BLR vs 81 vs 81L

[Savorino]

I was wondering about the pro's and con's of the various changes in the Browning BLR. Is the present Light version all that bad? Or is it worth holding out for a steel one?  Are there differences in quality?
Sav

[Ganjiro]

The aluminum receiver BLRs are more than strong enough to handle whatever abuse, as well as ammo pressures.  Some oldtimers have a hard time accepting aluminum recievers in a high power rifle.  The steel receiver BLRs are Belguim made, the aluminum Japan made. They are both of excellent quality.  I think the steel receiver guns are not as attractive due to narrower receiver which makes the magazine hang way down below the receiver, an eyesore IMHO.  The newer aluminum recievers are wider, and the magazine is flush with the bottom.  You really can't go wrong with either.  It's a great design with multiple lugs tying directly with the barrel making this gun a lever opperated bolt action, VERY strong.

[Harry Snippe]

I had the older model 81in 308 . The rifle worked nice, but needed a major sight in if the loads were changed and it had a tight chamber .
I sold it .
Just bought a new light weight 81 in 358W.
The rifle is a bit stiff understandable since it is new.
It is light, the fit is excellent and was sighted in for 50 yards using winchester ammo from the factory. A few clicks up brought the rifle on at 100Yards . I was impressed with the rifle straight out of the box.
The trigger felt a bit odd, but I am sure that time will work things for the better.  Then I am used to 2LB pulls on bolt action rifles.

Made in Japan ? Well the workmanship is quality,just like the FN.

[Savorino]

Thanks for the info!
sav

[quickdtoo]

The steel receiver BLRs are Belguim made, the aluminum Japan made. They are both of excellent quality./quote]

You must be referring to the late models as I have a Japan built mdl 81 with a steel receiver. Quite hansome it is and moa accuracy with factory ammo.