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 LCO Pro F2
LEDE LCO Pro F2

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Member's Best 2026

I am heartened by this year’s entries. In addition to fabulous photographs, almost all of you delivered exceptional narratives of your hunts. We used your very words wherever possible because it’s an honor to see you all rise to such an occasion as sharing a special moment with your fellow hunters. You now know a little bit about what drives an outdoor writer. —J. Scott Olmsted, Editor in Chief

New for 2026: Vortex Crossfire II

Available with either a red or green dot, the Vortex Crossfire II Red Dot lineup brings added function to the Crossfire series.

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

New for 2026: ALPS Mountaineering Micro Air Pump

ALPS Mountaineering has released its Micro Air portable air pump. Compact and convenient, this pump packs a punch of inflation and is small enough to be hooked to a keychain without sticking out. This air pump delivers plenty of power without worrying about a battery going dead because it is connected to an external power bank.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.