Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this VINTAGE lever-action rifle today for a penny-start auction; this is the Browning BLR 81' Short-Action.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Browning
Model: BLR 81' Short-Action
Serial: 10252NM227
Date of Manufacture: 1990
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 20"
Optics/Sights: Drilled and Tapped Receiver w/ Ramped Fixed Blade
Stock/Grips: Smooth / Checkered Walnut Stock w/ Checkered Forearm and Synthetic Recoil Pad
Action: Lever-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Browning BLR Model ’81 Short Action is a modern lever-action that reimagines classic lever mechanics with contemporary materials and versatility, delivering a rifle that’s at home in the mountains, the woods, and on the range. Introduced as the Model 81 in 1981, the BLR departs from traditional tubular-magazine lever designs by using a detachable box magazine and a rack-and-pinion lever/bolt system, allowing safe use of pointed, spitzer-style bullets and reliable feeding of high-velocity cartridges. The short-action models are chambered in a wide family of short-action cartridges (.223 Rem., .22-250, .243 Win., .308 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., .358 Win., etc.), are typically furnished with sporter-contour 20" barrels, and balance light handling with enough mass up front to tame recoil and steady follow-ups. The action itself is noted for its smooth lever throw and positive lockup; the trigger moves with the lever during cycling (a thoughtful safety/comfort feature), and the gun is drilled and tapped for optics, reflecting Browning’s intent that the BLR be an optic-first hunting rifle that still points and handles like a traditional lever gun. In practical use, the BLR ’81 Short Action shines because it combines lever-gun pointability with the ballistic flexibility of modern cartridges and the accuracy potential of a solid receiver/barrel fit. The detachable magazine gives fast, safe reloads and permits efficient feeding of high-BC projectiles, while the gear-driven lever and interrupted-thread bolt produce a short, positive lockup that contributes to repeatable accuracy—qualities that competitive hunters and backcountry stalkers appreciate when engaging game at extended ranges. Over time, Browning refined the BLR line (the later “Lightning” and Lightweight ‘81 variants changed receiver materials and contours), but many shooters prefer the original steel-receiver Model 81 for its perceived solidity and balance. For those who want a lever gun that will accept modern optics, shoot pointed bullets safely, and offer an effective mix of classic handling and contemporary ballistics, the BLR Model ’81 Short Action remains a compelling and practical choice.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: BLR 81' Short-Action
Serial: 10252NM227
Date of Manufacture: 1990
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 20"
Optics/Sights: Drilled and Tapped Receiver w/ Ramped Fixed Blade
Stock/Grips: Smooth / Checkered Walnut Stock w/ Checkered Forearm and Synthetic Recoil Pad
Action: Lever-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Browning BLR Model ’81 Short Action is a modern lever-action that reimagines classic lever mechanics with contemporary materials and versatility, delivering a rifle that’s at home in the mountains, the woods, and on the range. Introduced as the Model 81 in 1981, the BLR departs from traditional tubular-magazine lever designs by using a detachable box magazine and a rack-and-pinion lever/bolt system, allowing safe use of pointed, spitzer-style bullets and reliable feeding of high-velocity cartridges. The short-action models are chambered in a wide family of short-action cartridges (.223 Rem., .22-250, .243 Win., .308 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., .358 Win., etc.), are typically furnished with sporter-contour 20" barrels, and balance light handling with enough mass up front to tame recoil and steady follow-ups. The action itself is noted for its smooth lever throw and positive lockup; the trigger moves with the lever during cycling (a thoughtful safety/comfort feature), and the gun is drilled and tapped for optics, reflecting Browning’s intent that the BLR be an optic-first hunting rifle that still points and handles like a traditional lever gun. In practical use, the BLR ’81 Short Action shines because it combines lever-gun pointability with the ballistic flexibility of modern cartridges and the accuracy potential of a solid receiver/barrel fit. The detachable magazine gives fast, safe reloads and permits efficient feeding of high-BC projectiles, while the gear-driven lever and interrupted-thread bolt produce a short, positive lockup that contributes to repeatable accuracy—qualities that competitive hunters and backcountry stalkers appreciate when engaging game at extended ranges. Over time, Browning refined the BLR line (the later “Lightning” and Lightweight ‘81 variants changed receiver materials and contours), but many shooters prefer the original steel-receiver Model 81 for its perceived solidity and balance. For those who want a lever gun that will accept modern optics, shoot pointed bullets safely, and offer an effective mix of classic handling and contemporary ballistics, the BLR Model ’81 Short Action remains a compelling and practical choice.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
