Help me pick a lever .30-06

[pharmseller]

One empty spot in the collection is a scoped lever rifle in .30-06.
What brand/model/vintage do I look for? It needs to have a stock designed for a scope, so the cheek weld is tight and low.
I am very open to opinions and ideas.

P

[arjunky]

If you want a scope I think your only option is the BLR.

Byron

[Bridger]

Was the Winchester 88 available in 30-06? I sorta think it wasn't but I am not totally sure.

[Buck Elliott]

The 88 is a short action number.

Your only choices seem to be the '95 Winchester, or the Browning BLR...

[Hobie]

I would think that for scoping the only choice is the BLR. That was easy! Next...

[pharmseller]

I would think that for scoping the only choice is the BLR. That was easy! Next...

So here's next...
I hear a difference between "old" 81s and newer, Lightnings, Lightweights, etc.
Someone give me the skinny on the BLR.

P

[arjunky]

Older ones were straight grip only.
I've only had 2, a 22-250 which I just sold and a .284 that I haven't shot yet. Did have a friend that had a .308 that shot pretty good. All of these are the older ones.
Pretty sure the new ones shoot pretty good also from what I've read.

Byron

[Buck Elliott]

Handled a NEW lightweight carbine in 7mm-08 yesterday. It came up amazingly well, and didn't feel TOO clubby. I could probably learn to shoot it, if I had to, but I still don't like 'em...

They look like they were designed by a very loosely jointed committee -- guys who NEVER checked to see what the other guys in the outfit were doing...

[lthardman]

I have a Winchester '95 Take Down in .30-06. I like it a lot, it shoots well, and the 95 design leaves all the .30-06 ammunition choices possible. Its an original, but with enough nicks and scratches to be a guiltless shooter. I purchased it as I wanted a lever gun that could use pointed bullets, and because it is kind of unique in the Winchester line. No scope, and I do not plan to add one. I use other guns for hunting, however, so no need to put a scope on this one for me.

[Doc Hudson]

What is to choose from? Browning BLR and Browning BLR.

I'd suggest a Browning BLR and since I prefer steel to aluminum, I'd suggest you get one of the older steel-framed rifles rather than the newer Lighting Models.

[AJMD429]

I'd suggest a Browning BLR and since I prefer steel to aluminum, I'd suggest you get one of the older steel-framed revolvers rather than the newer Lighting Models.

"Revolvers...?"

[Stan in SC]

Browning BLR or Winchester 1895 are your only choices.

Stan in SC

[BenT]

The alloy receiver ones will have the Lightning stamp on the barrel next to BLR. When they went alloy they came in pistol grip only with the steel receivers a straight grip. Today you can get them either way. I've had a few different calibers and they are an exellent rifle. My Blr 308 will never be sold. Also you can get a scout mount for a Win/ Browning 1895. Zeglin put them on lot of 1895's

[Doc Hudson]

I'd suggest a Browning BLR and since I prefer steel to aluminum, I'd suggest you get one of the older steel-framed revolvers rather than the newer Lighting Models.

"Revolvers...?"

It has been a long week.

I do prefer steel framed revolvers over the alloy frames though.

[Blaine]

Personally, I'd do a 308 and have a 88, or a 99.....

[Bruce]

As I have posted recently, I have went to all/only Brownings. Most are BLR's and most are 30-06. I have only the newer Lightweights, both straight and pistol grip and regular and takedown. I have owned one 1895 and liked it, but I prefer the BLR. The pistol grip version is becoming my favorite and I like the takedown for the ease of cleaning the barrel. I do have one that is stainless (450 in a takedown) and would jump on a stainless one in 30-06. The stainless ones all apparently come with the flourescent front sight, which I am not sold on yet. I have heard some complain about the weight of the trigger pull, but all of mine are OK. The action is smooth and the magazines work great. As a side note, I did manage to acquire a Browning BPR (Pump) in 30-06 this last year and I really like it.

[Pisgah]

If it must be .30-06, and it must be easily scope-able, there is no choice -- BLR. Drop back slightly to .308 and you can add the Savage 99 or Winchester 88 to the mix.

[azzhandler]

ever thought about a "hi-wall" its still a levergun and can be had in the 06, only 2 rifles I use on deer is either a 1885 7 mag or my BLR in 284 win, last few yrs ive been using the 284 the most

[Tycer]

I would think that for scoping the only choice is the BLR. That was easy! Next...

So here's next...
I hear a difference between "old" 81s and newer, Lightnings, Lightweights, etc.
Someone give me the skinny on the BLR.

P

The pre-81s have the locking lugs as part of the receiver and the new ones have the locking lugs as part of the barrel. Six of one..... The pre-81 Magazines are gone, currently selling on gunbroker for over $200.