browning bar safari 30 06 review

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The 10 best hunting rifles: the browning bar .30-06.

The Rifle : Browning BAR .30-06

The Caliber : .30-06

The Animal : Anything that moves between 125 and 750 pounds (although you can use it for varmints also)

The Rifle – Browning BAR

When you have the best reputation in the industry for smooth function, fit, and finish, you can charge more than the other guys and expect to consistently get it.  A BAR comes in around $1200 to $1400, depending on who you know or who owes you a favor.  Almost twice the cost of the Remington but with none of the stigma that has been attached in the past to the feeding problems of the 740/7400 series, this firearm has a nearly flawless record of functionality and form.  It’s simple but great looking, finished well, and the attention to detail is almost on par with full custom jobs.

The specific rifle is the Browning model #031001231: a Browning BAR Safari with the BOSS system installed for fine-tuning accuracy.  It features a blued steel receiver with scrolled engraving pre-drilled and tapped for mounts, a hammer-forged 22-inch barrel with a total length of 43 inches, and a length of pull of 13 and ¾ inches in a 7-pound 6-ounce package.  The gas-operated rifle has a detachable box magazine and a recoil pad and sling swivels pre-installed with quality checkered glossy walnut furniture.

It oozes quality, surpassed only by its perfect functionality and out-of-the-box accuracy.  It is perhaps one of the mainstays of the hunting industry for more than just its brand name, though one can’t imagine it hurting its reputation by being a Browning, no matter where it is produced these days.  If you haven’t used one, it may be a bit difficult to understand why this gun is worth its relatively high price, but one day in the field or a couple hours on the range will easily clarify any lingering doubts.  It is perhaps not a first-time firearm, but it wouldn’t be a drawback for this to be the only rifle you own if you don’t have a need for higher-capacity magazines.  If you could pick a set of rules to buy a gun based on what makes it versatile and capable, the following would be excellent values:

• Excellent function and materials
• Great accuracy
• Fast follow up shots
• Versatile cartridge/chambering

This rifle exceeds the competition in all of these categories. It is an excellent primary gun with one of the most versatile cartridges on the planet, a semi-auto repeating capability, incredible accuracy, and some of the best materials and workmanship you can find.  To top it off, there are rifles in this model that haven’t EVER had a malfunction in several thousand rounds of firing.

What you get with this rifle is a true companion in the field, one which will not fail you when it’s needed.  In the end, it doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the most classic looking and nicely finished guns of the last fifty years.

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The Caliber – .30-06

It’s not a point that can even be argued:  The .30-06 is one of the most versatile cartridges ever, with loads ranging from fast flat shooting varmint rounds to those with the knockdown power to drop a dangerous big game animal just about anywhere on six continents.  The seventh continent probably has a few animals that shouldn’t be considered with a medium bore caliber, but that’s a different story.  For the vast majority of rifle shooters who hunt, the .30-06 is matched in versatility by perhaps only two or three other cartridges (with the .308 and the .45-70 the only that usually come to mind).

It’s important to remember that this cartridge essentially built the hunting game in the United States, and it seems in fact to be a timeless piece of history and a contemporary performer all at once.

Standard rounds have an improved deviation of about 7 to 12% over a .308 factory load, which makes the difference in many hunters’ minds.  From a practical standpoint, the surplus ammunition in .30-06 is mostly dried up, and if it isn’t, then it’s old; whereas the .308 stuff is being made available every year.   The cost and availability of .30-06 is going to be higher and harder to get than .308 in any lean time.  Does that stop every hunter who has put the money into an ‘aught six over the years, from proclaiming the virtues of the round at every chance they get?  No way.  It’s almost as if they are trying to justify or prove to themselves that the .30-06 is as good as they think it is.  It’s funny really, because the round really is that good.  This article isn’t about ammo prices; it’s about the best cartridges, rifles, and game pairings extant.  In this protocol, the .30-06 has few contemporaries.  It certainly can outperform the .308 in factory loads and is almost as versatile. (Yes, there are a handful more loads available to the .308 than the .30-06, most of which do not exceed characteristics and ballistics of custom loads in .30-06—this is mostly a derivative of the longer case.)

It’s probably beside the point to extol the virtues of the round in this article, as there are millions of ballistic articles and twice that many forum posts with some guy from the Midwest talking about the amazing ‘aught six.  No one who has shot the .30-06 needs convincing—of that you can be sure.  Even if you want to hate the round you can’t: it’s too versatile, powerful and usable.

The Animal – Various Animals

This is another segment of this article that writes itself.  The range of animals that a .30-06 can dispatch effectively (neither under nor overkill) is ridiculous.  It’s easily one of the top four most versatile cartridges from factory, and it is infinitely more versatile when you mix in hand loads.

There is an important issue to tackle off the blocks here:  If you can’t hand load or won’t, then you won’t be getting the versatility for anything under 150 pounds or so. However, if you can and do hand load, you can get animals from fox and coyotes to bears.

Sabot enclosed rounds in 55 grains can take out a coyote with 4000 FPS and 2000 energy at the muzzle, which might seem like overkill but usually penetrate straight through.

180-grain (and heavier) rounds can handle most of the biggest game just about anywhere.

Was “everything in between” mentioned?

Sure, there’s the old adage about the placement of a shot being the most important part of the terminal ballistics equation, but this round makes it a bit easier.  Any animal hit within their terminal area is going to be hard pressed to take even a few more moments in life.

You cannot underestimate the round that has had more impact than any other North American medium and big game round; you certainly can’t knock a gun which performs hundreds of thousands of times a season without flaw, and there really isn’t an animal on most continents that can’t be killed with a well-placed projectile flying out of a .30-06 muzzle.

©2012 Off the Grid News

.30-06 BAR Browning hunting rifle

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Gun Review: The Browning BAR Mark II Safari in .300 Win Mag

No, this isn’t your granddad’s BAR, but it carries on John Moses Browning’s legacy while packing plenty of power for hunting.

Hunting is a passion of mine. Guns, particularly rifles, are another passion. One can be present without the other and offer great satisfaction to an individual. In an effort to maximize interests, however, I combine both. My love of rifles means I am always looking to create the optimum rifle/cartridge combo for any particular hunting situation. I mean, what fun would it be if we confined ourselves to one rifle/cartridge for all hunting endeavors?

