Browning BLR Model 81 .243 Win., 20-Inch Lever Action Rifle, 1982 Japanese-Made Steel Receiver
This 1982 Browning BLR Model 81 combines classic lever-action handling with a modern rotating-bolt design that safely chambers high-pressure .243 Winchester cartridges. Built by Miroku in Japan, it features a polished blue steel receiver, a 20-inch sporter barrel, and straight-grip walnut furniture with schnabel-tipped fore-end. The detachable box magazine lets you use spitzer bullets, while the gold-plated trigger travels with the lever to prevent finger pinch. Overall condition is very good with an excellent bore, making it a strong candidate for hunting or collection.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are a few small, superficial scratches and blemishes on the metal and wood surfaces, none affecting function. The bore is bright, smooth, and free of pitting.
What’s Included
- Nylon/leather rifle sling (installed)
The steel-receiver Model 81 was produced from 1981 to 1994 and is now discontinued, adding long-term collectability to this rifle. The “PY” serial suffix confirms 1982 manufacture, one of the earliest years for this updated BLR series.
A rack-and-pinion geared lever drives a rotating, multi-lug bolt, giving the BLR strength comparable to many bolt actions. This design, paired with the detachable four-round box magazine, lets the rifle use pointed .243 Winchester bullets for efficient down-range performance.
The straight-grip walnut stock and schnabel-tipped fore-end wear a factory gloss finish and diamond-point checkering for secure handling. Metalwork shows Browning’s polished blue finish, complemented by a gold-plated trigger that moves with the lever for a smooth, pinch-free stroke.
Iron sights include a ramped gold-bead front and an adjustable folding rear. The receiver is factory drilled and tapped, so mounting an optic is straightforward if desired.