hi,

looking for some advice about the Browning BAR. my son just picked one up used, a 1987 in 30-06. this is the first semi that's ever crossed the door step into our house so we've got to get schooled up a bit.

in particular, does anyone have any recommendations about ammo weight/brand of ammo for the best accuracy?

he'll be using it primarily for deer hunting here in Maine. most of the shot opportunities are 100yds. or less (generally hunt the thick stuff ).

i'd be interested to hear if anyone has experienced jam ups with this autoloader?

lastly, does anyone know of any Browning owners forums?


thanks a lot, - jay

I did own a bar im 7mmremmag for a short time.It functioned flawlessly at the range in warmer weather,but it jammed in cold wet weather despite proper maintenance and lubrication.It also jammed for the fellow that I sold it to in similar conditions.

YES SIR I GOT A 270 HAD IT TEN YEARS SHOT THE CRAP OUT OF IT ,,TO ME ITS THE BEST AUTO LOADER RIFLE I HAVE EVER FIRED ,,BROWNING RIFLES ARE SOME GOOD STUFF,,MY 2CENTS TOO THANKS

Had a BAR in 30-06 with BOSS thatI traded intwo years ago. Never jammed, was very accurate. Only got rid of it because I hated cleaning the thing and it was tooheavy to do anything with but sit on stand. Highly recomend them if you like autos. Also, make sure you use normal ammo. They warn you not to use hot ammo such as hornady light magnum ammo etc. Hot loads may cause problems with the gas mechanism. Hope it helps.


here's a link to a browning forum. http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php

Everyone in my family is a hunter. My 66 y/omother is the most fanatical of all. She has used the same BAR in 270 Win for almost 20 years. I check her zero every time I go home and it shoots fine. Average 1.25" groups with Federal Premium ammo.The rifle rarely gets cleaned and is used year round on deer, caribou,coyotes,and hogs. It rarely see's the indoors.It's either in the woods or in her truck.Iclean it every time I get home which is twice a year. Pretty bad!The only reason her gun is still working is the chrome lined chamber and bore. A Remington 7600 or 742 with the same shooter would have stopped working years ago.
As for ammo. Most factory ammunition is loaded to function in semi-autos. I hand load but for factory ammo I would suggest Federal Premium 165 gr Game King.
If I was going to use a semi auto, I would pick the BAR.

The BAR is a wonderful gun. I have not had any problems with shooting the gun in warm or cold weather. I only shoot Federal ammunition, and keep the gun very well cleaned and oiled,I havenever been disappointedwith the gun.

As for any forums for Browning Owners, I have never seen any around only general gun forums. The only one remotely relating to Browning is FN Five and Seven pistol forum. (FN Herstal is the parent company of Browning.)

I have had a BAR in 30-06 for over 30 yrs and it has never failed to function perfectly. The BAR has long been regarded as the most accurate auto around. I have used it at below 0 deg. temps with no jams. Use a good quality gun oil and don't "over" oil it and you will be very happy with it. Mine is one of the Belgan mades but the ones made in Japan seem to be good also.

To you that may be considered cold,but in Northern Canada we huntin much colder temperatures.

I have hunted at about 12 deg. below 0. Thats about as cold as it usualy gets here in Michigan.

thanks very much for all the replies and suggestions.

due to his work schedule my boy had to wait a week from the time when he bought it until he finally had the chance to take it to the bench rest. it was a mighty itchy week for him.

when we finally had a chance to try it out yesterday it really exceeded our expectations. very tight groups right away and very smooth on the auto load action. recoil was very minimal. he decided to start with 180gr Remington Core-Lokt's.

thanks again, - jay