Of course, I’m aware of the mantra “beware of the individual that owns only one rifle, for surely that individual is familiar with its use.” While much more practical, this method is not nearly as interesting. For me, this mantra is not nearly as enjoyable as searching for the optimum rifle/cartridge for a given situation. I would also wager that nearly everyone reading this agrees with this statement or they would not be reading this magazine.

This article’s intent is to highlight one of my longtime favorite hunting rifle/cartridge combinations: the .300 Winchester Magnum chambered in the Browning BAR Mark II Safari. Now, this particular BAR is not John Browning’s legendary M1918 light machine gun. However, John Browning is connected to the sporting BAR via his grandson, Bruce, who teamed with FN engineer Marcel Olinger in designing it. The sporting BAR was introduced in 1967 to compete with Remington’s semi-auto offerings.

Browning BAR Basics

Semi-automatic rifles were new to the hunting arena in the late 1960s. But the Browning BAR had the “it” factor from its inception in terms of aesthetics. The BAR’s longevity and reputation as a hunting rifle comes from combining semi-automatic speed with bolt-action accuracy, and its appeal was further cemented by its ability to handle a wide range of cartridges from the .243 Winchester to the .338 Winchester Magnum. In fact, the BAR is still unique as a semi-auto that can accommodate magnums like the 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag and .338 Win Mag. This means the BAR is capable of dropping antelope, deer, elk, moose and bear. No other production semi-automatic rifle can make this statement without a stretch.

BAR production was altered in the 1970s when assembly was moved to Portugal with manufacturing remaining in Belgium. A design modification of the gas system and other tweaks resulted in the BAR Mark II in 1992. In 1997, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receivers were introduced to the BAR series except for the Safari and White Gold Medallion models, which retained steel receivers. The Mark III variant was introduced in 2017 with an aluminum receiver and new stock styling.

It’s hard to resist the svelte lines of the BAR. The BAR Mark II Safari is characterized by an engraved steel receiver sandwiched between a graceful buttstock and forend made of Grade I Turkish walnut with checkering right where your hands go. A rubber buttpad is included to help soften felt recoil, and you won’t find any sights on the rifle, but the receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting scopes.

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BAR barrels are hammer forged by FN in Belgium. The barrels are also air gauged to monitor quality and check for straightness, and the rifling is inspected by hand. The Safari variant comes with a 24-inch barrel with a 1-in-10-inch twist rate and a chrome-plated chamber.

The seven-lug rotating bolt locks up tightly in the receiver, contributing to the rifle’s excellent accuracy. Similar to an AR, the BAR’s rotating bolt head ensures the bolt is centered and aligned with the bore with a perpendicular breech face. And, similar to a bolt action, the BAR’s bolt face is recessed. A chambered cartridge is surrounded by three rings of steel: the receiver, barrel and bolt face. All of this makes for a rock-solid design, which is especially important considering the powerful upper end of cartridges that the BAR can chamber.

The BAR’s forend surrounds the simple yet ingenious gas system that contributes to the BAR’s effectiveness, softening the perceived recoil and allowing hunters to harness the power of the .300 Winchester Magnum without sacrificing their long-range accuracy. An operating rod acts on an inertial block that drives action rods rearward, working the action. Research literature draws comparisons between the BAR and a pump action, minus the required hand manipulations. In essence, Browning engineers created a gas system capable of handling the different levels of gas pressure associated with a wide range of cartridges. Cartridges are fed from a detachable box magazine that is recessed inside the receiver on a hinged floorplate. The magazine holds three or four rounds depending upon caliber.

To test this particular model, I mounted a Nightforce 3-10x42mm SHV scope to the BAR via a 30mm mount from Talley Manufacturing. This Nightforce scope is compact yet offers a wide magnification range, and mated in the lightweight Talley rings, it complements the BAR in both performance and aesthetics.

Safari Time

Good marksmanship in the field starts with confidence. Confidence is built through firing a rifle that is not overly punishing (each of us has different standards and tolerances in this regard) and is inherently accurate as demonstrated from the bench. A rifle that shoots well off the bench offers the shooter no excuses or alibis when serious practice starts using field shooting positions or in the woods. I used three loads to test the rifle: Black Hills ’ Gold ammunition using 180-grain Nosler AccuBond bullets, Black Hills’ 165-grain GMXs and Federal Premium ’s 180-grain Trophy Bonded rounds.

First up was running the Browning BAR from the bench using a Champion tripod front rest and rear sandbag. To measure the rifle’s accuracy, I fired five 3-round groups with each of the loads, and the Federal load produced the best group at just 1-inch. It seemed that the Browning BAR preferred the heavier bullets.

But I didn’t spend a lot of time on the bench at the Echo Valley Training Center ’s 100-yard range. There are more indicative evaluations for a hunting rifle than merely firing from a bench at a 100-yard target. To explore the rifle’s capabilities, I fired groups at 300 yards from more field-expedient positions, such as from prone with a bipod or pack for support.

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The BAR’s buttstock allows for a good cheekweld in that it prevents a shooter from getting slapped in the face when firing, as some other rifles are capable of doing when scopes are used. The BAR also proved potent on the Echo Valley Training Center’s “Jungle Walk” range, with targets placed between 30 and 120 yards away. Of course, the BAR’s polished blue receiver and glossy oiled walnut stock weren’t normal fare for me on the Jungle Walk, but this is a handy rifle. The BAR was very easy to maneuver with, and I had no problems engaging randomly placed targets hidden within cover. I fired multiple shots at most of the targets. My emphasis was on accurate shot placement and how the BAR’s smooth recoil impulse facilitated fast follow-up shots. If you’re a lucky hunter, you might be able to adopt a kneeling or sitting position in lieu of shooting off-hand. But, while this isn’t exactly empirically quantifiable, the BAR “hangs” well no matter the firing stance and is very quick in getting into and out of field shooting positions.

The 8-pound BAR proved easy to handle, and I didn’t have to search for my targets after shouldering the rifle. A spare magazine on the belt or pocket allowed for efficient reloads by simply releasing the BAR’s hinged floorplate and swapping out detachable magazines. Another option was to insert rounds directly into the empty magazine after exposing it via dropping the floorplate.

