Browning BLR re-barrel

[griff]

Has anyone had a BLR re-barrelled, what if any are the problems?

Regards
G

 

[alberta boy]

I've seen exactly one rebarreled BLR in about 45 years . It can be done with some versions , but is extremely difficult with others . The pre-81 models have screw in barrels with bolt locking seats machined into the receiver . Post 81 have both ( not sure how to tell which is which ) screw in and press fit barrels with bolt locking seats machined into the barrels . The alloy receiver non takedown models I'm not sure of , but also have locking seats machined into the barrel . The take down models are just that and would need to have locking lug seats machined into a extension of the barrel . Any of the above would probably cost the same as , or more than , a new BLR . I've worked on quite a few BLR's over the years as well as owning a few . Great little rifles , but not a lot of fun to work on . About half of the BLR's I have fixed over the years had the same problem . Their owners had taken them apart and couldn't put them back together . Indexing the rack and pinion gearing between the bolt and lever can be a pain . I can do it , but I'd rather not .
There are other models that would be a lot easier to work on , the Savage 99 first and foremost . It is a , IMHO , far better design than the BLR . It is a lot simpler and very easy to work on . What cartridge did you have in mind for a conversion ?

AB

 

[griff]

I've seen exactly one rebarreled BLR in about 45 years . It can be done with some versions , but is extremely difficult with others . The pre-81 models have screw in barrels with bolt locking seats machined into the receiver . Post 81 have both ( not sure how to tell which is which ) screw in and press fit barrels with bolt locking seats machined into the barrels . The alloy receiver non takedown models I'm not sure of , but also have locking seats machined into the barrel . The take down models are just that and would need to have locking lug seats machined into a extension of the barrel . Any of the above would probably cost the same as , or more than , a new BLR . I've worked on quite a few BLR's over the years as well as owning a few . Great little rifles , but not a lot of fun to work on . About half of the BLR's I have fixed over the years had the same problem . Their owners had taken them apart and couldn't put them back together . Indexing the rack and pinion gearing between the bolt and lever can be a pain . I can do it , but I'd rather not .
There are other models that would be a lot easier to work on , the Savage 99 first and foremost . It is a , IMHO , far better design than the BLR . It is a lot simpler and very easy to work on . What cartridge did you have in mind for a conversion ?

AB

7-08 ackley.

 

[Ronin]

I missed your call ,,,,,,

 

[griff]

Twice!! Third time unforgiveable!!!

 

[User00033]

The modern alloy receiver non-takedown BLR has a threaded steel insert press fitted into the receiver, and the barrel screws into the insert.

 

[griff]

Hi Dodgy, when you say modern, are we talking 2000 or pre 2000?

 

[User00033]

Most of the alloy receivers are on BLR Lightweight 81 models, 2003 - on.

Some are on the first alloy receiver models (“Lightening”) 1995 - ?.

There was a debate about this on our forum a while ago and some of the common press fit / screwed myths about BLR construction were busted by two of our gunsmiths, one of whom is my mate who is the head gunsmith at DPT.

These to both know their stuff simply because they are regularly unscrewing BLR barrels in order to thread them for suppression. It was interesting to see them stating facts in the face of some vehement argument from people who had never been inside a BLR in their life! Only on internet forums...

 

[alberta boy]

The modern alloy receiver non-takedown BLR has a threaded steel insert press fitted into the receiver, and the barrel screws into the insert.

There you go , I stand corrected . I wonder how hard it would be to unscrew the barrel , I'd be a little nervous putting an action wrench on an alloy receiver .

AB

 

[User00033]

View into the action looking into the chamber, you can see the steel insert forward of the black finished alloy:



View looking back towards the action along the barrel, you can see the insert quite clearly:



A Browning BLR Lightweight stainless barrel:

 

[alberta boy]

7-08 ackley.

Great cartridge . What model BLR do you have ?

AB

 

[User00033]

@griff

Just to clarify - I'm talking specifically here about the Lightweight models, not BLR in general.

I wouldn't have a clue about the old steel receivers, pre-81 or 81. From what I can gather, some are threaded, some are pressed.

So very much depends which one you've got.

 

[griff]

Hi all,
I haven't got one yet, I have been offered one in 22.250, what year it is I do not know.
Just wanted a project for over the festive period.
I am currently running a Sako 75 in 7-08 AI,and fancied another in a short barrelled truck gun, 16-18" barrel.
Will need something to do over crimbo..

 

[griff]

Lathe hasn't been running for a month or so, so will have to make some swarf over festive period or the missus might think it surplus to requirements, and come up with the idea of selling it..

 

[maxmax75]

The modern alloy receiver non-takedown BLR has a threaded steel insert press fitted into the receiver, and the barrel screws into the insert.

Hi are you saying the barrel just straightforward unscrews out of the receiver without pulling it and the insert out first?
I am trying to get this done on mine for muzzle thread but gunsmith doesn't know what to do.