I have owned two BAR's, both 7mm Mags. The first one was purchased around 1982 or 1983 but was stolen around 1990. The second BAR has been with me ever since. I have hunted in cold wet weather and it has never let me down. I'm embarrassed to admit I had never checked the scope (Leupold of course) so I decided to have a gunsmith check it this year. When I picked it up he stated it was as accurate as any bolt he had ever sighted in.

The only time I do not hunt with my BAR is when I may be in an area where there is danger (such as bear). While I have never had a problem with my BAR’s it is a simple fact that an auto could end it jamming while a bolt should not ever. I have killed running whitetail deer that I would not have been able to get a second shot off on using a bolt. The BAR is a legendary semi-auto rifle.

I want to thank everybody for sharing their experiences with me. The areas I hunt in Northern California can range from rolling oak covered but fairly open lands to dense chapparal. I think I will probably go with the BAR Safari model in 7mm Remington Magnum. I think it will have the accuracy and down range energy retention for 200 to 300 yard shots in open areas and the power to stop even big boars in dense chapparal. Again, thanks for the input.

Californiadoctor

just add my 2 cents. I have a BAR in 243 cal. that belonged to my best friend for 35 years. he passed about 10 years ago and his widow wanted me to take all his guns and sell them for her.
he had told her to make sure my wife got his browning 12 ga. auto. I paid her for the BAR.the first time I have ever hunted with it has been this year.took 4 nice bucks with it.
he got it brand new in the 60's paid less than $200.00 for it and a scope. she gave me all the papers where he got it from Western-Auto.

money can't get that gun,no price will do."Sentimental". the BAR is a fine gun.
good luck on what ever to go for.