Browning blr 81 value.

[duesenberg1]

I have a browning blr 81 lever action in .308. I have tried searching the private firearms for sale section to get pricing, but everyone deletes prices when they sell. It is the earlier steel receiver, non takedown. The finish has no scratches and the stock is in good shape. About what would a rifle like this go for?

[tmh1]

Seems like a lot of Browning rifles are available in spurts, as they may only have production runs a few times a year. Right now the modern BLR81's in 308 are available - Davidson's has a few in stock. Doing a search around a metro area (L.A.) you will find prices starting from less than $900 OTD ($891 and change). That includes tax and DROS, and the LIFETIME warranty from Davidson's.

While the BLR's are known to have a smooth and strong action, and are the only current lever guns which can shoot high powered cartridges with Spitzer bullets, it is also known that Browning does not have a specific written warranty, and that most gunsmiths won't touch the BLRs (due to their complexity) if they need work. As such, they have not been as popular a gun as one might think they would be.

I'm no expert but if I can get a brand new gun for under $900 with a lifetime warranty, then I wouldn't be looking at purchasing a used, non-warranted gun for anything above $650-$700 (if it were in excellent condition). That is IMHO only, and YMMV, etc., etc.

P.S.: I guess that I am a BLR "fanboy". I had one in 308 which was lost (long story), and I currently have one in .223. How cool is that: A lever gun which shoots the same round as my AR type rifles! My .223 BLR was a relatively recent purchase, and brand new it was $812 (not through Davidson's, so I didn't get their lifetime warranty). This was for the pistol grip stocked model, which is generally just a bit more expensive than the straight stocked models.

[hk91666]

I bought one recently, within a year from out of state for $600.00 including shipping from a pawn shop on gunbroker, vintage 197x per serial number. I have seen others up to $900.

I love 308, am a lefty, and its a browning. What more could you ask....

I had to add a scope , mount, and sling.

[rm1911]

I had a chance to buy one of those many years ago. I ended up buying a sporterized 03A3 instead. Was just looking for an inexpensive deer rifle and the 81 was much more. I wish I has bought that 81. The 03A3 has been awesome and I love it...except when I'm packing it up the mountains!!

Great rifles. Lever and 308, an awesome pairing.