The BAR also proved just at home on one of Echo Valley’s known-distance ranges, where steel targets are set out to 500 yards. I engaged these silhouettes easily from prone and was able to send my follow-up shots downrange while the echo from the first shot still echoed back my way.

Tried & True

It’s hard to imagine a more flexible hunting rifle than a Browning BAR Mark II Safari chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum with a variable-power optic. This perhaps is the optimum rifle/cartridge combination for hunting in North America.

Yes, there are newer guns, more powerful guns and some with space-age aesthetics. But you shouldn’t just accept a new design as automatically superior, especially when you can rely on a design that’s proven itself since the 1960s.

Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum

Barrel: 24 inches

OA Length: 45 inches

Weight: 8 pounds (empty)

Stock: Turkish walnut

Sights: None

Action: Semi-auto

Finish: Blued

Capacity: 3+1

MSRP: $1,350

For more information about the Browning BAR Mark II Safari, visit browning.com .

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The Browning BAR Mark II Safari

The Browning BAR sporting rifle is not the same as the John Moses Browning BAR of World War I fame. The BAR sporting rifle is a design that was created with the input of Val Browning’s son Bruce Warren Browning, working in collaboration with a design team led by Marcel Olinger. The BAR sporting rifle was designed not as a combat rifle as the 1918 BAR had been, but as a sporting rifle. Not only that but given the problems that can be encountered with legal possession of a semi-automatic rifle in some jurisdictions the BAR was sensibly designed to be legal in the most places possible. This is, I suspect, the reason for the detachable magazine to be mounted on a hinged floorplate which makes it much slower to reload than a rifle with a detachable magazine that can be dropped out and replaced. The video below, courtesy IowaGunGuy YouTube channel demonstrates loading and firing a half dozen shots. The Browning BAR is not a rifle you would take into a fire-fight against people armed with AK47’s or such like and expect to come out alive; its a sporting rifle, not a combat rifle; and its a great sporting rifle.

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP1glBvsRUA” /]

The sporting Browning BAR underwent its design phase in 1966 with the rifle being debuted to the shooting public in 1967. When introduced to the public the design of the BAR can best be described as not yet fully evolved as can tend to be the case with most things created by human beings. The rifle was available with right or left hand safety catches, but these were not interchangeable and it had a complex trigger mechanism that could not be removed for cleaning unless the butt stock was first removed. But although the early models were not yet as refined as they would later become the BAR did well and steadily gained a reputation for decent accuracy and good dependability.

As most of you will already know a semi-automatic rifle has more potential sources of failure than a bolt action or double barrel. The time when a shooter will accept those potential sources of failure is when he or she expects to need a fast follow up shot or two such as may be the case hunting in medium to thick cover in the woods where a quarry that is not instantly anchored can hop out of sight before a bolt or lever action can be operated. This is the sort of scenario in which a Browning BAR really comes into its own. Over the years Browning have worked on getting any bugs or design faults fixed on the BAR so that the Mark II is, in many people’s view, a near perfect self loading hunting rifle that delivers a high degree of dependability. Those upgrades have included a re-designed trigger system that is more easily removable for cleaning, and a gas operating system with improved reliability. The Mark II also had a slide stop lever added so that the action can be held open independent of whether the magazine is inserted or not.

The Browning BAR sporting rifles feature components made by Browning in Belgium and then final assembly is done at the Browning Viana works in Portugal. Browning BAR’s have been assembled at Browning Viana since the early seventies. Another example of rifles being assembled by Browning Viana is the Winchester Model 70 which have been assembled there for the last few years. I have a Winchester Model 70 Super Grade assembled at Browning Viana and the quality control on it is simply flawless; and I would expect the quality control over the Browning BAR Mark II Safari models to be up to the same very high standard.

The Browning BAR Mark II Safari rifles are available either with or without the BOSS barrel tuning system. The BOSS is a feature that some shooters will want and that some will not. Barrel mounted tuning devices are all the rage amongst the benchrest shooters at my local shooting club but whether or not you will want one on your hunting rifle will be a matter or personal choice. Personally I would not want one adding to the length and weight of the barrel, but that is just personal preference. Without the BOSS system the between the hands balance of the BAR Mark II is allowed to really shine; the mass of the forged steel action providing the rifle with well centered weight that accentuates its fast handling attributes. Barrels of the BAR Mark II Safari are hammer forged.

There are advantages and disadvantages inherent in using a self-loading rifle. The obvious advantage is the ability to get a second shot away as quickly as can be accomplished with a double barrel gun, and the reduction in felt recoil because the self-loading action absorbs some of the recoil energy making the rifle more docile to shoot. The disadvantages are, first and foremost, that a self-loading rifle requires more maintenance than a bolt action or a double. In order to keep it running dependably a self-loader must be maintained.

You’ll find the Browning manual with maintenance instructions for the BAR Mark II at Browning’s web site if you click here .

The second thing to watch for is that a self-loading rifle is not going to be as ammunition tolerant as a fixed breech action such as a bolt action. The Browning BAR Mark II Safari has an excellent reputation for dependably functioning with a wide range of factory ammunition although with a self-loading rifle it is important to read the box of new ammunition because some types are not suitable for self-loading rifles and there will be a printed warning on the ammunition box. For handloaders there will be a need to keep your reloads in the range that the self-loader functions well with. Handloaders do not have the same flexibility in tuning loads to a self-loading rifle as they do for a bolt action. This is something the BOSS system can be used to compensate for if you have chosen to have your rifle fitted with one. A self-loading rifle is not necessarily the optimum choice for a handloader because it will eject fired cases well clear of the rifle so you will need to search for them to retrieve them and you will likely have to deal with damaged necks from where they’ve hit the ground.

The last disadvantage of a self-loading rifle is that you should not expect a trigger of the same standard as on Winchester’s current Model 70 for example. The self-loading mechanism has more to do than the trigger on a bolt action or double and so you need to expect it to be relatively heavier and likely with a trace of detectable creep. For fast shooting this is not an issue and the BAR will be in its element if used in fast action scenarios like a shotgun.

Specifications and Calibers

The Browning BAR Mark II Safari is available in 25-06, 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum, and 338 Winchester Magnum with a 24″ barrel; 243 Winchester, 270 Winchester, 308 Winchester, and 30-06 with a 22″ barrel. The barrel and action are forged steel whilst the trigger guard, trigger and related parts are alloy. Stock wood is Turkish walnut. The BAR Mark II Safari with the BOSS system is available in 270 Winchester and 30-06 with a 22″ barrel, 300 Winchester Magnum and 338 Winchester Magnum with a 24″ barrel.

