Beretta BRX1

[Heym SR20]

These look a good rifle for the money. If you are shooting or quick follow the way I was taught to use a bolt action is drop the stock from your shoulder pocket during recoil and reload down in front of you keeping your eyes on your quarry.

Dropping it down gives you full vision and allows to see what is going on.

And then for the follow keep your eyes the prize, bring the gun up and as the sights engage squeeze the trigger.

When shooting fast shotgunning technique really comes into play and pushing the rifle to line up on the quarry automatically lines up the sights.

You want to set the scope so that you get full sight picture as you mount the rifle.

Trying to reload any form of bolt whilst its in your shoulder is very off putting, especially with longer bolt throws, and its not really a question of how fast you can reload, but much how accurate is the 2nd, third and fourth shots.

 

[yam]

Hi,

New to this forum, but thought I'll give a short review of my personal experience with the brx1.

Have had it in 30-06 22" barrel since August, 5 deers downed at ranges of between 40-230m in varying weather (+15 - -5 C) and lighting conditions. Max hunting comfortable distance approx 300m. Overall very happy with the gun, no issues in the field handling and reloading or otherwise.

+ the bolt action is very fast, smooth, predictable and precise even as being a long action. Can't say I would actually notice any difference between long and short ones out in the field cycling it.
+ the three stage safety, I really like the placement and works well even if a little bit stiff, but ones used to it not an issue
+ trigger (have it at the lightest 900g setting), ones in the field hunting I don't even notice it when pulling off the shot
+ accuracy, no issues here at out to well past +200 meters. But what else to expect from a 30-06?
+ ambidextrous as I am left handed and my sons are not. Really easy to change from left to right even in the field if needed.
+ interchangeable barrel/caliber, I have an open purchase license for a second 6.5 CR barrel
+ well balanced without a silencer. Silencer installed makes it as expected somewhat front heavy. Would probably go with a 20" barrel if using a silencer.
+ integrated picatinny rail, makes life easy and scopes interchangeable
+ I like the magazine a lot, both coloring and function
+ price, got it at a "sale" for 1439€.

- stock, feels plasticky and much more so than my Tikka T3x Lite or CTR, also the hollowness is disturbing me. But at this price point, ok, you can't have it all.
- lack of those interchangeable barrels on the market. Would prefer to do the deer/roe hunt with the 6.5 without silencer and leave the 30-06 for bigger game. Hopefully they get those barrels out of the factory in time for next season before my purchase license expires...

Of course one size doesn't fit all and the final results out hunting are more like the sum of the capabilities of the caliber/ammunition, the gun and the shooter. But in my case the gun seems to be a good match to my use and expectations and thereby making me very happy with my purchase. The stock I might upgrade sometime in the future when there are alternatives on the market.

 

[Foxyboy43]

Good review thanks for posting. I handled one recently and thought it was a good rifle at a very reasonable price so might yet buy one.
As you regularly swop it with others and switch the bolt handle do be very aware of the potential for s slamfire if you put the handle on facing forward rather than rearward - this causes the firing pin to protrude with very dangerous results on closing. I am unaware of a recall but Beretta seem to be quietly “improving” this dangerous issue.
I posted this link before but worth repeating.
Enjoy it sir.

 

[yam]

Checked my gun - the bolt handle axis is asymetric and doesn't allow you to insert it in any more than the supposed direction facing rearward. Either way, left or right.

Maybe my gun is just a more recent production run with the issue resolved.

 

[Zio65]

good morning everyone, I was following the discussion on this gun that I own and I'm getting on well with it in the 30.06 caliber the carbine mechanism derives directly from the Beretta ARX automatic, a military weapon which unlike the BRX is gas operated while in the latter it is manual, I have only used it on wild boar and deer with 165 ogives, to date nothing to complain about here with us a year ago both those already sold and those that were in stores were recalled

 

[Adyb]

See what works best for you but classic running boar technique involves taking a series of shots with the stock mounted in shoulder and locked on target. The key with a bolt or linear action is to practice doing this without disturbing this locked in line of sight or your swing while engaging the moving target. Dismounting will certainly not allow as fast a follow-up but either way needs practice to be effective.
The chap in this demonstrates quite nicely from @2mins..

These look a good rifle for the money. If you are shooting or quick follow the way I was taught to use a bolt action is drop the stock from your shoulder pocket during recoil and reload down in front of you keeping your eyes on your quarry.

Dropping it down gives you full vision and allows to see what is going on.

And then for the follow keep your eyes the prize, bring the gun up and as the sights engage squeeze the trigger.

When shooting fast shotgunning technique really comes into play and pushing the rifle to line up on the quarry automatically lines up the sights.

You want to set the scope so that you get full sight picture as you mount the rifle.

Trying to reload any form of bolt whilst its in your shoulder is very off putting, especially with longer bolt throws, and its not really a question of how fast you can reload, but much how accurate is the 2nd, third and fourth shots.

 

[stevec]

See what works best for you but classic running boar technique involves taking a series of shots with the stock mounted in shoulder and locked on target. The key with a bolt or linear action is to practice doing this without disturbing this locked in line of sight or your swing while engaging the moving target. Dismounting will certainly not allow as fast a follow-up but either way needs practice to be effective.
The chap in this demonstrates quite nicely from @2mins..

What am amazing moustache! If I was a boar, I would surrender as soon as I saw it.

Must be a risk though, I wonder if he has ever got it caught in the action?

 

[Adyb]

What am amazing moustache! If I was a boar, I would surrender as soon as I saw it.

Must be a risk though, I wonder if he has ever got it caught in the action?

That's why he's shooting a helix, tache would have no chance with an R8, sorry Blaser mob, another black mark...

