an elk. Figure the cost of the meat. It should get her attention (just don't mention incidentals like ammo, gas/oil for the PU, lodging, meals, etc. on the hunt

)

TerryM · 11-12-2004, 08:08 PM

I have owned a bunch of BLRs in both .308 and .358. The .308 is a more versatile round all around and would be my choice if I was you. With a 180 nosler partition you can handload it up to factory 3006 levels. The long action blrs are way too heavy in my opinion. BLR is a great little rifle.

spuddog · 11-15-2004, 10:58 AM

Thanks for the input so far. I've always seen good info coming out of this group.

Virginia7, thanks for the info on wife management, unfortunately my wife has no use for guns and doesn't like meat other than pork and chicken. I've tried to entice her with a nice elk roast, but she wouldn't even try it. She's a wonderful wife and great mother, but sure makes it hard to stock the gun cabinet. This is why I'm looking for a single hunting rifle. If I get this one, I'll probably never get another. My dad gave me my 30-30. I had to do the same with my shotgun. I got a Mossburg 835 that will chamber all shell sizes for just in case versitility. It's not the greatest for upland, but will work for anything.

FYI...for all, I don't handload yet and probably won't for a few years. So I will be using factory loads.

Does anyone have any experience with the BLR in '06?

Spud