Browning BLR Review

Although function certain matters over form, it’s nice when a gun can both perform well and look good doing it. Creating guns like that is a talent of Browning, and with the Browning BLR they did it once again. The BLR line covers a family of lever-action rifles available in both classic and newer calibers and each rifle has something to offer the shooter. Whether you’re looking for a lever to use for hunting, as a brush gun, or even for a truck gun or home defense rifle, you’re in luck. The Browning BLR is beautifully made and delivers a stellar performance, and we’re going to give you all the details below.

Browning BLR Lightweight 81 Background

According to Browning, the inspiration behind the BLR revolved around creating a modernized lever-action that retained all the fantastic features of the original platform while offering a versatile edge. It’s a rifle that can do it all whether you’re a hardcore hunter in the mountains or just chasing varmints on your property at home in Texas. And unlike many levers, it isn’t a gun that was released in 45-70 Government or 30-30 Win and moved along. The BLR is offered in a variety of excellent calibers that offer the user options for range and purpose. 

Although we’re covering the classic black walnut BLR Lightweight 81 here, it’s definitely worth mentioning the other levers in the BLR family of guns. The BLR Lightweight 81 Stainless Takedown is designed for superior portability—you can take it apart to better fit in a pack, or in smaller spaces for storage. Then there’s the BLR Lightweight with Curved Grip which has a sharper—but curved—angle to the grip and lever. Finally, there’s a stainless version of that last model, the BLR Lightweight Stainless with Curved Grip. All the guns are available in a selection of popular and capable calibers with barrel length varying a bit by caliber between 20- and 22-inches.

Features of the Browning BLR Lightweight 81

The Browning BLR Lightweight 81 is a beautifully designed lever that offers quite a few useful features, including:

Features of the Browning BLR Lightweight 81

1 Sub-7-pound overall weight keeps it light enough to carry

2 Drilled and tapped for optics

3 Precision barrel for greater accuracy on target

4 Detachable box magazine for easy—and faster—reloading

5 Standard loop size rather than the oversized design that’s used on many modern lever-action rifles

Other Models and Colors

Browning BLR Lightweight Stainless with Curved Grip

Marketplace	Cost
Browning	$1,179.99 – $1,379.99

Browning BLR Lightweight 81—Our Take

Lever-actions aren’t niche guns, they’re functional, useful, and versatile. The great thing about the BLR is really its detachable box magazine. Not that there’s anything wrong with the tube magazines on most levers, just that it’s undeniably faster and smoother to simply seat a magazine and go on.

The standard size loop is great not because it’s a nod toward the original design but because it facilitates running the lever with greater speed without mashing your fingers uncomfortably against metal. Overall, it’s a well-made rifle that’s made in enough calibers for you to choose your favorite rather than being restricted to just one or two.

Shootability

Thanks to the BLR’s balance and the fact that it’s under seven pounds, it’s comfortable to not only carry around but fire offhand at length. The grip angle is good for most purposes, but if you require a greater curve, there’s always the BLR that comes with a curved grip. It’s definitely possible to run this lever quickly and smoothly. This is a highly shootable rifle that was made to perform and delivers.

Accuracy

With its 20-inch precision barrel, the 6.5 Creedmoor chambered BLR is fantastically accurate. In fact, it’s also precise, and you can get nice, tight groups at 100 yards. This rifle is capable of sub-MOA accuracy. That ups the reasons it’s worth considering as an addition to your gun collection whether you’re a hunter or target shooter. 

Ergonomics

The BLR in 6.5 Creedmoor has an overall length of 40 inches. It’s nicely balanced and the straightness of the grip helps you shoulder it securely. There are some downsides to the straight underside of the stock if you’re used to having the curve of a pistol grip shape to hang onto, but generally speaking it works just fine the way it is. It does have a padded buttstock to help reduce felt recoil and making shooting at length more comfortable. Ergonomically this is a sleek, well-thought-out rifle.

Value

This is a gun with a price point that hovers around $1k brand new. That’s not unusual for a well-made lever-action rifle and it’s reasonable given the design and quality of the BLR. It’s worth the investment for a gun you can count on and also pass down to future generations. 

Pros and Cons

Gun Deals

Preferred Ammo

Ammo

Winchester Ballistic Silvertip 6.5 Creedmoor 140 grain Polymer Tip

Marketplace	Cost
Midway USA	$30.53

Upgrade and Accessory Options

Upgrade and Accessory Options

1. Skinner Sights 1-6x24mm Optic		Check Price
2. Simply Rugged No Drill Sling		Check Price
3. Browning BLR Rifle Magazine		Check Price
4. Browning BAR and BLR Integral Scope Mount		Check Price