The Browning BAR Mark II Safari is the more expensive version of the BAR and there are less expensive versions that have alloy receivers. Our preference is always for steel and walnut with classic design. If you are looking for a self-loading sporting rifle then the BAR Mark II is one of the best on the market today. It’s a rifle that will give many years of faithful service as long as the owner does their part by looking after it and feeding it a diet that it likes.

You will find the Browning BAR Mark II Safari rifle on Browning’s web site if you click here .

You will find the Browning BAR Mark II Safari rifle with BOSS system if you click here .

You will find the Limited Edition 100th anniversary model if you click here .

( Pictures courtesy Browning )

Jon Branch is the founder and senior editor of Revivaler and has written a significant number of articles for various publications including official Buying Guides for eBay, classic car articles for Hagerty, magazine articles for both the Australian Shooters Journal and the Australian Shooter, and he’s a long time contributor to Silodrome.

Jon has done radio, television, magazine and newspaper interviews on various issues, and has traveled extensively, having lived in Britain, Australia, China and Hong Kong. His travels have taken him to Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan and a number of other countries. He has studied the Japanese sword arts and has a long history of involvement in the shooting sports, which has included authoring submissions to government on various firearms related issues and assisting in the design and establishment of shooting ranges.

Jon C. Branch

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Copyright 2005, 2013 by Chuck Hawks. All rights reserved.

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Browning BAR MK 3 DBM Tested and Reviewed

By John B. Snow

Updated on Apr 24, 2023 2:38 PM EDT

8 minute read

<strong>Notable Feature:</strong> The magazine release tab on the right side of the rifle's bottom metal enables left-handed shooters to perform quick magazine changes. The texturing on it provides excellent tactile feedback. Bill Buckley

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Browning might not make ARs, but the company has a history with autoloading rifles that dates to the earliest days of the 20th century, long before the first AR was conceived. Given Browning’s seniority in this arena, the latest iteration of the iconic BAR is sort of a finger in the chest of AR makers to remind them who came first.

The original Browning BAR was the M1918, a fully automatic light machine gun in .30/06 that was developed during World War I for trench warfare but didn’t see extensive use by the U.S. military until World War II. It also served in Korea and Vietnam before being phased out.

In 1967, Browning introduced the next BAR, a semi-automatic sporting rifle for hunters—and that rifle is the direct forefather of this BAR MK 3 DBM . The 1967 BAR was gas-operated, had a seven-lug rotating bolt head, a removable box magazine that was attached to—and concealed by—a trap-door-type hinged floor plate, and a light and handy geometry that allowed it to be pointed and shot fast. As a rifle for thick timber and brush, it had few equals, especially since it was offered in several magnum calibers, like 7mm Rem Mag., .300 Win. Mag., and .338 Win Mag. in addition to standard long- and short-action cartridges.

Browning BLR Mk 3 DBM Specs

• Caliber: .308 Win.
• Capacity: 10+1
• Weight: 7 lb. 6 oz.
• Trigger: 3 lb. 8 oz.
• Accuracy: 2.037 in.
• Smallest Group: 1.691 in.
• Barrel Length: 18 in.
• Overall Length: 39 ³⁄₈ in.
• Price: $1,729

The Browning BLR Mk 3 Brings More Firepower

The MK 3 DBM shares many of the qualities of the original sporting BARs and the BAR Mk II series that followed. But in this era of all things tactical, Browning has decided to give the MK 3 DBM a harder look.

The DBM has a high-capacity detachable box magazine (hence, DBM) that fits into the magazine well and doesn’t attach to a floor plate. The steel magazine is a solid piece of work and takes 10 rounds of .308. The rifle has magazine releases on both sides of the bottom metal for ambidextrous operation.

The rifle’s barrel is 18 inches long with a 1:12-inch twist. That short barrel makes this BAR especially compact and handy. Combined with its magazine capacity, it was a natural choice for a cross-country boar hunt that hunting editor Andrew McKean embarked on last year. He topped the rifle with a 1–4X Leupold scope with a Pig Plex reticle and came away from the hunt impressed with the rig.

“It handled almost like a shotgun, pointing pretty instinctively,” McKean says. “For me, it’s a great alternative to an AR. I think it has better weight and balance than an AR, and I’m able to deploy it faster, probably because its lines and operation are so familiar to me as a shotgunner.”

McKean’s longest shot was 220 yards across a wide pasture. Based on both his and my experience with the gun, that’s probably a reasonable limit for the gun’s hunting range.

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Browning BLR Mk 3 DBM Is Quick on Target

Per Outdoor Life ‘s standard testing protocol, I put a variety of hunting and target loads through the rifle, recording five-shot groups at 100 yards. Since the 1–4X scope is such an ideal optic for the rifle—though you can make a pretty good case for a red-dot sight, too—I left it on for the accuracy testing. Group sizes were consistently around 2 inches, no matter the bullet style or weight. Had I mounted a high-magnification scope on it, it probably would have turned in better accuracy scores, but these results reflect the real-world capabilities of the rifle in the field.

One drill the BAR excelled at was making quick shots on steel plates at 100 yards from a low-ready carry position. The shotgun-like pointing qualities McKean talked about are evident with this exercise.

It also does a bang-up job with quick follow-up shots. The rifle’s recoil impulse is very gentle, and it is easy to keep the crosshairs on target. The crossbolt safety at the rear of the trigger guard is not the most ergonomic position for a safety, but right-handed shooters can manipulate it fairly quickly.

Ugly But Effective Stock on the Browning BAR Mk 3

From an aesthetic standpoint, the black synthetic stock won’t win any beauty contests, but I give it high marks for its trim lines and overmolded grip panels. I also think the QD flush cups for mounting a sling—one at the tip of the forend, the other on the bottom of the buttstock—are a smart feature. In terms of the stock’s functionality, I wouldn’t change a thing.

