Next project - Browning BLR 9.3x62

[curtism1234]

I have been toying with the idea of a 375 ruger in a BLR. However, a like new walnut takedown model became available in 30-06 so I jumped on that. JES should be able to rebore a takedown model and should be able to rebore it to 9.3x62. I will likely need to send it off a second time to fix the trigger (my other blr started off at like 10 pounds). By the time its all said and done I will probably have $2200 into the rifle and resale value of half that, but this thing should be able to put 4 shots into a buffalo as fast as you can rack the lever.

This will be a 6 month process. I will keep the thread updated

 

[Shootist43]

Different, but if that's what floats your boat, go for it.

 

[TTundra]

I started down this road wanting a 375 Ruger BLR. I spoke to smith's, and got quotes, but it was just too much at the time. A 9 3x62 should be straight forward for JES and like the 1895 wins done in it, a great rifle.

 

[Joker12]

Interesting project. The same could be done with a Winchester M1895. Either would be a lot of reliable firepower!

 

[curtism1234]

I started down this road wanting a 375 Ruger BLR. I spoke to smith's, and got quotes, but it was just too much at the time. A 9 3x62 should be straight forward for JES and like the 1895 wins done in it, a great rifle.

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but for the rest of the group - the BLR is a tough one to work on. There are only 1 or 2 well known gunsmiths in the US that can do the trigger job (some others may try but hard telling what it's going to come back like). Maybe I'll get lucky and it will be no more than 5 pounds from the factory (I highly doubt it)

The regular models are expensive enough, but you can only rebore a takedown model which costs more (and on top of that the Blued / Wood version has been discontinued for a while now - so more money). As far as a rebarrel, my understanding is you can only rebarrel the old steel version (which actually could be made into 458 win mag), though Wild West Guns Alaska appears to have custom made the alloy version in the past (again, takedown)

Reflecting back, I could have probably had a 375 ruger made for the same price but it would be stainless and laminate. It would be a bit better for buffalo (certainly easier to find a place to hunt) but the 9.3 will have numerous factory offerings for decades to come.

 

[TTundra]

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but for the rest of the group - the BLR is a tough one to work on. There are only 1 or 2 well known gunsmiths in the US that can do the trigger job (some others may try but hard telling what it's going to come back like). Maybe I'll get lucky and it will be no more than 5 pounds from the factory (I highly doubt it)

The regular models are expensive enough, but you can only rebore a takedown model which costs more (and on top of that the Blued / Wood version has been discontinued for a while now - so more money). As far as a rebarrel, my understanding is you can only rebarrel the old steel version (which actually could be made into 458 win mag), though Wild West Guns Alaska appears to have custom made the alloy version in the past (again, takedown)

Reflecting back, I could have probably had a 375 ruger made for the same price but it would be stainless and laminate. It would be a bit better for buffalo (certainly easier to find a place to hunt) but the 9.3 will have numerous factory offerings for decades to come.

Last smith I talked to was taking 450 Marlin barrel assemblies and matching them with 300 Win receivers to make the 458 Win BLR. It required a rechamber and minimal action/mag work, but did require 2 rifles, both as you know, takedowns. Now with some of those options being discontinued, donors will be pricier.

It used to be where browning would sell you a barrel assembly only in the chamber of your receiver. This way, one 450 marlin lower could get you a second barrel assembly to match back up and sell off, or presumably, make another. I dont know if Browning still has the 450 marlin takedown barrels left over to fill those now.

 

[Scrumbag]

Be interesting to know what Browning / Winchester / Miroku are doing in respect to chambering rifles currently.

The Winchester 94 takedown is currently made in .450 Marlin...

 

[curtism1234]

Well the deal fell thru. The rifle was not in the condition as described. Moving on...

 

[Scrumbag]

Well the deal fell thru. The rifle was not in the condition as described. Moving on...

Sorry to hear that matey.

Better luck next time.

Scrummy