I have the Browning BLR 30-06 in the version with the schnabel forend with no barrel band. It likes the heavier rounds such as the 175 gr Terminal Ascent and 180 gr Nosler Partitions. Shoots between.65 and .75 inch groups consistently. I a get similar accuracy to my bolt guns out to 300 yards. It’s a great gun!
Having collected rifles for 60+ and owning hundreds of rifles over the years and owning about every brand and most models and by in-laws have owned and hunted with lever actions most of their lives being left handed and the Browning BLR are their rifle of choice and have served them well and without any problems over the 30-40 years they have hunted.
You know some people might not want to hear this but there are certain lever actions that just as accurate as any bolt gun. Especially if you give them a little attention. After all most bolt actions that are super accurate has had some sort of custom work done . I have a old marlin 336 in 30/30 with a fairly tired bore that groups one inch at a hundred yards
Ron On the blr you don't load the magazine with the actuon open .you load the magazime with the lever closed insert the magazine and then cycle a round .you'll see there won't be amy cycling issues that way .
Since the Browning BLR is a take down version you will obtain better accuracy if you order the mount that attaches the scope directly to the barrel…….. there will be some tolerances problems in the barrel to receiver coupling mechanism that will be noted when you mount the scope to the receiver………
"It's what you look like up close..." Good one, Ron!!! (chuckle) I think others will agree that while we have always loved your own personal experience and content, it just makes the show better when you bring on guest characters, young and old. The back and forth dialog really supes up the experience!
Really enjoy watching you two. I have two browning blr. One is free floated and the other is not. And boy you are right, the trigger takes some getting used to. When shooting at a deer I don't notice the trigger, but when target shooting I have to really pay attention. I find with hand loads I can get nice accuracy. With factory ammo not what I like. Though I don't have a lever in 30-06. I like both lever and if I can find a lefty bolt I'm happy. Though sometimes I have to force myself to shoot righty. But oh my what a nice time watching you two. Your model 70 sure looks sweet. Thank you so much. P.s nice job at 100yds with sites. I'm starting to have trouble @ 75 yds. Without a scope 100yd will give me serious difficulty. Good job Ron.
I own two BIG GAME rifles, both in 30-06. * 1903a3 Remington * Browning X-Bolt Stalker Long Range The 03 Remington gets 1" 100 yard groups. The Browning X-Bolt gets 0.82" groups at 100 yards. I have shot a 30-06 for 30 years now for coyote, Whitetail deer, Mule Deer, Black Bear and Elk. A "aught 6" will harvest any animal on the planet if the shooter does their job. I trust both of mine with my life and to put food on my families table every year.
I just got mine about 6 weeks ago. After barrel break in, it settled in good. Really likes the factory 178 ELD-X. I have a load getting sub-MOA - 168 Speer Gold Dot over Ramshot Hunter.
Hi Ron, At 22:00 you talk about the extra movement on the lever being for people with gloves. Not sure if they retain it on the modern ones but on the originals at least, that’s an extra safety to prevent the gun from opening without that extra part being opened. There’s a small cam that moves down and releases to open the gun. It actually has a function in the manual of arms for the gun not just gloves and big hands.
I have model 81 blr lightweight take down in 300wsm. It has been plauged with light primer strikes right out of the box. I have not worked up the courage to take it apart, besides it clearly says in the manual to not mess with it?
I agree. I have the same caliber and same bullets, and I took my trigger pull way down from the factory. I sure like mine at 4 lbs and less than 1 inch at 100yrds.
@@RichFreireichcorrect, do not take it apart. Most gunsmiths won’t touch it either for good reason. Putting it back together takes training because the gears have to be timed perfectly. Send it to Browning or check on their website for smiths they authorize.
Love the o6 content as it is the quintessential American cartridge along with the .30-30. My two hunting cartridges. Many years or decades now, looking to get a dedicated hunting rifle aside from my Mod 94, I wanted a bolt action and I came up with the idea of three calibers. My three choices of .308, .270 or .30-06. Upon picking my rifle it was in 06 as it was the only one in stock at that time. Now it it the most hated rifle today the Remington 710. It was the price and quality. This rifle has been very very accurate and consistent. From 165gr to 180gr . Now my sporter a3-o3 in o6 is absolutely beautiful but any loads over 165gr it gets a bit squirly.
I have one in 338. Great gun. Big heavy and rugged. Kills everything. Short barrel. Threaded. Nice trigger. Pretty laminate. Can get lefty. Doesn’t need a scope to shoot it.
Dave is correct. The 308 and 338MX are some of the most useful hunting platforms of the past 60 years. Unfortunately this far into the game we have reached maximum over saturation in every way. Which makes it impossible for just about anybody to break in.
