Browning BAR-any input?

[Acmemfg]

Although I have/had no issues whatsoever with my Remington 700s, I was starting to think having a rifle which had quick 2nd shot capability might be a better idea than not. I have been a Remington fan for years but continued to hear mixed results about their 750 series rifles. Didn't think a Browning would be in the mix (although I'm a big Browning fan too-my BPS and Citori are both superb firearms, but the price on BARs seemed more than just a bit steep), but I stumbled on a SHOT Show Limited run of the BAR (New) located at a shop in Minnesota, and the price was VERY reasonable (like much less than $1,000-no tax and shipping included, PLUS I think I can get a rebate from Browning). That being said I pulled the trigger (pun intended) and it is now on the way here.

As my .270 Win just wasn't getting the love it needed, we have parted ways and I am pretty sure it will go to good use. The BAR will be a .30-06, which I have long believed to be the BEST all-purpose cartridge. Actually as I am thinning the arsenal, my Remington 700 (in .30-06) will be on the block within a week.

Question(s)..........

Anyone have much good to say from their first hand use of the BAR (Safari Model) in .30-06? Maintenance issues? Failures?
Also, just how effective will this rifle prove to be for use in a prairie or mountain range hunting environment (like 300+ yard shots)? Some rumor has it that although the BAR is a great woods rifle (which is mostly what I do anyway), it isn't quite as good as a bolt in such applications; I am curious as to how it may fare elsewhere.

Comments???

 

[bamafan64]

I hunted with my Dad's 30.06 BAR for a few years. He bought it when they first came out and as he has gotten older, he wanted a lighter rifle. I didn't try many different loads with it, but with ballistic tips I could out shoot the rifle. It wasn't very accurate, at least in my opinion, so I went back to a bolt action 30.06. In fairness, though, I have two coworkers who have bought newer BARs and they get really good accuracy with theirs.

 

[FlatFork]

I once owned a Remington semi auto aka (jam-o-matic) and I traded up to the Browning A Bolt and I have never looked back. My A bolt. 308 is a tack driver. I don't think I even know anyone who hunts big game with anything other than a bolt action rifle. Its completely up to you on how you spend your hard earned money but I would never even think about another semi auto rifle for big game. Another thing is that I own several
brand name rifles and they are far more accurate than any semi auto rifle I've ever shot. That's my 2 cents worth and I've only hunted big game for the past 25 years so hopefully someone with more knowledge me can chime in and set me straight.

 

[Acmemfg]

Well as I can see no real good reason to replace my Remington 700 .30-06 I think I'll keep it and pick up a BAR in .300 Win. Magnum.

Word has it that years back, the semi-auto hunting rifles as a whole left something to be desired, but as time/technology progressed, the Browning product became pretty much as accurate a rifle as most people would want or need. Indeed the M110 (Knight Armament) did a fair job of replacing the M24 bolt action in the military sniper environment...so much for the accuracy concerns of semi-auto vs. bolt as far as the military sees it I guess.

For sure I'll be keeping the Remington; I will also always have a lever rifle in the arsenal as well. I do see the advantage of quick 2nd shot capability with the BAR though that will earn it an audition.

 

[Mick]

Well as I can see no real good reason to replace my Remington 700 .30-06 I think I'll keep it and pick up a BAR in .300 Win. Magnum.

Word has it that years back, the semi-auto hunting rifles as a whole left something to be desired, but as time/technology progressed, the Browning product became pretty much as accurate a rifle as most people would want or need. Indeed the M110 (Knight Armament) did a fair job of replacing the M24 bolt action in the military sniper environment...so much for the accuracy concerns of semi-auto vs. bolt as far as the military sees it I guess.

For sure I'll be keeping the Remington; I will also always have a lever rifle in the arsenal as well. I do see the advantage of quick 2nd shot capability with the BAR though that will earn it an audition.

If you don't have an aversion to older rifles and you like Remington you may want to see if you can locate a Remington model 81 in 35 Remington. It is not a cannon like the 300 mag but I doubt you will be shooting Cape Buffalo with your rifle anyway.

The model 8 (later improvements to that rifle were called the model 81) was designed by the master himself (John Browning) and it is one fine auto loading rifle.

 

[Wm. T]

Once you get into triple digit yardage , a bolt action begin to outshine ANY auto. And the greater the yardage , the greater the palatable difference.
And going for a follow-up shot at that yardage makes it even worse IMHO.

 

[Mick]

Once you get into triple digit yardage , a bolt action begin to outshine ANY auto. And the greater the yardage , the greater the palatable difference.
And going for a follow-up shot at that yardage makes it even worse IMHO.

The best long range "shooter" I own is a 7x61 Sharp & Heart custom built on an Enfield bolt action. Can tap out a ways with that one. Great for getting Antelope over on the other ridge.

 

[jlanger]

Well as I can see no real good reason to replace my Remington 700 .30-06 I think I'll keep it and pick up a BAR in .300 Win. Magnum.

Word has it that years back, the semi-auto hunting rifles as a whole left something to be desired, but as time/technology progressed, the Browning product became pretty much as accurate a rifle as most people would want or need. Indeed the M110 (Knight Armament) did a fair job of replacing the M24 bolt action in the military sniper environment...so much for the accuracy concerns of semi-auto vs. bolt as far as the military sees it I guess.

For sure I'll be keeping the Remington; I will also always have a lever rifle in the arsenal as well. I do see the advantage of quick 2nd shot capability with the BAR though that will earn it an audition.

If you like a lever, the BLR is an excellent gun as well, just don't try to take it apart yourself! (the gearing in it is a bit complex!)

 

[Acmemfg]

If you like a lever, the BLR is an excellent gun as well, just don't try to take it apart yourself! (the gearing in it is a bit complex!)

I have wanted to consider one of those; there was just one problem...not available in .30-30, which is a cartridge I just like and is well proven in medium range (100-125 yards) when using the right ammunition. I am a big fan of Hornady's LeveRevolution load.

 

[jlanger]

True, though frankly at those ranges, 30/30 caliber a BLR is a bit overkill. 30/30 doesn't need the bolt style that the BLR has. My model 94 does the trick there, though I'm sure a few Marlin guys might say differently
I have a Savage 30/30 witch has been known to make a few extremely long range shots for a 30/30. My dad dropped a buck at around 300 yards with it a number of years ago. I was darned impressed.

 

[Acmemfg]

So...seems as a friend really took a shine to my Remington 700 ADL

and offered a decent price (minus the Bushnell scope); it was rifle shopping time once more.
Found a BRAND NEW Browning A-Bolt II in .30-06 for $659. Not a bad price I'm thinking, especially as it's the Medallion version with the spiffy wood and engraved receiver.
Looks like the Remington inventory has diminished significantly (still have a couple Remington shotguns I will NEVER part with) and this has become a Browning household indeed.
That works for me....................

 

[Mick]

I went to using Drillings and Cape guns decades ago for deer hunting. Never regretted it. One shot, one kill. Makes hunting a little more fair and sporting for those on the other end of the cross hairs