Browning BLR Pre-Model 81 .308 Win, Steel Receiver, 20 in Barrel, 1970, Walnut Stock
This first-generation Browning BLR is a pre-Model 81 with a steel receiver, chambered in .308 Win and manufactured in 1970. It features the early barrel-band fore-end, a 20-inch barrel, and a detachable 4-round magazine. Period-correct rollmarks include the Morgan, Utah & Montreal P.Q. address and Patent No. 3,677,731, highlighting its early production configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Fouling: Mild Fouling - Light buildup of fouling or dirt.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There is heavy finish wear across exposed metal surfaces, and areas of pitting are present.
What’s Included
- Two-piece scope bases installed on receiver (unbranded)
- 1x 4-round BLR-pattern detachable box magazine (steel)
This BLR represents the first-generation, steel-receiver configuration that predates the Model 81 update. It uses a 20-inch steel barrel and a fore-end retained by a single barrel band, paired with a detachable 4-round magazine for a 4+1 capacity in .308 Win.
The rifle carries period rollmarks including Browning Arms Company Morgan, Utah & Montreal P.Q. on the barrel and Patent No. 3,677,731. The date code "K70" indicates 1970 manufacture, placing it at the front of the BLR’s production history.
Its action is a lever-action with a rotating, multi-lug bolt, and the trigger-in-lever design is characteristic of this series. The receiver is steel with a blued finish, matching the blued steel barrel.
Sighting equipment includes a ramped front blade and a folding rear leaf with a step elevator. The walnut stock shows cut checkering and is fitted with a ventilated recoil pad and a white-line spacer. Length of pull measures 13.75 inches. Two-piece scope bases are installed on the receiver to accept compatible rings.