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

Example Of Blending In With Your Surroundings Camo
Example Of Blending In With Your Surroundings Camo

Understanding the Predator-Prey Dynamic and Its Influence on Hunting Strategies

Looking for a new lens through which to view your chosen hunting strategy for a specific scenario? Why not consider the natural predator/prey dynamics at work in the mind of your quarry. Read on, as Barb Melloni explores the why behind some popular hunting practices.

New for 2026: Birchwood Casey Biodegradable Firearm Cleaning Solutions

Birchwood Casey has announced the expansion of its product lineup with the introduction of several new gun cleaners, all 100-percent biodegradable. Synvex Copper Cutter, Synvex Carbon Cutter, Synvex CLP-X Oil and Synvex Bore Wash, deliver modern formulations to remove fouling with the same efficiency as traditional petroleum-based solvents.

#SundayGunday: EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at a working-class over/under shotgun from EAA; it’s called the Balikli Blue Label, and don’t let its price tag fool you—this gun is a shooter than any hunter should be happy to own. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Hawaii Attempted to Use Old Hunting Statutes to Ban Concealed Carry

In a 6-3 rebuke of Hawaii’s attempt to circumvent the U.S. Supreme Court’s NRA-backed Bruen (2022) decision, the Court ruled in Wolford v. Lopez that “Hawaii’s law prohibiting licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public without the property owner’s express authorization violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.” 

Buy a Select Beretta or TIKKA Rifle and Receive a Free Trailcam

Beretta USA is giving hunters and shooting enthusiasts even more reason to add a BRX1 rifle to their collection this month.

Wild Game Recipe: Wild Bird Yakitori

There’s nothing quite like standing around a tailgate after a successful hunt, birds laid out and admired, beers being passed around. That kind of casual, fire-driven cooking isn’t all that different from a Japanese grilling method called yakitori. Read on for a great twist on a classic by Game Girl Gourmet's Chef Holly Hearn.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.