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.
Specifications of the Browning BLR
- Model BLR Lightweight 81
- Manufacturer Browning
- Caliber 6.5 Creedmoor (also 308 Win, 22-250 Remington, 243 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, 270 Win, and 30-06 Springfield)
- Barrel Length 20.0 inches
- Stock Material Black Walnut
- Stock Finish Gloss
- Sights Adjustable rear sight
- Length 40.0 inches
- Action length Short Action
- Weight 6 pounds, 8 ounces
- Capacity 4 +1
- Action Lever Action
- Receiver Finish Polished Blued
- Barrel Material Steel
- Barrel Finish Polished Blued
- Sling Swivel Studs No
- Optics Ready Drilled and Tapped
- Loop Size Standard
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 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
- 6.5 Creedmoor makes it a reasonable choice for longer range hunting
- Black walnut stock gives it a classic aesthetic
- Comes with iron sights but is drilled and tapped for easy addition of an optic
- Detachable box magazine makes reloads faster and simpler
- No attachment points for sling
- Straight grip might be awkward or uncomfortable for some shooters
- Limited overall capacity
Report Card | ||
Shootability | Levers that can be run smoothly are great, and the BLR delivers on that. The action is smooth, the trigger has a clean break, and the rifle feels good in your hands. It’s balanced in a way that makes shooting offhand easier. This is certainly a shootable rifle and one you can enjoy even if you’re new to levers. | A- |
Reliability | The Browning BLR cycles well with all types of ammo. It’s consistently reliable which is important for a hunting rifle (but also for a defensive gun, if you intend to use it as a truck gun or home defense option). | A+ |
Ergonomics | While the ergonomic design of the BLR is generally good, the straight grip is going to prove frustrating for some shooters. It’s nice to have some curve to the grip but that doesn’t mean you can’t get used to it being straight. That said, the lever and length of pull are good for most shooters, and it fits securely into my shoulder. | B- |
Accuracy | This is an accurate rifle. At 100 yards you can easily get consistent sub-MOA groups and in its 6.5 Creedmoor chambering it’s accurate beyond that as well. Thanks to the 20-inch barrel, you can take accurate shots with it to around 400 yards before the drop rate becomes significant. | A |
Value | The BLR offers a good value for the cost. It’s been made by Browning with an eye for quality and attention detail, and that becomes clear when you run it. | A+ |
Our Grade
A-
Reviewed by Kat Ainsworth-Stevens
Reader’s Grade
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Winchester Ballistic Silvertip 6.5 Creedmoor 140 grain Polymer Tip
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| Midway USA | $30.53 |
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About Kat Ainsworth-Stevens
Kat is a respected author and dedicated student of the gun. To date, she has published three books and written thousands of articles on firearms and self-defense in print and online.
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