Browning BLR Grade I Pre-Model 81 .308 Win Lever-Action Rifle, 20 inch Barrel (1980)
This first-generation Browning BLR Grade I in .308 Win was manufactured in 1980 and features the pre–Model 81 configuration. It pairs a 20 inch barrel and blued finish with gloss walnut furniture, and uses the BLR's rotating multi-lug bolt and detachable magazine system for reliable performance with modern pointed bullets.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: Scratches are present on the receiver. Light pitting is visible in very infrequent spots.
What’s Included
- Browning BLR Grade I Pre-Model 81 rifle
- 1x factory Browning BLR detachable box magazine, 4-round
The pre–Model 81 BLR uses a lever-driven rack-and-pinion system with a rotating multi-lug bolt, combining classic lever-action handling with secure bolt lockup. The trigger moves with the lever during cycling, and the rifle features an exposed hammer and a lever loop.
The solid-top receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases and uses a right-side ejection port. The 20 inch barrel is paired with practical iron sights: a hoodless ramp front sight with a small bead and a folding rear leaf with an elevator.
The rifle wears gloss walnut furniture with cut checkering on the grip and forend. Stock details include a straight-profile pistol grip, a ventilated recoil pad with a white-line spacer, and sling swivel studs. Length of pull is 13.5 inches.
Chambered in .308 Win with a 4+1 capacity, this Grade I configuration delivers the BLR's detachable box magazine system, enabling the use of pointed bullets while maintaining the fast handling of a lever-action design. The blued finish completes the classic presentation.