Hello, Ron Loved this episode on the BLR. I’ve always liked this rifle, but just haven’t really been that interested. However, this podcast might have changed my mind, particularly for hunting in bear country. When I was very young one of the first bear attack stories I read about involved a lone elk hunter. He was charged by a grizzly with her near grown cubs. He got one shot off with his .338 (it missed) before they got to him and killed him. A few years ago, an Alberta sheep hunter was killed in nearly the same situation. I’ve heard that this is a scenario that repeats. I do a little bit of hunting every year but most of my shooting is competitive. My main focus is IPSC, and I’ve had some local success over the last 40 years which has tapered off with age. I bring this up because speed is a necessary factor in success in this sport, and to do well you have to put together and master multiple individual movements that each may save you 1/10, 2/10, maybe even a quarter or half a second per stage. On a long stage, including transitions, 4 to 5 seconds total are possible. Combine this with reasonably good reflexes and a good grip , good trigger control, and good equipment, and you will be successful in that sport. From my perspective, which focuses on speed, power, and accuracy, there is a serious lack of appropriate rifles for hunting in grizzly bear country. The only real close range stopping rifle that is available is the Marlin and now the Henry in 45-70,(with a nod to the .444, and .450 Marlin) which with the enhanced Buffalo Bore factory ammo, achieve near low end .458 Win Mag power. These are reportedly absolutely capable. I know for a fact that a lever at close range can be operated by a young teenager with near unbelievable slickness and speed even without high power practice, especially when fuelled by a five yard encounter with a 600+lb black bear. Accuracy matters, time matters, and power matters. Most rifles will do the job if loaded with monolithic bullets, but I believe actual confidence (for grizzlies and for me) starts with the .338WM, and climbs with bore diameter….until it’s too big for the individual to handle with speed. The problem with the big bore lever guns is obviously range. If I’m not in grizzly country, (never, up till now) my preferred cartridge is the .270 in a semi, and a .338WM for elk. This gives me the range I need, which can be 200 yards more than the lever cartridges. If I was hunting in grizzly country, what I would like is a lightened Browning BAR sporting rifle in 338WM with a brake or suppressor. Or a Remington semi in 35 Whelen, with a confidence inspiring 4+1 mag cap. I don’t have any current desire to hunt grizzlies or black bears, but I’d be carrying some comfort in my hands. I don’t believe Browning builds these anymore, and never built them on the alloy action. And Remington quit building their auto. But a great solution would be a BLR in 35 Whelen with a brake or suppressor. It seems likely that it could be a lighter option than the semi. It would give me my range, confidence and 4+1 mag cap. And above all, very little sacrifice in speed. Of course, neither rifle action was ever built by Browning the way I’ve described. They came close with the BAR with BOSS brake, but it is too heavy for doing much vertical. There are lightweight bolt guns around properly equipped and calibered, and much easier to carry in vertical country or the thick stuff. But for me, they take a lot of initial hard work to learn to operate fast, and then continuous practice to maintain that skill and I doubt if I could get to the level that Ron Spomer has demonstrated in his podcasts. Or those Wild Boar Fever guys in Europe. Note that the young teenager had no practice with the lever action until he emptied a full magazine in a couple of heartbeats. Also worth consideration is the Remington pump gun in 35 Whelen. It’s a bit heavy, but with a brake or suppressor, and plating or coating, it has reportedly worked well. And it’s 4+1 capacity. And of course out of production. All of these options would be better with a light scope, and the Leupold VariX3’s are usually 6-8 ounces less than any others. And many mountain hunters say that ounces feel like lbs. in vertical terrain. There’s a qualifier when discussing the semi auto’s mentioned. Some individual representatives will never do better than 2” at 100. I’m not happy about it but have used them at this level quite successfully for 35 years. Still not happy….who would be? So, to summarize, other than bolt guns, which are obviously adequate, even if they don’t particularly agree with me, there are no appropriate dangerous game rifles currently available in North America that really make (my) grade. Maybe I’m not alone. I suspect the real problem is like Sandy Munro says, most of the OEM’s have been taken over by Harvard business types, they have lost the capability to manufacture, have moved it offshore, have no engineering ability, and wouldn’t know a good idea if they saw one. And if someone inside proposed anything, they would have to run it by a consultant. Why? Reread the paragraph. Alex Carp has said that “if an intelligent person makes a mistake, he learns from it, and carries on. Everyone else becomes an advisor! “ (Or consultant, in my opinion)
I’ve got a Remington 7600 but it’s in 308, fantastic little rifle. 1981 production if I remember right, must have been a safe queen as it looks new. I haven’t used it for hunting yet, but some day when the weather is nice it will see go out for some white tail as it’s zeroed and read for the task with the hunting ammunition on standby lol
Got my first 30-06 when I was 15. A Remingto Model Six. Which is a fancy 7600 pump. When I say fancy it's basically a bdl version wood and trim wise. Also has the bottom of the 30-06 cartridge recessed into the bottom of the receiver. The one rifle I will never sell
no point comparing three rifles you can’t buy new with one that you can. Just buy BLR, if we all buy enough these other companies might finally get a clue and make those alternatives again.
The open sights rear and front are on the barrel, so it’s not a factor unless you mount a scope on the action (the other disconnectable half of the rifle)
Greatg video - I would recommend when cleaning from the bore end to use a brass guide so that the cleaning rod does not rub against the inside of the muzzle.
I just finished watching the 30’06 auto loading video with the benelli and browning bar. What surprised me the most was a comment that a viewer didn’t know that the bar mag is easily removed and intended to be removed from the floor plate on these rifles. I have to imagine that the owner manual would have that in writing. I own 3 of these bars and accuracy and reliability are second to none 🙂 Including bolt guns.
I had a few Savage 99 rifles. While they didn't have a 30/06 they had close. Had one in 284 that shot as good as any of my rifles, 1/2 MOA or better with right loads. My 300 Savage shot just under 1 MOA. I never felt less carrying those 99s compared to a bolt gun
I use a 150 GR in my 30-06 to deer hunt with i got a load out of the third edition HORNADY loading book using WIN 748 powder and I'm getting over 3100 FPS out of a 22 IN barrel with the 150 GR bullet.