The BAR’s trigger has a shotgun-like quality to it, meaning it is a bit creepy, though it broke at a perfectly reasonable 3 ½ pounds. The trigger group can be removed from the rifle for cleaning by drifting out the three retaining pins found along the bottom of the aluminum receiver. To gain access to the action bars, gas piston, and recoil spring assembly, you have to unscrew both the hex-head fastener located in the front QD flush cup, and the front swivel stud, which—other than holding the forend on—doesn’t really perform a useful role on this rifle unless you plan to mount a bipod, which would be an odd addition to this carbine. Since there’s no easy way to clean the BAR’s barrel from the breech end, you’re going to want to use a muzzle protector before running a cleaning rod down the bore.

If your heart is set on getting a semi-auto hunting rifle for any type of close-in game, but you find the bulk of AR-10s a turnoff, the BAR is a rifle worth considering. The big-game hunting rifle that ARs strive to be is something the BAR accomplished long ago.

Check BAR MK 3 DBM availability here.

Best Browning BAR Mk 3 DBM Drill

The carbine is perhaps the most versatile personal defense firearm you can own. Handguns are easy to carry, but they are not the best choice in a serious fight. Shotguns are limited in range and capacity, but a carbine does it all.

The 2x2x2 drill is designed to build speed and accuracy when engaging multiple targets with a carbine. It’s a Viking Tactics drill developed by Kyle Lamb, who is one of the top trainers in the world today.

In the setup, there are three side-by-side, evenly spaced targets 5 yards in front of the shooter. You start with the rifle butt on the shoulder and the muzzle down in the low ready position. At the buzzer, you engage each target in order, with two shots each, going either right to left or left to right—shooter’s choice.

You must be fast and accurate and not just throw three erratic and panicked double-taps. The key to speed is to do it smoothly. Concentrate on making the hits—the speed will come later. This drill’s focus is on building the skills that enable you to shoot and drive the gun with fluid timing. Think of this drill as one entity. If you focus on the individual shots, you will be too slow. Just as with a move in martial arts, if you have to think about it, it’s too late. Or the way a part of the brain makes you pull your hand from a hot stove. You don’t think, “Wow, this is hot. I should move my hand from the stove.” It just happens.

To shoot this drill well, you need to harness that part of your brain. This is somewhat like shotgun shooting, where you turn off the thinking part of your brain and let your subconscious run the gun. You must find the “zone” that athletes, martial artists, and musicians talk about.

Drive the Gun

You need to drive the rifle with precision and a fluid motion, and the shot must be breaking as the sight comes into the hit zone. If you wait to see the sight on the target, you’ll be too slow. Drive the gun, prep the shot, and break it as the sight aligns with the expected impact area. This requires that you control multiple directions of movement: lateral motion from target to target, and vertical movement of the muzzle from recoil.

As with any CQB rifle drill, it’s best to use a non-­magnified optic such as a red dot or holographic sight. A true 1X scope with an illuminated, daylight-visible dot is also a good choice. You want to shoot with both eyes open to give you a full range of vision to aid the transition from target to target.

Control Freak

The key is to fire two “controlled pairs” at each target. This is where each shot is aimed and you must see the sight’s reticle on the target before breaking the next shot. You must also drive the gun fast from target to target, but stop the reticle on target to break the shots; do not try to shoot as the gun swings past the target. The cadence should be so that the splits between the shots will be just about equal to the splits between targets. The result is six evenly spaced shots that can be checked by looking at the split times on a timer.

Only center hits count—any shots outside of the C zone on a USPSA or the -1 zone of an IDPA target do not count. As you become better at the drill, tighten up the scoring requirements to the A zone on a USPSA target and the -0 zone on an IDPA target. Remember, the goals are accuracy and speed—in that order.

Anyone who has some shooting experience will shoot the drill in about 2.0 to 2.5 seconds the first time through. With practice, 1.5 seconds is a viable goal. When you can keep all the shots on the A zone in a USPSA target and do it in 1.5 seconds or less, you have mastered the drill. But there is always room for improvement. My best is 1.3 seconds. Kyle Lamb does it in 1.26 seconds on video. Learn to beat that time, every time, and then you can strut.

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Browning’s BAR - Ask the Man who has One!

other By: Stan Trzoniec | May, 24

Friend Joe Pirani was a Browning fan from the word go. He had Browning Superposed shotguns for field and trap and when it came to rifles, he was stuck on the BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) that went with him on all his hunting trips. When we did get to serious discussions relating to the gun on an antelope/mule deer hunt near Jordon, Montana, many years back he told me, “It is dependable, accurate, but most of all, for the .30/06 Springfield, it is easy on my shoulder.” For a senior like Joe, that was a big plus.

Of course, that got me thinking about the Browning BAR rifle. Sure, I’ve had my share of testing all types of semi-automatics in handguns, shotguns and rifles with most of my time going to the Benelli R1 and Remington Model 7400 that I found fairly accurate, but they were not as soft on my shoulder as I had expected. Talking to Joe and shooting his BAR semi-automatic in Montana for a final sighting-in really set me straight. Even with factory ammunition, his gun hit groups an inch and a half or less at the century mark. I was hooked, ordering one in the 7mm Remington Magnum upon my return home.

Considering the long history of Browning Arms, the BAR is a recent newcomer to the fold, which opened the door to a lot of shooters who wanted to use the higher-powered cartridges but because of recoil, stayed away. In any event, some 53 years ago, Browning introduced its first sporting semi-automatic rifle in the .243, .270, .308 Winchester and the .30-06 Springfield. To satisfy the magnum thirst for such a weapon, in 1968, the 7mm Remington Magnum was teamed up with the popular .300 and .338 Winchester magnums with the latter dropped from production in 1975.

Actually, design work started in 1963 and noting from a brief from Harmon Williams (former president of Browning) and other information, I found the content interesting. All were intent of keeping the BAR consistent with a “family appearance,” so a compromise was sought with the receiver for example, with features borrowed from the famed Auto-5 shotgun. They incorporated the celebrated humpback profile, but with less of a pronounced shape, toning it down a bit more to modern standards. A multiple 7-lug bolt for a strong lockup was next, which was secured within the rear portion of the barrel that led to the decision of chambering more powerful magnum cartridges.

Naturally, in most cases, a gas-operated rifle offers a softer recoil sensation than a bolt or pump and the BAR does it in grand style. With my 7mm Remington Magnum, I was pleasantly surprised at the marked difference between this and other manually operated guns and I can see why hunters choose this gun in the larger, magnum chamberings. Spreading the recoil sensation over a longer period of time and with the inclusion of an internal buffer and rugged action and inertia block, to me the BAR excels in this field of hunting rifles, especially when it comes to looks and accuracy potentials.

