I have rifles with both styles of stock. When I'm shooting them, it makes no difference at all to me. Then it just boils down to a matter of which style you think has more visual appeal.

I have a suggestion on caliber: Get the .308. I think you'll like the short action better and .308 is an excellent caliber. I have always wanted a .358 but a .308 probably makes more sense.

Take down is a good choice for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is being able to easily clean from the breech.

 

Firstly, yes the main reason for the takedown is the cleaning aspect, and i agree with you regarding the short action, but i have never personally experienced a long action BLR, so i can not form an opinion at this juncture.
I have rifles in both pistol and straight as well, and when it comes down to it, it really is only of a matter of asthetics to me. Just curious what kind of replies i would get.

 

I digress. what is preferred ? pistol grip or straight stock and why ? just want to add that i am interested in a takedown model only.

I think that you already made your choice..
I believe that the take-down is only available in stainless with straight grip.

 

I have a BLR in 358 blued takedown. Traded a long action BLR for it because they are front heavy and unwieldy IMO. I'm a big guy and it always seemed too long. I like the sa much better. My 2 cents

 

I can't find it in the Browning catalog.
Browning Firearms Finder

 

Takedown is available in straight or pistol.

 

I have a 358 straight grip and like it very much even though I wanted a pistol grip.
I would have to say it doesn't matter too much.

 

I pondered the same question before buying a BLR 81 take-down (blue) in .358win not long ago. I went ahead with the straight stock mostly just to be different in the end I guess; then had a hard time finding it in the caliber, ha! Just liked the looks, and really don't seem to notice any pro or con differences worth mentioning; not to me anyway. In the future, I think I'm going to go with a BLR in 7mm-08 and try the pistol grip version to see how that goes... no real reason, LOL!
Good luck to you.

 

I pondered the same question before buying a BLR 81 take-down (blue) in .358win not long ago. I went ahead with the straight stock mostly just to be different in the end I guess; then had a hard time finding it in the caliber, ha! Just liked the looks, and really don't seem to notice any pro or con differences worth mentioning; not to me anyway. In the future, I think I'm going to go with a BLR in 7mm-08 and try the pistol grip version to see how that goes... no real reason, LOL!
Good luck to you.

since when did we have to have a reason AZs ? (other than "want")

 

PG short action for me. PG for comfort on right wrist.

 

Not to insult anybody, as it is just my opinion, but "I" think that the BLR with pistol grip is one of the prettiest guns out there. It's lines, with the schnabel forend, are perfect. The straight grip with the barrel band up front....not even close. All my other guns are pistol grip, so I like the same hand position as well. Mine is a standard blue and walnut in 7-08 PG, with a Leupold 2.5-8x and medium rings to allow a bit of thumb room... Love this gun!

 

Wish mine was a Pistol grip but alas she's still a shooter

 

Just my opinion, go with the short actions and the straight stock. You will be much happier and go with the .308 or my choice, the .358.

 

This is the one i think i would like to get in 308.

BLR Lightweight ?81 Stainless Takedown, Center Fire Lever-Action Take Down Hunting Rifle, Browning Firearms Product

 

This is the one i think i would like to get in 308.

BLR Lightweight ?81 Stainless Takedown, Center Fire Lever-Action Take Down Hunting Rifle, Browning Firearms Product

Agreed, mine has the straight stock - it's a lot more deadlier looking. :biggrin:

 

I have a Belgium made .243 BLR , circa 1971, with a straight grip. Originally, I was going to hand it down to my son, but he doesn't like the straight grip, so I found a Marlin 336 in 30-30 (also circa 1971) for him. I would rather have a pistol grip, but I can deal with the straight grip and use the BLR on occasion to hunt.

 

Grip is personal choice. I much prefer PG. Also I would suggest the 358. Yeah it's a bit scarcer of a round but it is a great round and just goes with the BLR. Short action without question though...my two cents.

 

Does the take down lock up tight and relaible even after years of use? I'm contemplating purchasing a take down for the ease of cleaning mentioned ablove.

 

No problems with the takedown model after a year of use and it gets taken down a lot.

 

I like the straight grip over a pistol grip for a lever action. Maybe I got straight grip fever when I bought my Winchester 9422m in 1984.

I picked this one up later a pre 81 blr in 308.great rifle.


Not to say that all my levers are straight. I have 39a's savage 99's and marlin 336's. Still use the
Mounties, 1894's and blr more. To me they get on target better for me.

I do think it is all with what you like,

 

I prefer the pistol grip as it feels better in my hand.

 

I have both. Love both. My ultimate go to? Pistol gripped schnaebel .358 with custom receiver sights.

Why you may ask? STRONG!! Corrosion resistant, accurate, and it KILLS things like Thor's hammer!!!

 

In my quest for that special gun I plan on buying this year with my tax refund, I have about come to the conclusion that the Sharps I wanted would not be a hunter friendly gun for me. I have been looking at Browning BAR'S and BLR'S. Yesterday I went to my LGS because I new he had a pistol grip BLR and a straight grip. I use to like the looks of the 81 with the straight stock better. I questioned myself if a rifle with be less accurate with a barrel band as opposed to the PG model with no barrel band. I checked both out hands on and liked the pistol grip better. The way it set in my hands and the way it cycled turned me to the Pistol grip hands down. It cycled much easier. I would like a take down version but I want the best I can afford to buy. I want the white gold medallion with the rose foretip and rose grip cap. What's really bad is I have given a name to a rifle I haven't even purchased yet. Her name is ROSEIE. If I find a 243 Browning BAR white gold medallion I will give her the same name.

 

well, i like the belgian & japan made BLR 81's. the steel receivers i really like. i have a 358 Win & a 257 Roberts in the JAPAN BLR. YUP! a 257 roberts, very odd...

 

A 257 in a BLR! Now that is sweet.

 

my choice (and favorite lever)

I started with an old steel one with a Leupold M8 3x. Took several Elk but I let it get away some while ago. So, I picked this up for my black timber hunting. Since the photo I have replaced the Nikon 2-8x with a Nikon 1-4x. I looked at a new Leupold FXII 3x but liked the Nikon better.