I have a 1970s era Winchester. I understand the quality and collectbility and that mine is less desirable, however I'm 56 and have had it since I was a young whoopersnapper. It has been nothing but great. I've bought, sold and traded firearms over the years but its been a mainstay. I went to a farm some years back with a group of folks to shoot. Typical ARs AKs etc which are great but I also brought the Winchester. It was a draw. Everyone seemed to have as much or more fun shooting it as opposed to the other firearms that were there.
As I understand it Winchester is making both the push and controlled round feed, it depends on what tier rifle you purchase. friend of mine has one thats push feed and is only a few years old
You know I thought my grand dads 30-06 was out the door, but I dusted it off, with some modern powder and a Swift 150 grain Scirocco, 3163 fps, out of a 22 inch barrel. That right there will take down anything you need to in North America. That is just about the same flight path, as a 270 Win., with a larger heavier bullets. I think with a proper barrel length, 26 - 30 inches, the 30-06 and all its many children will be here for another 300 years or more. And if you Ackley Imp. these cases, 30-06 , with a 180 grain, at 3000 fps. with a good deal less powder than the 300 Win. Mag. I think we need to get away from these really short barrels unless you going 10-15,000 feet up a mountain, and get back to at least 26 inches, you really see a difference in your rifle. Great Show.
Hey Ron, enjoying your video on 30-06. Thank you for confirming your process of cleaning your firearms, with wrapping a patch around your brush. A friend showed me this a few years ago and I still do this. Was also told not to drag the cleaning brush backwards through the barrels rifling and to unscrew the brush then reapply the brush to the rod and carry on with the cleaning process. Just wanted to share my experiences with you, Thanks again and keep shooting straight….👍👍👍😎
I own a BLR in 30.06 and had the same issue with bullet feeding. It doesn’t like cheep ammunition. I use Winchester ammo now and don’t have the problem anymore.
Slight nag here: Since Ron is talking about the various kinds of iron (non-optical) sights, it’s important to note that “open sights” refer only to rear sights that are essentially a notch in something as simple as a flat piece of metal vs. “aperture sights” where the rear sight a hole in a piece of metal usually a disk held within a framework of screw adjusters for setting elevation (vertical) and windage (horizontal) bullet impact.
My first rifle was a BLR in 308. I shot it and shot it and shot it and shot it until I wore out the injectors for the cost of them to be replaced. I found out I was within $100 of a new gun so I bought my second BLR in 257 Roberts And that gun is so accurate I know they don’t make it in that caliber anymore. I also had one in a 284 Winchester and then a 22, 250 all of them was very accurate except for the 22 to 50 I could not find around that that gun liked so I got rid of it, but I would like to see you do a comparison of a 243 in a bold action and in the BLR and see what you think there especially for accuracy if that I haven’t owned two 243, but that’s as close to my 25 or 257 Robertsthat you can get right now if that shoots anything like my 257 Roberts, I think you’ll be very very impressed with that lover action. Would love to see you do that comparison.
I have to agree with ron on the weight on the md70 i took mine it's a pre 64 3006 on a backpack trip never again my dad keep yelling at me quit dragging your rifle..
Several gunsmiths across the country will do a trigger job on the BLR. Neil Jones in PA is the best known…hopefully still alive and well. Turn it into a tac driver. The bolt has locking lugs that make it as accurate as any bolt action.
I have custom BLR: 45 Winchester Magnum Pistol Calibre, barrel by SSK. Has machined aluminium magazine well insert and uses 44 calibre Dessert Eagle magazines. 223 Remington 1-8 Twist Heavy fluted floating barrel, threaded with suppressor and Picatinny Rail. :-)
Also I've stacked rounds on top of each other at 100 yards it also using the same locking lugs as their bolt action so it's as accurate as there bolt action
I have an old 1895 in 30-06 from my dad who passed away recently. I have no idea what year it is. If I am reading the serial number right it comes from 1914 or 1915.
Added comment Glad to see you’re using the recoil pad for your shoulder…I’ve used one for years and Aye God…those recoil pads do work well. They’ll keep you focused away from recoil and help in concentration
The 1895 in 30-06 needs a LVPO to reach its full potential. Say a Meopta R2 1-6rd. At 1x with the red dot it might actually speed up sight acquisition.
You have to run it like you own it all the way back and forth, strong stroke. I did the trigger pull on my 81 light weight model. Once you get used to it, it's fine.push rounds straight down on the mag, not sliding them.my trigger is set at 4 LBS 325WSM is powerful for most any game and 1 moa at 100. It's nice they have many calibers to choose from. Aim small, good hunting.
The 30-06 is the one rifle. It is the king of the one rifle. The 30-06 is the only rifle you need.,. Oh yeah and it takes us 190 grains super long high BC bullets for you guys chasing something you don't understand.
Anything's possible with enough tape and epoxy glue. Joking aside I want to know this as well, a M1895 with a scope is my dream rifle, and I definitely have seen numerous pictures of ones with optics mounted.
I believe loading it would become an issue , I had an 06 , currently have an original in 30-40 , I’m going to have to look more closely , peep sights work fine for myself
I would put a "scout" scope on it. I have used scout scopes on various rifles, including a couple 94 Winchester 30-30's. On other rifles with more speed and precision in the rifles, I have shot sub inch groups and have had no trouble taking game to 300 yds despite the low magnification of the scout scope. A scout scope on an 1895 would not affect loading or ejection and if you used quick detachable rings, you could have a zeroed receiver peep sight on the rifle, ready to go if needed.