With a model lineup that includes the Mark II and MK 3, we will be discussing the former gun. The latter is an update on the original rifle with modern looks that will grab the attention of the more contemporary hunter. Naturally, being more recent, there is a choice of many finishes, stocks, barrel lengths and calibers. With my taste more to the higher end guns for looks alone, the model known as just the MK 3 (Third Generation) complete with a satin nickel receiver, oil finished Grade II stock and high relief engraving would be my choice. In the past, this gun and its variants, was also known as the Short or Long Trac gun before it moved into the more recent models.

Hunters who would like the more traditional BAR look would gravitate to the Mark II Safari grade, which is more to the appearance and styling of the original BAR rifle. Although my gun was purchased some years back, the current Mark II gun mimics the Grade I gun I have concerning how it looks, the feel and operation. For collectors, years past showed Browning had offered a Grade II (same as the Grade I but with an engraved receiver), along with Grades III, IV and V with highly-engraved and decorated receivers, fancy wood and specialized checkering patterns. Aside from all this, special models and Limited Editions filled out the line throughout the years.

In the appearance department, it is hard to fault this gun with its select wood stock completed with a glossy, weatherproof finish. With previously made guns, figured wood was more of a standard item more so than today, and my gun has dark wood with a bit of fiddleback for character. During its design stage, it seems a lot of midnight oil was burned, as to me, it appeared that much thought went into the lines and design of the stock. Initially, when everyone was seemingly copying the “California” look with high combs with a fancy cheekpiece, the BAR was content with a more classic look. Holding the gun out on arm’s length, the influence of a bolt-action rifle with the rounded forend, well-proportioned forearm, all tapering back to the buttstock can be seen. The pistol grip has the right reach for the trigger finger when the hand is placed on the grip with the comb following through with the right dimension for the eye to center on the reticle of the scope.

On the gun, there is more than an ample supply of checkering on both the forearm and the pistol grip. Since my gun was made some time back, I would assume it is all hand-cut, much before the age of computer generated checkering machines. Typical of Browning fashion, the checkering wraps completely around the forearm in a point pattern with a border to suggest a custom look. Inside the forearm is the gas-operated action and operating bar that ensured trouble free operation even with the higher-powered magnums. On the pistol grip, again one can see the value here with more checkering than it seems possible, considering the price tag. Complementing the gun, sling swivels and a classic-styled recoil pad finish the wood part of the gun.

As you might have guessed, past and present day BAR’s show an accent of quality on all the metalwork. From the barrel to the receiver, all the polishing is smooth and of high quality befitting a gun of this stature. At the muzzle on my gun, there is a hooded sight with a rear sight, which I removed for scope mounting.

The receiver is the most impressive part of the gun. With a combined area of 32 square inches, which then lends itself to some fancy decoration in engraving with higher-grade models and high relief scroll engraving on current Mark II models. Within the top part of the receiver is the bolt port and its novel rotating bolt with seven locking lugs that are secured into the rear of the barrel after each shot. Trigger pull is a crisp 4 pounds and the safety, mounted behind the trigger, is a cross bolt design. These guns are equipped with a 3-, 4- or 5-round detachable magazine depending on caliber. Fit and finish of the gun in total on any gun I used or tested was first rate with nothing to complain about anywhere.

Chambered for the eight popular sporting cartridges, the lineup begins with the .25-06 Remington followed by the .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield and the .300 Winchester without the BOSS muzzle brake. If you want the optional brake, the choice is narrowed to the .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield and .300 Winchester. Due to the design of the gun and its recoil effect, I don’t think this brake is warranted, but if you have a physical problem, it will lessen the effect even more. As a footnote, if you opt for the more modern MK 3 rifle, chamberings do run from the .243 Winchester through the WSM calibers and up to the .300 Winchester Magnum.

Being teamed up with the popular 7mm Remington Magnum makes the Browning BAR a formable field weapon for all but the largest of western big game. Born in 1962, and while new to many shooters, the 7mm concept dates back as far as the turn of the century. Around 1912, there was the .275 H&H, a close cousin to the .375 H&H. Still later, wildcats started to rise with the .276 Dubiel, the .276 Newton and the .276 Newton Magnum, which according to research launched a 100-grain bullet over 65 grains of IMR-3031 powder for a then, unprecedented velocity of over 4,000 fps out of a 28-inch barrel with 1:12 twist. Moving on, the .280 Dubiel Magnum, then the .285 OKH with a unique duplex loading and the 7mm Weatherby Magnum.

However, I believe it was through the efforts of the western hunter Lew Bowman and Remington working closely on his ranch, that the 7mm Remington finally saw the light of day. With a capacity of around 87.0 grains of water (as measured to the neck and shoulder juncture), the 7mm Remington Magnum may be unpleasant to shoot in a bolt or pump gun, but I found in a semi-automatic like the BAR, recoil levels are more than acceptable to even the intermediate and advanced hunter.

With that in mind, while there is a wide selection of factory ammunition to choose from in all bullet weights, I found handloading the way to go with no special attention needed with a semi-automatic rifle. Naturally, to do all this, a good set of dies is necessary although I never did need a small base set for functioning or accuracy with my BAR. For the best results with slower burning, larger stick powders, trickling is necessary for precision as well as the attention to the details one would partake to get the most out of any rifle.

The only thing I would mention is to full-size all cases versus neck sizing to ensure complete and full cycling of the gun and more so, just before a hunt. I like to smoke, or mark a fired case while setting up the sizing die just to make sure the neck part of the die is working its way down far enough to ensure the proper tension on the neck. If you are working with a new gun, the assembly of a dummy cartridge complete with a bullet is a good way to make sure all is well before proceeding. Once the die is set, follow-up with the rest of the cases, clean, check for overall length and prime with Federal 215 primers.

Slow burning powders are the rule here. For those starting out, and to narrow down the field, I found the IMR-4350, IMR-4831 and H-4831 will give impressive results in accuracy and velocity readings without much work. Later, when handloaders want to broaden their base even more, they can venture into H-870, Norma MRP and IMR-7838. For velocities, in the 140-grain bullet range, expect around 3,150 fps, 154 grains 2,950 fps, 160 grains 2,850 fps and the heavy 175 grains, up to 2,900 fps with 66 grains of IMR-7828 for tight groups around or under one-and a half inches.

