The production of the BLR lever
action rifle began in 1969. The Model 81 BLR lever
action rifle was introduced in 1981 and included some minor changes,
including a different magazine. The Lightning BLR was
introduced in 1995 and is still in production.
To find your serial
number, you will need to refer to your owner's manual. We have most owner's
manuals online. You can go to those by clicking here.
| Date |
Historic
Information |
Serial Number
Info |
| 1969-75 |
In 1969 Browning started using two
digits for the date of manufacture:
K=BLR Lever Action Rifle
This was then followed by the serial number beginning with 1000.
Example: 69M1000 = A 1969 BAR High Power rifle with a serial number of 1000. |
K=BLR Lever Action Rifle
Made in Belgium from 1969 - 1972. Made in Japan from 1973 to
present. |
| 1976-1997 |
In 1975 Browning standardized its
serial number identification which it followed until 1998. The Model 81 BLR was introduced
in 1981. The Lightning BLR was introduced in 1995.
1.
Serial Number
beginning with 01001
at the start of each year. |
|
2.
Date of Manufacture
is a two digit code |
Z=1
Y=2
X=3
W=4
V=5
T=6
R=7
P=8
N=9
M=0 |
| 3.
BLR Type |
127=BLR Lever Action
327=Model 81 BLR Long Action
227=Model 81 BLR Short Action
427=Lightning BLR |
|
Serial
Number Example:01001PY227
This would be an Model 81 BLR Short
Action rifle,manufactured in 1982 with the serial number
01001. |
| 1998 |
In 1998 Browning redid the
standardization of its serial number identifications to work with its new data base
program, Oracle.
1.
Serial Number
beginning with 01001
at the start of each year. |
|
2.
Date of Manufacture
is a two digit code |
Z=1
Y=2
X=3
W=4
V=5
T=6
R=7
P=8
N=9
M=0 |
| 3.
Lightning BLR Type |
341=Lightning BLR |
|
Serial
Number Example:01001NN341
This would be a Lightning BLR rifle, manufactured in 1999 with the serial number
01001. |