@@fedup3582 Honestly if we are just talking about scope type, use a LPVO. Scout scopes were neat for their time, back when LPVO didn't exist scout scopes definitely had a niche place, but modern 1-10X LPVO are just better.
A top eject is, but the side ejecting modern ones have the case fly out in front of the left-handers eyes. Not a huge problem but consider it before committing to it.
Slower is always more accurate in any gun that is why the heavier bullets group better. Maybe. Fast and flat is probably more practical accuracy for a hunting scenario at longer ranges especially if the target is moving. Mine is a Brazilian Mauser from the 50's in as new condition. Forget what they call it.
Slower is not more accurate. Speed kills and is much flatter over range. I've hunted for 30 years now, and can tell you this from first hand experience.
I like Bolt Action. They are more accurate, if you get a quality rifle. Barrels don’t need to be cleaned if they are accurate. If you were ever or have been in the military and shooting an M-16 5000 rounds or more, you’re not cleaning it it.
The browning 81 lightweight takedown I have in 300wsm, doesn't fire, in fact out of a box of ammo I would be lucky if 10 of them actually fired, light primer strikes have been the norm for mine right out of the box,its unfortunate as I really love the rifle,however it's been relegated to safe queen status, can't trust it!!
With the action open and the rifle pointing upwards, drip a little cleaner down the firing pin hole, at the other end of the bolt work the button in and out. Keep it pointed up and have some paper towels handy! These bolts are packed with grease and the pin will not make contact with the primer when the hammer is down. It needs to travel forward after a good hit. Called inertia or something. Too much grease in the way equals a light strike. Pass it on. Let me know if this helps
Accuracy comes from how the bolt locks to the lugs. You can not get repeatability from a lever action. And it is difficult to clean because you shouldn't clean it from the muzzle side
when you explain something educational to someone , and their constant response is “ok” you can bet your lunch money… they could careless about what you just tried to enlighten them with ..
I had to hunt with a borrowed rifle on a hunt in Oklahoma a few years ago (my brother would not ship me mine). I think it was a Remington 760/7600 in .30-06. I got a nice buck at about 125 yards, but I hated the rifle. If someone gave me one, I would give it away.
There is nothing wrong with that rifle. Just stop short stroking it, I don't like to give you too much of a hard time, but sometimes you're full of it, the trigger I took down myself on my BLR, but you might want to have a good gunsmith do it since it takes some good nerves to put it back together sort of like a grand father clock, but once you do it it is easy afterwards like riding a bike the first time is a pain, and when you run one you have to run it solid and strong and if you short stroke it like you did it will not pick up the next round, operator error, Henry same way,but I like the Browning postal grip and they are just as accurate as a bolt rifle,aim small good hunting, GOD bless.
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I have the Browning BLR 30-06 in the version with the schnabel forend with no barrel band. It likes the heavier rounds such as the 175 gr Terminal Ascent and 180 gr Nosler Partitions. Shoots between.65 and .75 inch groups consistently. I a get similar accuracy to my bolt guns out to 300 yards. It’s a great gun!
Having collected rifles for 60+ and owning hundreds of rifles over the years and owning about every brand and most models and by in-laws have owned and hunted with lever actions most of their lives being left handed and the Browning BLR are their rifle of choice and have served them well and without any problems over the 30-40 years they have hunted.
my age and experience parallels yours except where you say BLR I say Savage 99
Great video. Love this 30-06 week. Appreciate you showing rifles I wouldn't normally see. Thank you.
You know some people might not want to hear this but there are certain lever actions that just as accurate as any bolt gun. Especially if you give them a little attention. After all most bolt actions that are super accurate has had some sort of custom work done . I have a old marlin 336 in 30/30 with a fairly tired bore that groups one inch at a hundred yards
Savage model 99 so many wonderful calibers and model variations. The quality of these rifles from basic to artful elegant models leaves me drooling.
Ron
On the blr you don't load the magazine with the actuon open .you load the magazime with the lever closed insert the magazine and then cycle a round .you'll see there won't be amy cycling issues that way .
Also, take the magazine out and open the bolt before pulling the takedown latch.
Since the Browning BLR is a take down version you will obtain better accuracy if you order the mount that attaches the scope directly to the barrel…….. there will be some tolerances problems in the barrel to receiver coupling mechanism that will be noted when you mount the scope to the receiver………
"It's what you look like up close..." Good one, Ron!!! (chuckle) I think others will agree that while we have always loved your own personal experience and content, it just makes the show better when you bring on guest characters, young and old. The back and forth dialog really supes up the experience!
Really enjoy watching you two. I have two browning blr. One is free floated and the other is not. And boy you are right, the trigger takes some getting used to. When shooting at a deer I don't notice the trigger, but when target shooting I have to really pay attention. I find with hand loads I can get nice accuracy. With factory ammo not what I like. Though I don't have a lever in 30-06. I like both lever and if I can find a lefty bolt I'm happy. Though sometimes I have to force myself to shoot righty. But oh my what a nice time watching you two. Your model 70 sure looks sweet. Thank you so much.
P.s nice job at 100yds with sites. I'm starting to have trouble @ 75 yds. Without a scope 100yd will give me serious difficulty. Good job Ron.
I hope they have a Remington model 760/7600
Love my model 88 in 308 slim and trim she is.
What ammo does it like?
I am horseback alot and prefer the straight grip , takedown.
If you use a long eye relief scope you can bore sight it.
Ron can you do a review of the Rem 7600 in 30-06 and all you can use in it ?
