![]() (Mark Fingar photo) The BLR’s removable box magazine fits securely into the underside of the rifle without hassle. And in 1972, BLR production moved from Belgium to Miroku’s facility in Japan. Browning wanted to be certain that there would be enough BLRs in-stock when the rifle was announced. Some of those early prototypes were destroyed, while others were shipped to Fabrique National (FN) in Herstal, Belgium, where production of BLR rifles resumed in 1970 for a 1971 release. From 1966 until 1968, TRW produced some 250 BLR rifles, but only 50 were sold to the public. The company was only too happy to help Browning build the new lever action. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara stopped production of M14 rifles in 1964, which left TRW’s new machines idle. However, they had invested in firearm manufacturing machines and tooling in an effort to supply M14 rifles to the U.S. What is interesting about this fact is that TRW also produced automobile parts. Initial production of BLR rifles took place in 1966 at the Thompson Ramo Woolridge, Inc. Lewis also made it so that the trigger mechanism traveled with the lever as an assembly when the gun was cycled, which eliminated the risk of pinching the shooter’s finger against the trigger while elevating the lever and closing the bolt. It’s a simple and clever mechanical safety design, and it’s easy to rotate the hammer spur when you want to cock it and fire quickly. From the half-cock position (above, far right), the hammer spur can be pushed and rotated forward to prevent the gun from being fired. The BLR hammer has three distinct hammer positions: full cock (above, far left), half cock (above, left), and fired (above, right). The linear motion of the bolt body causes the bolt head, or “pinion,” to rotate into a secure and locked position. The cycle of operation functions on a rack-and-pinion system. Unlike most bolt guns, the BLR features eight locking lugs on the bolt head to increase its strength and longevity. Still incorporated in current-production BLR rifles, the Lewis design utilizes a rotating bolt that locks into the barrel (or receiver, on early models) for robustness. As a matter of record, Lewis was credited for designing the BLR’s action. According to Gangarosa, the BLR was a collaborative effort between Valentine (Val) Browning and Browning company employee Karl Lewis. ![]() In his book, “FN Browning: Armorer to the World” (Stoeger Pub., 320 pgs., 1999), author Gene Gangarosa offered a detailed account of the BLR’s design and production history. The lugs on the bolt head rotate into position to provide safe and secure lockup before firing. Lewis designed the BLR so that the trigger travels with the lever to eliminate the risk of pinched fingers. So let’s examine one of the brand’s most enduring designs. Now, more than five decades after its initial release in 1971, the BLR continues to attract hunters who appreciate a modern interpretation of John Browning’s lever-action legacy. The Browning Lever Rifle (BLR) is one example of a lever action that continues to survive the test of time. The front dot is fine enough for precise shooting within 250 yards. The adjustable rear sight is low and compact, while the front gold bead sight is quick to see in most daylight conditions. Hunters who prefer metallic sights will be satisfied with the BLR. As on the grip, a rosewood forend cap completes the distinguished appearance. The BLR’s two-piece stock continues with 18 LPI checkering leading the hand to the Schnabel forend. The aluminum alloy receiver on this limited-run model features a bright nickel finish as a canvas for scroll engraving. With practice, it’s possible to shoot the BLR faster than many bolt guns. The curved lever on pistol-grip models allows for very fast cycling of the action. The pistol grip has lateral swells and 18 LPI checkering that offers a more controllable grip. The AAA-graded American maple stock on the BLR White Gold Medallion Maple is both elegant and functional. Both the Savage 99 and Winchester 88 were popular in their time, but each were discontinued before the 21st century began. The Savage Model 95/99 followed, as did the Winchester Model 88, each advancing the lever-action concept. The arrangement of stacking rounds on top of each other allowed the rifle to safely function with pointed bullets. John Marlin’s side-eject design became a popular option with those wanting to pair their rifle with an optic.Īttempts to modernize the lever-action rifle continued with John Browning’s Winchester Model 1895, which accepted a box magazine instead of a tube. ![]() Another issue that some lever-action designs faced, including the Winchester Model 1894, was top ejection, which complicated scope installation.
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