First Look: Browning BLR Black Label Takedown

by
posted on November 5, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
browning_blr_f.jpg

It seems like the entire world has gone tactical, and the last gun you might have expected to make the transition was Browning’s BLR. Unlike most lever action centerfire rifles, the BLR uses a detachable, four-round magazine, making it compatible with pointed bullets, which have a higher ballistic coefficient and shoot flatter. The BLR has long been a favorite of hunters who love fast handling lever actions, but like the ability to reach across the canyon.

With its dark colored laminated stock, black finish, 16-inch barrel and Seekins flash hider, the BLR Black Label Takedown presents an ominous appearance. If you’re looking for a semi-tactical tool for battling it out with a bruin in the thick stuff—but is just as capable at whacking a whitetail across a bean fieldthis might be the ride for you. Here’s what you need to know before you take a test drive.

1. It's lightweight.
The BLR Black Label Takedown uses a lightweight aluminum receiver and weighs seven pounds, four ounces. With a 16-inch barrel it measures only 37.87" long, making it relatively light and very compact.

2. It's smooth.
A rack and pinion-gear driven system makes the BLR’s lever liquid smooth. The trigger moves with the lever to prevent finger pinch and a unique rotating hammer serves as a foolproof safety.

3. It's simple.
By flipping a latch, positioned just forward of the magazine box, the BLR’s barrel can be removed from the action. It simply pulls forward; there are no threads or lock nuts holding it in place. Takedown time: 5 seconds.

4. It's optic-ready.
It has no sights but comes with a 12.5 inch Picatinny rail that can be used to mount a traditional scope, a scout scope or a red dot style sight. It also has two, 2.5" accessory rails on the forend for attaching a light or laser for home defense or when hunting in low light conditions.

5. It's accurate.
This rifle shoots! Three shot groups at 100 yards averaged 1.49", and the best group was a diminutive 0.36". Just as importantly, taking the rifle down does not change point of impact. MSRP: $1,599.99.

Latest

W H2026 07 Knowhow Csrackboat9.17.7
W H2026 07 Knowhow Csrackboat9.17.7

How To: So You Want to Shoot a Moose!

Looking to DIY a moose hunt? It's a rewarding experience, but there are quite a few things you should know before you go. Here is a primer from someone who's been there.

New for 2026: ScentLok Women's Alpha Elite Jacket and Bib

Female hunters looking for extra-warm, late-season whitetail protection no longer must settle for oversized men's cuts. The ScentLok Women's Alpha Elite Jacket and Bib are officially shipping and available at retail, delivering a specialized fit for the dedicated late-season outdoorswoman.

Head to Head: The 9.3x62 vs. 9.3x74R

A battle of 9.3mms. While this particular caliber never really caught on here in the states, it may be time for this old safari favorite to find its way into a few more gunrooms. Check out more about them here.

RCBS Released 7mm Backcountry Reloading Die

RCBS has announced the launch of its new 7mm Backcountry Die Set. Engineered specifically to meet the demands of reloading this high-performance cartridge, the RCBS 7mm Backcountry Die Set is a unique three-die system that includes a neck sizer die, expander die and bullet seater die. The set delivers enhanced control, consistency and accuracy when reloading the 7mm BC and the patented Peak alloy cartridge case.

Hodgdon Launches Accurate High Country Powder for 7mm Backcountry

Hodgdon Powder Company have introduced Accurate High Country, an all-new spherical rifle propellant engineered for the performance demands of today's modern magnum cartridges, including Federal's new 7mm Backcountry.

IWC and Guidefitter Honor 2026 Game Warden of the Year

International Wildlife Crimestoppers (IWC), in partnership with Guidefitter, named Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game the recipient of the 2026 IWC Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award. Officer Roos received the award during International Wildlife Crimestoppers’ annual conference in July.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.