For my testing and shooting over long periods of time, it showed a wide majority of bullets by various makers are well suited to be used in the 7mm Remington. Common names like Hornady, Speer, Sierra and Nosler from 140 to 175 grains proved more than satisfactory when it came to powders still available during the pandemic at the various sporting goods and box stores with the BAR’s common 24-inch barrel length. The attached table included with this article, shows some of the better loads possible with the 7mm Remington Magnum in a semi-automatic sporting rifle like the Browning BAR.

In closing, a buyer could not go wrong with selecting the BAR chambered for the 7mm Remington. In many years past, the semi-automatic was frowned upon for serious hunting duties, but today, this combination is easy to shoot, a pleasure to reload, very efficient and in a worst-case scenario, factory ammunition is available in just about any part of the country.

Best Rifle For Hunting: Browning Bar 30-06

A legendary rifle that can be pushed out farther than most novelty fancy products, the Browning Bar series of semi-automatic rifles is always on our list of favorites.

A Browning BAR is considered one of the finest semi-automatic designs ever devised, especially when paired with 30-’06 Springfield round.

Besides mighty thirty-oh-six, the other original 1960’s chamberings included were .270 Win., .308 Win., and .243 Win.

With any of these calibers, Browning BAR functions reliably with decent accuracy for a semi-auto hunting rifle.

For sure, the BAR .30-06 is not a typical bench rest shooter’s gun, but with expected at least 1.5-2″ shooting groups at 100yrds, it is among the most accurate of the autoloaders.

Of course, by applying a few tricks or modifications, any of the BAR owners can make tighter shooting groups and improve rifle accuracy.

Browning Bar’s Position In The Market

Few notes for history buffs , barrel length, the caliber, excellent function and structure, great accuracy, fast follow-up shots., versatile cartridge/chambering, what is a browning bar worth, is the browning bar a good rifle, how accurate is a browning bar, does browning still make a bar, wrapping up.

The Browning BAR is a typical illustration that old designs should not be automatically rejected as inferior to anything modern or new. 

When Browning launched the sporting BAR at the US hunting/sporting market, semi-automatic rifles were relatively rare in the late 1960s.

At the time when BAR was created, the main idea was to compete with Remington’s autoloaders and now long-discontinued Winchester 100.

The BAR was almost twice the cost of its rivals but with a nearly flawless record of functionality.

Today, if we neglect the big-game hunting ARs, there are few semi-auto offerings worth considering, except the most recent player from Benelli, the R1 Model in 30-06 Springfield.

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The Benelli R1 is also a hunting-catered rifle with shooting groups averaging 1.2 inches, but it is pretty expensive and more angular than BAR.

Browning’s offering is a timeless classic and among the best semi-auto rifles, but be advised that BAR isn’t cheap.

The great-looking BAR is a bit more reliable than the other semi-autos and the closed bolt operation system is surprisingly accurate as well. This makes it easier for you to understand why this rifle is worth its relatively high price.

General Description About Browning Bar 30-06

Although conceptually old hunting rifle, the BAR is a classy package, an accurate svelte sporting rifle compared to these days prevailing Modern Sporting Rifles (MSR).

There are many good rifles for hunting but if you want a handsome rifle capable of fast-follow-up shots, the Browning BAR .30-06 is certainly one of them.

For those who like short stories. A Browning BAR is a gas-operated firearm with a removable box magazine attached to a trap-door-type hinged floor plate. 

However, this premium semi-automatic hunting rifle should not be confused with the totally different US military M1918 BAR .

That other BAR, the fully automatic assault rifle named BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle), was invented late in the First World War by the famous American arms designer John Moses Browning.

The BAR sporting rifle, a semi-automatic hunting gun, was designed by John Browning’s grandson and FN engineers and was released in 1967. 

Though both a gas-operated, magazine-fed weapon, the military BAR M1918 used a 20-round box magazine and was designed as a light machine gun for World War I.

It was later modified in line with European thought of the 1920s to be used for the technique called the ‘walking fire’ (French: feu de Marche).

As for using the civilian version of the BAR, its primary role was as a hunting rifle, but with a carbine barrel length, the semi-auto BAR is a compact and handy weapon for any home defense or security scenario.

The Browning BAR is not a deer tracking gun, nor was it suited toward that hunting style. 

If you walk long distances, BAR .30-06 would not be an ideal gun, however, it would be an excellent option for stalking and tree stand hunting.

Initially, the Browning BAR came with a 22-inch barrel, and later when it was offered with magnum cartridge options, it came with a 24-inch barrel. 

For those who need a compact rifle, Browning BAR launched a new version that comes in a carbine barrel length of 18.5″, making it quite handy for a cross-country boar hunt.

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But like most distant relatives, the Browning Automatic Rifle and the BAR sporting rifle have at least one thing in common. In this case, it is a .30-06 Springfield cartridge. 

Introduced to the United States Army in 1906, the legendary “thirty-ought-six” remained the US Army standard caliber for all military weapons from the famous M1903 Springfield and M1 Garand repeater to the machine gun M919 Browning BMG and M1918 BAR light machine gun.

The ever-loving .30-06 is a tried-and-true big game round that can dispatch effectively anything that moves between 125 and 750 pounds.

Originated as the .30 cal M1906 ball cartridge with a 150-gr bullet, today .30-06 Springfield is offered in hundreds of different loads and projectiles construction.

The sporting .30-06 Browning BAR rifle isn’t the lightest offering these days, but at 7-pounds 6-ounces, this gun is ideal for driven hunts.

The BAR is available from 6 pounds, 9 ounces to 8 pounds, 3 ounces for magnum calibers depending on chambering and barrel profile.

The original Browning BAR has a magazine capacity of either three or four cartridges, depending on caliber.

If you need the higher-capacity magazines, newer BAR models with high-capacity detachable box magazines hold 10 or even 20 rounds.

The Browning BAR is a lot more expensive than Remingtons or some Ars, with the price that comes in around $1,200 to $1,400 in the US.

Amazing Features of Browning Bar 30-06

The Browning Bar .30-06 is an exciting alternative to hunting bolt guns and AR sporting rifles.

