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

LEDE Chest Pack Hoodie Pants
LEDE Chest Pack Hoodie Pants

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Series

Blocker Outdoors' Finisher Series is a one stop shop for turkey hunters looking to streamline their clothing and gear in the field. Read on for some of the top pieces in this lineup, designed to keep hunters cool and comfortable, while maintaining easy access to essentials.

Know How: Shed Hunting Hellholes

Mark Kayser's fascination with shed antler hellholes kicked off and continues today in whitetail country. Not satisfied with the occasional shed antler found in stubble fields, hay grounds and open pastures, he turned his attention to the thickest, steepest and nastiest geography in the whitetail woods. Here’s why you should consider putting on your big boy pants for a deep dive into the extremes for shed antler rewards.

New for 2026: Federal X Henry Birthday Boy Collector's Edition Ammo

For 2026, Federal Ammunition has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to produce a collector's series ammunition. This limited-edition load was developed for Henry's commemorative .45-70 Government Golden Boy lever-action rifle, touted as the Birthday Boy.

New for 2026: Badlands Mag Turkey Vest

Badlands has released its Mag Turkey Vest, purpose-built for run-and-gun turkey hunters.

#SundayGunday: Spartan Vidarr Disc-Lok Bipod

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a new entry from Spartan Precision Equipment that heralds a whole new line of gear from the innovative brand. The Vidarr bipod utilizes a brand new attachment system called Disc-Lok. Why create a whole new system, you ask? Well, if Spartan's MagnaSwitch is the ultralight QD system for hunters looking to travel light, the Disc-Lok adds a few more ounces in pursuit of extreme stability. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Public Opportunity on Private Land: Walk-in Access Programs

State game managers have come up with an array of walk-in access programs for private lands. These state-led initiatives partner with willing landowners to open thousands—sometimes millions—of acres of land to the public at little or no extra cost. Read on for some of the best options in the country.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.