I own two BIG GAME rifles, both in 30-06.
* 1903a3 Remington
* Browning X-Bolt Stalker Long Range
The 03 Remington gets 1" 100 yard groups.
The Browning X-Bolt gets 0.82" groups at 100 yards. I have shot a 30-06 for 30 years now for coyote, Whitetail deer, Mule Deer, Black Bear and Elk. A "aught 6" will harvest any animal on the planet if the shooter does their job. I trust both of mine with my life and to put food on my families table every year.
Great series Ron. Got a Howa 1500 in 30-06, and it's my absolute favorite of my bunch. Waiting on a Husqvarna 1640 in the same chambering.
I just got mine about 6 weeks ago. After barrel break in, it settled in good. Really likes the factory 178 ELD-X. I have a load getting sub-MOA - 168 Speer Gold Dot over Ramshot Hunter.
Have to love the Howa 1500 . It's a budget rifle with high dollar accuracy.
Hi Ron,
At 22:00 you talk about the extra movement on the lever being for people with gloves. Not sure if they retain it on the modern ones but on the originals at least, that’s an extra safety to prevent the gun from opening without that extra part being opened. There’s a small cam that moves down and releases to open the gun. It actually has a function in the manual of arms for the gun not just gloves and big hands.
I have a blr chambered in 325 wsm. It groups sub moa with 200 grain acubonds. Great rifle . Lever gun speed with bolt action reach
I have model 81 blr lightweight take down in 300wsm. It has been plauged with light primer strikes right out of the box. I have not worked up the courage to take it apart, besides it clearly says in the manual to not mess with it?
I agree. I have the same caliber and same bullets, and I took my trigger pull way down from the factory. I sure like mine at 4 lbs and less than 1 inch at 100yrds.
@@RichFreireichcorrect, do not take it apart. Most gunsmiths won’t touch it either for good reason. Putting it back together takes training because the gears have to be timed perfectly. Send it to Browning or check on their website for smiths they authorize.
Love the o6 content as it is the quintessential American cartridge along with the .30-30. My two hunting cartridges.
Many years or decades now, looking to get a dedicated hunting rifle aside from my Mod 94, I wanted a bolt action and I came up with the idea of three calibers. My three choices of .308, .270 or .30-06.
Upon picking my rifle it was in 06 as it was the only one in stock at that time. Now it it the most hated rifle today the Remington 710. It was the price and quality.
This rifle has been very very accurate and consistent. From 165gr to 180gr .
Now my sporter a3-o3 in o6 is absolutely beautiful but any loads over 165gr it gets a bit squirly.
Would of liked to see the 7600 used
I expect the BLR could be a good saddle gun having such a selection of modern calibers.
Hey Ron try out the ruger guide gun in 30-06. Mauser action and open sights. Would be a cool future review.
I have one in 338. Great gun. Big heavy and rugged. Kills everything. Short barrel. Threaded. Nice trigger. Pretty laminate. Can get lefty. Doesn’t need a scope to shoot it.
I was disappointed when Marlin did away with the 308 and 338 Marlin calibers. A Marlin in 30-06 would have already been in my safe if they'd made one.
That's y the 338mx was made cuz 3006 couldn't fit in the design
Marlin tried with the 356 (made about 2k) and 307 (made a few test rifles) but the public was not interested in these calibers.
Dave is correct. The 308 and 338MX are some of the most useful hunting platforms of the past 60 years. Unfortunately this far into the game we have reached maximum over saturation in every way. Which makes it impossible for just about anybody to break in.
Hello, Ron
Loved this episode on the BLR. I’ve always liked this rifle, but just haven’t really been that interested. However, this podcast might have changed my mind, particularly for hunting in bear country.
When I was very young one of the first bear attack stories I read about involved a lone elk hunter. He was charged by a grizzly with her near grown cubs.
He got one shot off with his .338 (it missed) before they got to him and killed him.
A few years ago, an Alberta sheep hunter was killed in nearly the same situation.
I’ve heard that this is a scenario that repeats.
I do a little bit of hunting every year but most of my shooting is competitive. My main focus is IPSC, and I’ve had some local success over the last 40 years which has tapered off with age. I bring this up because speed is a necessary factor in success in this sport, and to do well you have to put together and master multiple individual movements that each may save you 1/10, 2/10, maybe even a quarter or half a second per stage. On a long stage, including transitions, 4 to 5 seconds total are possible. Combine this with reasonably good reflexes and a good grip , good trigger control, and good equipment, and you will be successful in that sport.
From my perspective, which focuses on speed, power, and accuracy, there is a serious lack of appropriate rifles for hunting in grizzly bear country. The only real close range stopping rifle that is available is the Marlin and now the Henry in 45-70,(with a nod to the .444, and .450 Marlin)
which with the enhanced Buffalo Bore factory ammo, achieve near low end .458 Win Mag power. These are reportedly absolutely capable.
I know for a fact that a lever at close range can be operated by a young teenager with near unbelievable slickness and speed even without high power practice, especially when fuelled by a five yard encounter with a 600+lb black bear.
Accuracy matters, time matters, and power matters. Most rifles will do the job if loaded with monolithic bullets, but I believe actual confidence (for grizzlies and for me) starts with the .338WM, and climbs with bore diameter….until it’s too big for the individual to handle with speed.
The problem with the big bore lever guns is obviously range. If I’m not in grizzly country, (never, up till now) my preferred cartridge is the .270 in a semi, and a .338WM for elk. This gives me the range I need, which can be 200 yards more than the lever cartridges.