The BAR is the ticket for hunting game anywhere globally due to its over-designed, slab-sided solid receiver that could bear all sorts of pressure safely. 

Compared to the bolt action hunting rifles of the same weight that kick about twice as hard, the BAR’s gas operation, weight, and recoil pad make it quite comfortable to shoot.

Over the years, the BAR slightly changed through the Mark 2 and Mark 3 versions.

Depending on versions, BAR kept all steel or aluminum receivers, making it a little heavy but a very solid and reliable gun.

Traditionally, Browning always uses some of the best materials and workmanship, which paired with a semi-auto repeating capability results in excellent reliability and incredible accuracy for that type of weapon.

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Browning BAR was never supposed to be a highly accurate precision rifle but a semi-automatic sporting rifle for hunters. However, Browning incorporated features mandatory for precision shooting into its original design.

The BAR’s steel receiver was pre-drilled and tapped for scope mounts, whereas its stock design is contoured for use with open sights or optics. The newest BAR version, Mark 3, comes with shims for adjusting drop and cast in the stock.

The average Browning BAR semi-auto will usually group into around 1.5 to 2.25 inches at 100 yards, perfectly suitable for 100-300 yards.

The Browning BAR is excellent for hunting, and it has long kept first place with follow-up shots because the rifle’s handy geometry allowed it to be pointed and shot fast, almost like a shotgun.

Due to the very gentle rifle’s recoil impulse, Browning brags their BAR had “the fastest second shot” in the industry. However, with the release of Benelli’s autoloader, it fell to second place.

While the Browning BAR handles most popular big game rounds from .243 Win up to belted magnum cartridges such as .338 Win Mag, chambering in the king of calibers .30-06 has gained to the Browning BAR’s longevity and popularity as a hunting rifle.

Current .30-06 factory ammunition is available in various weights ranging from 55 to 220 grains, as a 180-grain .30 caliber bullet is fairly common.

Combining the lighter loads and bullet weights, the .30-06 Springfield will shoot flat enough for varmint and sheep hunting.

If you use a significantly stouter load, a larger mass bullet will be heavy enough to drop a dangerous big game animal or elk and moose.

If you are one of those who prefer a cross-country boar hunt or driven hunt where you are getting a chance of shooting a big game a number of times each day, a Browning BAR .30-06 is a natural choice. 

When you top the BAR with an LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) with a proper hunting reticle, you will be stunned at its accuracy.

By all aspects, Browning BAR chambered in 30-’06 Springfield is a classy package that still catches many eyes in the field or at the range.

Given its dependability, smooth function, clean lines, and pretty furniture, the Browning BAR is an ultimate pig rifle that swings like a bird gun.

The gas-operated BAR sports a solid rotary-locking bolt head with seven lugs that dampen the recoil, making it lighter on the shoulder than any bolt action-style rifle.

When combining Browning BAR autoloader with one of the most versatile cartridges on the planet, you will get an excellent primary gun that feels more like your deer rifle than an AR-15.

Although Browning BAR’s semi-auto rifle has a great gas operation system designed for reliability and manufacturing, it also rivals the accuracy of most bolt guns.

With this autoloader, you shouldn’t expect 1/2″ MOA accuracy, but you would get at least 1.5-2″ groups at 100yrds with a brand-new firearm. 

While this out-of-the-box accuracy isn’t surgical, it is still better than just about any mass-produced sporting semi-automatic rifle.

Initially, the BAR has been produced in FN Herstal, Belgium, but in the early 1970s, management decided to open an assembly facility in Viana, Portugal.

Until now, the hammer-forged barrels and production of all other parts are still made in Belgium and then shipped to a Browning Portugal plant.

If you’re looking for a classic style, reliable semi-automatic hunting rifle chambered in the powerful and effective .30-06 round; the Browning BAR might be one to look at.

If you want a scoped rifle for treestand hunting that can finish the job with quick follow-up shots, the BAR would be an excellent weapon to own.

Only a couple of civilian semi-autos keep recoil at comfortable, manageable levels and allow you to get back on target so fast like a Browning BAR .30-06.

If you want a timeless piece of history and a contemporary performer all at once, choose the Browning BAR .30-06.

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• Discontinued

BAR Mark II Safari with BOSS

$1,499.99 - $1,639.99 MSRP

The original. Originally designed by Browning family member Bruce Browning, this is the rifle that set the standard for hunting semi-autos. Featuring fine Walnut, a precision machined ordinance steel receiver and a hammer forged barrel, this magnificent BAR will make autoloading enthusiasts out of the most skeptical riflemen.

Classic in looks and contemporary in performance. The BAR MK II Safari is the hunting rifle that sets the bar for every other autoloader on the planet with accuracy and speed -- and a caliber selection -- that is not matched by any other hunting semi-auto.

The BOSS.  Browning's Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System (BOSS) is a patented advancement in rifle accuracy. When any rifle is fired, the barrel goes through a series of vibrations as the bullet leaves the muzzle. The variations of these vibrations greatly affect the accuracy of the rifle. Controlling these vibrations will greatly control the accuracy of the rifle. Browning's BOSS allows you to control the vibrations of your barrel so you can shoot groups you didn't think possible.  Adjusting your BOSS to these "Sweet Spot" settings allows you to find accuracy never achieved before by an out-of-the-box rifle.

• 270 Win • 22" NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION
• 30-06 Spfld • 22" NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION
• 300 Win Mag • 24" NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION
• 338 Win Mag • 24" NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION

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BROWNING BAR 30-06 Sprg. Mark II Safari Rifle (031001226)

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Description

• SPECIFICATION
• Traditional stock
• Polished blued steel barrel and engraved receiver
• Rounded forearm

Warranty Information

Additional information, related products.

BROWNING Bar Longtrac, Bar Mark II Safari, Bar Lightweight Stalker 270 Win./25-06 Rem./30-06 Sprg. Magazine (112025024)

BROWNING BXS 30-06 Springfield 180Gr Terminal Tip Rifle Ammo (B192430061)

BROWNING A-Bolt Rifle 30-06 Sprg. Magazine (112022026)

BROWNING Bar Longtrac, Bar Mark II Safari, Bar Lightweight Stalker 300 Win. Mag. Magazine (112025029)

BROWNING Bar Mark II Safari, Lightweight Stalker 300 WSM Magazine (112025030)

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