Had an interesting conversation with Browning today...
 

I've been interested in getting a BAR, but I want one in an intermediate powered cartridge with a 22" barrel for a fast handling woods rifle that would still be comfortable reaching out to 250 yards if necessary. I want something with more power than the offered .243 Win, but less that the 270 Win, .308 Win or .30-06. They offer the BAR in .25-06, but it has a 24" barrel which, IMO is barely adequate for the .25-06 and makes the rifle longer than I want. The optimum, IMO, would be either the 7mm-08 or .260 Rem, but neither are offered with the BAR...

So, on a whim, I decided to call Browning customer service to suggest that they consider chambering the BAR for either of the two, and as it turns out the BAR Short-Trac will be chambered for 7mm-08 in 2009 (to be on the shelves before deer season next year). I asked if there were plans to offer the Safari grade in 7mm-08, and he said not now, but put it down as a customer suggestion so maybe we'll see it by 2010. I'd prefer the Safari over the Short-Trac, but I'd be happy with either in 7mm-08. And it appears I'm going to get my wish (thank you, Browning).

Mike

RE: Had an interesting conversation with Browning today...
 

Nice!! I love how the 7-08 is becoming mainstream after languishing for so long. Its an awesome round! That BAR in a 7-08 will be a sweet ride!

RE: Had an interesting conversation with Browning today...
 

i agree. when i bought my BAR i wanted it chambered in 7mm-08. although, i wasn't dissapointed with my BAR chambered in 308win. the BAR's are great rifles.

RE: Had an interesting conversation with Browning today...
 

Yep we already have several on order.

The BAR short track and Remington R25 will be the only two semi auto rifles chambered for the 7mm-08 that I know of.

RE: Had an interesting conversation with Browning today...
 

I have a camo shorttrac in 308 and absolutely love it. I have a Trijicon Accupoint in 3-9 mounted on it and with this combo, I couldn't want for more.

RE: Had an interesting conversation with Browning today...
 

I was thinking .25-06 from what you said.....and 24" in my mind would be perfect, I love my bar in .270win, and 24" would be plenty good in a .270 if you don't want to wait until 2010...or whenever.

RE: Had an interesting conversation with Browning today...
 

That Safari is sweet.