 

[TonyC]

Just got back from a boar trip where a friend used one of these in 30;-06, very impressed, he also had a spare mag. Compared very well with my blaser and others with helix and made me think what a good buy. Several in the group also impressed.

 

[Selous]

Have just had hands on the BRX1 for the first time. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised as it offers 90% of a Blaser for 50% of the money. The Sako S20 in comparison felt pretty poor.
Can any of you give an update on longer term ownership and realistic expectations of accuracy @yam @Tris88 @pbear94

 

[pbear94]

Have just had hands on the BRX1 for the first time. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised as it offers 90% of a Blaser for 50% of the money. The Sako S20 in comparison felt pretty poor.
Can any of you give an update on longer term ownership and realistic expectations of accuracy @yam @Tris88 @pbear94

As a rifle that I wouldn't normally buy I wouldn't say I'm enjoying it, but equally I'm not enjoying it. For me it ticked enough boxes at the time so I chose to live with it. Be nice when they bring out an aftermarket stock as the cheek weld is low. Trigger works. Don't know why, but I'm just not into straight pulls. Having said that it is pretty slick and fast to rack another round. Wish they would bring out an adjustable stock for it and someone to stick a up there arse to get the barrel kits sorted and available.

So on conclusion would I buy it all over again? Probably yeah. Its light enough, shoots straight assuming I do my part and is a brilliant idea. Think they ran before they could crawl with the marketing though.....

 

[yam]

Have just had hands on the BRX1 for the first time. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised as it offers 90% of a Blaser for 50% of the money. The Sako S20 in comparison felt pretty poor.
Can any of you give an update on longer term ownership and realistic expectations of accuracy @yam @Tris88 @pbear94

With some 9 months of ownership I would not consider it very long, but ok, still very satisfied with an additional 3 deers down since beginning of December.

I can also line up with the critics expressed by pbear94 even if I might consider them more minor issues. The safety is still feeling too stiff especially after some hours out in the winter cold when your fingers start loosing some feel and strength.

As a hunting rifle I can't blame the accuracy. The shots have all been where I hoped they would be within a roughly 1-2 inch radius on distances up to some 230 meters even on slowly moving targets. But shot in restricted light conditions in a hunting situation it's not the gun neither the ammo, but the shooter to be "blamed" for those deviations. My guess is a sure 1 moa accuracy on my 30-06 barrel as marketed. I'll take it to the 300 range in the late spring and sight it in on that distance with some new ballistic turrets for hunting shots up to and past 400 meters and then I'll have probably some real experience regarding accuracy.

 

[sauer]

6.5 .308 .30-06

Are they planning another calipers (hopefully .223 )?

Paul

 

[yam]

6.5 .308 .30-06

Are they planning another calipers (hopefully .223 )?

Paul

As of now they have the 308, 30-06 and 300 WinMag in production and the 6.5 CM in the pipeline. I know there has been wild guesses (and high hopes) for the 9.3x62 here in Europe. Maybe some .338 too. I'm not so sure about those lighter calibers as the semi-auto ar-10 boom seems to dominate the gun sales in those categories. Personally I'd guess on maybe the .243 (or 6 CM) at first at the smaller end. These are only my very personal opinions and guesswork.

 

[Foxyboy43]

I have handled a couple and quite liked them but was put off by the quietly reported slam-fire issue - this has gone very quiet - anyone got an update?

 

[ejg]

At the IWA show we had another look at the Beretta BRX1 and thought she just looks and feels cheap. I have a R8 but refuse to shoot with it. Other fancy Euro "Handspanner" straight pull rifles don't interest me. I was very pleasantly surprised when handling the Strasser RS 700. Although I have not shot it yet or taken it apart I think I'd chance buying one. The straight pull functions without the need of pressing buttons, normal aftermarket Remmy triggers like Triggertech, Timney etc can be fitted as well as standard Remmy stocks. The Stasser design engineer of this action pulled out a dummy barrelled action from his bag and we fitted it to a stock of ours without an issue. Maybe it fixes a problem that doesn't exist but at least for those looking to buy a straight pull it is another option.

edi

 

[baguio]

I have handled a couple and quite liked them but was put off by the quietly reported slam-fire issue - this has gone very quiet - anyone got an update?

It’s mentioned by someone earlier in this thread who says that it’s not possible with his rifle so looks like it’s been fixed.

 

[yam]

@ejg You're right: the brx1 IS cheap compared with both the R8 and Strasser RS 700. I do not have that much excess money to invest if I can get a working solution at a feasible price. I don't need all the bells and whistles, just a reliable tool for harvesting deer and moose.

Btw: Why do you refuse to shoot with your R8?

 

[ejg]

Yam, I presume one needs to build up trust to a rifle. I am a little old school with materials and engineering and don't like some short cut solutions. Maybe if the BRX1 proves itself over time I will change my mind. The Blaser is overly complicated and just don't get the idea of a rifle without a safety. Even my Marlin has a "Handspanner" as well as a safety. I also have several cheap rifles or well used actions that were re-barrelled. Prefer lightweight accurate rifles.
edi

 

[yam]

@ejg, The beauty of the brx1 for me does not lie in the straight pull action but the fully ambidextrous design. I'm left handed and my sons are not. Now I can invest in a weapon which will have some value even for them in the coming years as they get into hunting as a hobby we can share.

I'm quite impressed with both the design and implementation enabling the switch from left to right and back in minutes. That feature I really regard IMPRESSIVE. Otherwise I think it's a good and well thought out working gun with a cheap stock well suited for some rough treatment in harsh conditions at a really nice price point. And the straight pull is working fine for me even if that isn't my main reason for buying it.