Browning BAR

The Browning BAR is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle produced by the Browning Arms Company in Belgium. The rifle loads from a detachable box magazine.[3] Browning introduced a redesigned BAR in 1966.[4]

This article is about the semi-automatic hunting rifle. For the light machine gun and the automatic rifle, see M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle.

Browning BAR
TypeSemi-automatic rifle
Place of originBelgium
Production history
DesignerMarcel Olinger and Bruce Warren Browning
ManufacturerBrowning Arms Company, assembled in Portugal
Specifications (Current production BAR[1])
Mass6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)
Length41–45 in (1,041–1,143 mm)
Barrel length20–24 in (508–610 mm)
CartridgeShort and long-action cartridges [2]
ActionGas-operated piston, rotating bolt,
Rate of fireSemi-automatic
Feed systemDetachable box magazine
SightsOpen sights (depending on model) and optional scope base

Variants

There are several models of the Browning BAR; Safari, Long- and ShortTrac, and Lightweight Stalker. Both LongTrac and ShortTrac versions are available in a Mossy Oak takedown, basic, and Stalker variant.

The Safari model has an engraved steel receiver and walnut stock.[5] The barrel is 22, 23 or 24 in (560, 580 or 610 mm) long, depending on the cartridge. The Safari is the only model with the Browning BOSS (Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System). The system reduces recoil and enhances accuracy with an adjustable muzzle brake and weight.[5]

The Lightweight Stalker model has an aluminum-alloy receiver. The stock is matte black synthetic instead of a walnut stock. The stalker is the only model to feature iron sights.[5] The barrel is 20, 22, 23 or 24 in (510, 560, 580 or 610 mm) long.

LongTrac and ShortTrac models feature an aluminum-alloy receiver, a plastic trigger guard and floorplate, and more stylised stock.[1][5] The basic version has a walnut stock; the Stalker version has a matte-black finish and a black composite stock. The Mossy Oak version has a composite stock, and the entire rifle is painted in camouflage colors.[1] Depending on variant and cartridge, the barrel is 22, 23 or 24 in (560, 580 or 610 mm). Long or Short differ on the action length, and the ShortTrac (BAR ST) can accommodate cartridge lengths up to .308 Winchester, while LongTrac (BAR LT) can accommodate longer cartridges. Since the MK3 update, all BAR rifles have the same long action length, while for instance older BAR versions in .308 have a ShortTrac action up to and including .308 Win.

References
  1. Browning Catalog: BAR rifles Archived October 7, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  2. Numerous cartridges have been offered over the years. See Browning web site for current chamberings.
  3. Taffin, John (October 2006), "The Gentleman's Sporting Auto", Guns, archived from the original on 28 July 2006
  4. Hoots, Lee J., "Deer Rifles Abound", Guns & Ammo, archived from the original on 16 February 2008
  5. Hawks, Chuck (1 October 2002), The Browning BAR Mark II Rifle, archived from the original on 1 June 2023, retrieved 23 February 2008
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