If I was hunting in grizzly country, what I would like is a lightened Browning BAR sporting rifle in 338WM with a brake or suppressor. Or a Remington semi in 35 Whelen, with a confidence inspiring 4+1 mag cap. I don’t have any current desire to hunt
grizzlies or black bears, but I’d be carrying some comfort in my hands. I don’t believe Browning builds these anymore, and never built them on the alloy action. And Remington quit building their auto.
But a great solution would be a BLR in 35 Whelen with a brake or suppressor. It seems likely that it could be a lighter option than the semi. It would give me my range, confidence and 4+1 mag cap. And above all, very little sacrifice in speed. Of course, neither rifle action was ever built by Browning the way I’ve described. They came close with the BAR with BOSS brake, but it is too heavy for doing much vertical.
There are lightweight bolt guns around properly equipped and calibered, and much easier to carry in vertical country or the thick stuff. But for me, they take a lot of initial hard work to learn to operate fast, and then continuous practice to maintain that skill and I doubt if I could get to the level that Ron Spomer has demonstrated in his podcasts. Or those Wild Boar Fever guys in Europe. Note that the young teenager had no practice with the lever action until he emptied a full magazine in a couple of heartbeats.
Also worth consideration is the Remington pump gun in 35 Whelen. It’s a bit heavy, but with a brake or suppressor, and plating or coating, it has reportedly worked well. And it’s 4+1 capacity. And of course out of production.
All of these options would be better with a light scope, and the Leupold VariX3’s are usually 6-8 ounces less than any others.
And many mountain hunters say that ounces feel like lbs. in vertical terrain.
There’s a qualifier when discussing the semi auto’s mentioned. Some individual representatives will never do better than 2” at 100. I’m not happy about it but have used them at this level quite successfully for 35 years. Still not happy….who would be?
So, to summarize, other than bolt guns, which are obviously adequate, even if they don’t particularly agree with me, there are no appropriate dangerous game rifles currently available in North America that really make (my) grade. Maybe I’m not alone.
I suspect the real problem is like Sandy Munro says, most of the OEM’s have been taken over by Harvard business types, they have lost the capability to manufacture, have moved it offshore, have no engineering ability, and wouldn’t know a good idea if they saw one. And if someone inside proposed anything, they would have to run it by a consultant. Why? Reread the paragraph.
Alex Carp has said that “if an intelligent person makes a mistake, he learns from it, and carries on. Everyone else becomes an advisor! “ (Or consultant, in my opinion)
Now that was a fun video. Now let's see a pump 30-06.
I’ve got a Remington 7600 but it’s in 308, fantastic little rifle. 1981 production if I remember right, must have been a safe queen as it looks new. I haven’t used it for hunting yet, but some day when the weather is nice it will see go out for some white tail as it’s zeroed and read for the task with the hunting ammunition on standby lol
Got my first 30-06 when I was 15. A Remingto Model Six. Which is a fancy 7600 pump. When I say fancy it's basically a bdl version wood and trim wise. Also has the bottom of the 30-06 cartridge recessed into the bottom of the receiver. The one rifle I will never sell
Need to do a comparison test on the savage 99 in 308 win, Winchester 88 in 308 in either pre or post 64, browning blr in 308, Sako finwolf in 308.
no point comparing three rifles you can’t buy new with one that you can. Just buy BLR, if we all buy enough these other companies might finally get a clue and make those alternatives again.
How much does the takedown in the BLR affect holding zero? does it add another MOA to accuracy?
The open sights rear and front are on the barrel, so it’s not a factor unless you mount a scope on the action (the other disconnectable half of the rifle)
Greatg video - I would recommend when cleaning from the bore end to use a brass guide so that the cleaning rod does not rub against the inside of the muzzle.
I would have sent my 30/06 model 70 if I known this was happening. Looks just like the 7x57. Sweet rifle.
I just finished watching the 30’06 auto loading video with the benelli and browning bar. What surprised me the most was a comment that a viewer didn’t know that the bar mag is easily removed and intended to be removed from the floor plate on these rifles. I have to imagine that the owner manual would have that in writing. I own 3 of these bars and accuracy and reliability are second to none 🙂
Including bolt guns.
I think if you actually run the bolt the full length of travel the BLR will load just fine
on the winchester model 70 in 1969 to 1971 they made a model 770 . no floor plate and cheaper wood stock but the same barrels Action.
Awesome video, top notch. Thanks for sharing!
Great show and thanks for the update on the gun's 👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍
Another Great Video Ron '' Thanks Guys for Sharing '' 💯💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
I had a few Savage 99 rifles. While they didn't have a 30/06 they had close. Had one in 284 that shot as good as any of my rifles, 1/2 MOA or better with right loads. My 300 Savage shot just under 1 MOA. I never felt less carrying those 99s compared to a bolt gun
I use a 150 GR in my 30-06 to deer hunt with i got a load out of the third edition HORNADY loading book using WIN 748 powder and I'm getting over 3100 FPS out of a 22 IN barrel with the 150 GR bullet.
Is the trigger adjustable on the Browning lever action and how much does it weigh? Did it cycle the ammo good?
I have a 1970s era Winchester.
I understand the quality and collectbility and that mine is less desirable, however I'm 56 and have had it since I was a young whoopersnapper.
It has been nothing but great.
I've bought, sold and traded firearms over the years but its been a mainstay.
