BLR Lever Action Rifle
BLR Lever Action Rifle
Full production of the BLR lever action rifle began in 1971. 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.
As to the BLR . . . those historians who follow these things know that the BLR has a more convoluted history with stops and starts along the way. The first fully promoted year with significant deliveries of the BLR is 1971, although the BLR project began in the mid-60s.
To find your serial number, you will need to refer to your owner's manual. We have most owner's manuals online.
| Date | Historic Information | Serial Number Info | ||||||
| 1971-75 | 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: 71K1000 = A 1971 BLR lever-action rifle with a serial number of 1000. |
K=BLR Lever Action Rifle Made in Belgium from 1971 - 1972. Made in Japan from 1973 to present. |
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| 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.
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Serial Number Example: 01001PY227 This would be a Model 81 BLR Short Action rifle, manufactured in 1982 with the serial number 01001. |
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| 1998 | In 1998 Browning redid the standardization of its serial number identifications to work with its new database program, Oracle.
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Serial Number Example: 01001NN341 This would be a Lightning BLR rifle, manufactured in 1999 with the serial number 01001. |