Older "NEW" Rifle

[Bull Elk]

I've acquired a few Browning BAR's. One is a 1980 model .270 that's new, never been fired. It was sitting in the previous owners gun safe for all these years. It even had a similar era Redfield 3-9x40 Widefield scope that I've taken off the rifle. Since its almost 35 years old and never cleaned, should I just clean it as you would any other rifle or should I do something different?

Thanks

[BKinzey]

Like any other rifle AFAIK.

[as_rocketman]

Never been fired?

Give it a good clean like you would any ordinary firearm. Pay attention to the chamber and the piston to make sure there's no caked-on dried-out packing grease. Also make sure there's no buildup in the barrel... but assuming it was stored properly, it should be no big deal. Remember, no lubricant on the piston, it should be bone dry. Be careful with the wooden forearm when disassembling.

BAR's are terrific rifles. I have a .270 BAR, going on 20 years and it's never ever let me down. Enjoy.

[Merc1138]

Clean it. Inspect it for damage while you're cleaning it. Make sure any springs aren't weak/useless(replace them if necessary). Shoot it.

That's what I'd do with any other rifle. I don't see how a 35 year old BAR would be any different.

[Bull Elk]

Never fired...

Never been fired?

Give it a good clean like you would any ordinary firearm. Pay attention to the chamber and the piston to make sure there's no caked-on dried-out packing grease. Also make sure there's no buildup in the barrel... but assuming it was stored properly, it should be no big deal. Remember, no lubricant on the piston, it should be bone dry. Be careful with the wooden forearm when disassembling.

BAR's are terrific rifles. I have a .270 BAR, going on 20 years and it's never ever let me down. Enjoy.

The previous owner is 89 years old. He said he had always wanted a BAR but said it was too pretty to shoot. Due to declining health he sold it too me because there are no hunters in his family.

[Bull Elk]

^^^^^