I went to a farm some years back with a group of folks to shoot. Typical ARs AKs etc which are great but I also brought the Winchester.
It was a draw. Everyone seemed to have as much or more fun shooting it as opposed to the other firearms that were there.
You have a very nice model 70.
As I understand it Winchester is making both the push and controlled round feed, it depends on what tier rifle you purchase. friend of mine has one thats push feed and is only a few years old
just turn it upside down in the vice and the leaver will be pointed up
You know I thought my grand dads 30-06 was out the door, but I dusted it off, with some modern powder and a Swift 150 grain Scirocco, 3163 fps, out of a 22 inch barrel. That right there will take down anything you need to in North America. That is just about the same flight path, as a 270 Win., with a larger heavier bullets. I think with a proper barrel length, 26 - 30 inches, the 30-06 and all its many children will be here for another 300 years or more. And if you Ackley Imp. these cases, 30-06 , with a 180 grain, at 3000 fps. with a good deal less powder than the 300 Win. Mag. I think we need to get away from these really short barrels unless you going 10-15,000 feet up a mountain, and get back to at least 26 inches, you really see a difference in your rifle. Great Show.
Hey Ron, enjoying your video on 30-06. Thank you for confirming your process of cleaning your firearms, with wrapping a patch around your brush. A friend showed me this a few years ago and I still do this. Was also told not to drag the cleaning brush backwards through the barrels rifling and to unscrew the brush then reapply the brush to the rod and carry on with the cleaning process. Just wanted to share my experiences with you, Thanks again and keep shooting straight….👍👍👍😎
@@flyfisher56ify because the shoulder where the brush screws on can chip the edge of the bore and hurt accuracy.one direction only.
I own a BLR in 30.06 and had the same issue with bullet feeding. It doesn’t like cheep ammunition. I use Winchester ammo now and don’t have the problem anymore.
wow, love it, best until now...
Slight nag here: Since Ron is talking about the various kinds of iron (non-optical) sights, it’s important to note that “open sights” refer only to rear sights that are essentially a notch in something as simple as a flat piece of metal vs. “aperture sights” where the rear sight a hole in a piece of metal usually a disk held within a framework of screw adjusters for setting elevation (vertical) and windage (horizontal) bullet impact.
My first rifle was a BLR in 308. I shot it and shot it and shot it and shot it until I wore out the injectors for the cost of them to be replaced. I found out I was within $100 of a new gun so I bought my second BLR in 257 Roberts And that gun is so accurate I know they don’t make it in that caliber anymore. I also had one in a 284 Winchester and then a 22, 250 all of them was very accurate except for the 22 to 50 I could not find around that that gun liked so I got rid of it, but I would like to see you do a comparison of a 243 in a bold action and in the BLR and see what you think there especially for accuracy if that I haven’t owned two 243, but that’s as close to my 25 or 257 Robertsthat you can get right now if that shoots anything like my 257 Roberts, I think you’ll be very very impressed with that lover action. Would love to see you do that comparison.
I have to agree with ron on the weight on the md70 i took mine it's a pre 64 3006 on a backpack trip never again my dad keep yelling at me quit dragging your rifle..
I definitely enjoy peep sight irons over scope, since I wear coke bottle glasses.
Pepsi bottles are more accurate
Einer für alles! German drilling
I own one in 12/12 and 7x65R
best hunting gun ever
If you are into it the winchester model 1895 is pretty well a timeless classic .
I use a Otis master cleaning kit have no problems cleaning lever gun's from the beach
I owned a BLR and it was an amazingly accurate rifle. Sold it to an ARMY pal for a deer gun.
Several gunsmiths across the country will do a trigger job on the BLR. Neil Jones in PA is the best known…hopefully still alive and well.
Turn it into a tac driver. The bolt has locking lugs that make it as accurate as any bolt action.
Well Done
Enjoyed this video a lot .
I have custom BLR:
45 Winchester Magnum Pistol Calibre, barrel by SSK. Has machined aluminium magazine well insert and uses 44 calibre Dessert Eagle magazines.
223 Remington 1-8 Twist Heavy fluted floating barrel, threaded with suppressor and Picatinny Rail.
:-)
I don’t own a 3006 ! But want one ! My dad is a fan I’ve always been a 270 win! But want one!
I notice I'm not the only person who wraps patches around a brush.
Have always wanted the 1895 in '06. Someday....
Also I've stacked rounds on top of each other at 100 yards it also using the same locking lugs as their bolt action so it's as accurate as there bolt action
Mr. Spoomer imagine how great this test would be if you had a Garmin chronograph sitting on the table next to you to see which 30/06 was the fastest!!
Does the scope need to be rezero after breaking?
I have an old 1895 in 30-06 from my dad who passed away recently. I have no idea what year it is. If I am reading the serial number right it comes from 1914 or 1915.
Those are beautiful rifles!
Added comment
Glad to see you’re using the recoil pad for your shoulder…I’ve used one for years and Aye God…those recoil pads do work well.
They’ll keep you focused away from recoil and help in concentration
BLR is king of lever guns. Period.
I would like to buy a BLR like this one but the one i saw is a lot smaller. Do they have different types?
Just check out the Browning catalog.
The 1895 in 30-06 needs a LVPO to reach its full potential. Say a Meopta R2 1-6rd. At 1x with the red dot it might actually speed up sight acquisition.
My win 770 pretty much a 70 kicks like an 8 gauge gose gun! Call it thumper Bambis best friend. But it stacks bullets.
You have to run it like you own it all the way back and forth, strong stroke. I did the trigger pull on my 81 light weight model. Once you get used to it, it's fine.push rounds straight down on the mag, not sliding them.my trigger is set at 4 LBS
325WSM is powerful for most any game and 1 moa at 100. It's nice they have many calibers to choose from. Aim small, good hunting.
The irony of this week coming out is that I was looking at getting a rifle chambered for 30-06.
The 30-06 is the one rifle. It is the king of the one rifle. The 30-06 is the only rifle you need.,. Oh yeah and it takes us 190 grains super long high BC bullets for you guys chasing something you don't understand.
Keep up the good work
You gotta run the lever like you mean it I've never had a problem with the magazine
Is it possible to install an optic on M1895?
Anything's possible with enough tape and epoxy glue. Joking aside I want to know this as well, a M1895 with a scope is my dream rifle, and I definitely have seen numerous pictures of ones with optics mounted.
I think you have to drill and tap the side plate..
I believe loading it would become an issue , I had an 06 , currently have an original in 30-40 , I’m going to have to look more closely , peep sights work fine for myself
I would put a "scout" scope on it. I have used scout scopes on various rifles, including a couple 94 Winchester 30-30's. On other rifles with more speed and precision in the rifles, I have shot sub inch groups and have had no trouble taking game to 300 yds despite the low magnification of the scout scope. A scout scope on an 1895 would not affect loading or ejection and if you used quick detachable rings, you could have a zeroed receiver peep sight on the rifle, ready to go if needed.
@@fedup3582 Honestly if we are just talking about scope type, use a LPVO. Scout scopes were neat for their time, back when LPVO didn't exist scout scopes definitely had a niche place, but modern 1-10X LPVO are just better.
... the BLR like most leverguns will cycle more consistently if you don't "short stroke" the lever
You left out that the lever action is great for Left-handed people
A top eject is, but the side ejecting modern ones have the case fly out in front of the left-handers eyes. Not a huge problem but consider it before committing to it.
The thing remember original 70 had cone shape feed to chamber the classic is not
Ya might have a SASS cowboy show you how to work a lever action.
32:50 who put the scope like that??? LOL
I would have let ron clean it and ask why didn't you take it apart and clean it.. i don't know why but them take downs seem to kick harder..
Best caliber
I only knew about the Russian contract 1895s in 7.62x54r
Slower is always more accurate in any gun that is why the heavier bullets group better. Maybe. Fast and flat is probably more practical accuracy for a hunting scenario at longer ranges especially if the target is moving. Mine is a Brazilian Mauser from the 50's in as new condition. Forget what they call it.
You do not have a good understanding of ballistics.
Slower is not more accurate. Speed kills and is much flatter over range. I've hunted for 30 years now, and can tell you this from first hand experience.
@@trevorgomez3343 Ya I stated that thanks for repeating my comment.
@@HighMaintenancePS And you do not understand English or how to read. Try again.
12:36 really? they have the model 70 in 30-06 has 10 models on their website.
Both technically are brownings. Both are great guns.
I had no idea there was a take-down BLR.
I like Bolt Action. They are more accurate, if you get a quality rifle. Barrels don’t need to be cleaned if they are accurate. If you were ever or have been in the military and shooting an M-16 5000 rounds or more, you’re not cleaning it it.
I don't know where this non cleaning stuff comes from?
1906 / 2024 still doing a good job..
You clean the barrel, but not the chamber?
Chamber would be a quick wipe because it is smooth. The barrel has grooves that requires a couple of passes.
... the BLR triggers are "garbage" for a gun at that price point
The browning 81 lightweight takedown I have in 300wsm, doesn't fire, in fact out of a box of ammo I would be lucky if 10 of them actually fired, light primer strikes have been the norm for mine right out of the box,its unfortunate as I really love the rifle,however it's been relegated to safe queen status, can't trust it!!
With the action open and the rifle pointing upwards, drip a little cleaner down the firing pin hole, at the other end of the bolt work the button in and out. Keep it pointed up and have some paper towels handy! These bolts are packed with grease and the pin will not make contact with the primer when the hammer is down. It needs to travel forward after a good hit. Called inertia or something. Too much grease in the way equals a light strike. Pass it on. Let me know if this helps
Will do buddy, and thanks for the pointer, I'm willing to try anything at this point, just short of taking it apart!
Accuracy comes from how the bolt locks to the lugs.
You can not get repeatability from a lever action.
And it is difficult to clean because you shouldn't clean it from the muzzle side
when you explain something educational to someone , and their constant response is “ok” you can bet your lunch money… they could careless about what you just tried to enlighten them with ..
I had to hunt with a borrowed rifle on a hunt in Oklahoma a few years ago (my brother would not ship me mine). I think it was a Remington 760/7600 in .30-06. I got a nice buck at about 125 yards, but I hated the rifle. If someone gave me one, I would give it away.
👍
There is nothing wrong with that rifle. Just stop short stroking it, I don't like to give you too much of a hard time, but sometimes you're full of it, the trigger I took down myself on my BLR, but you might want to have a good gunsmith do it since it takes some good nerves to put it back together sort of like a grand father clock, but once you do it it is easy afterwards like riding a bike the first time is a pain, and when you run one you have to run it solid and strong and if you short stroke it like you did it will not pick up the next round, operator error, Henry same way,but I like the Browning postal grip and they are just as accurate as a bolt rifle,aim small good hunting, GOD bless.
1903 superiority
Sales tell the story - No !
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