Browning BAR

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

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]

Browning BAR
Type	Semi-automatic rifle
Place of origin	Belgium
Production history
Designer	Marcel Olinger and Bruce Warren Browning
Manufacturer	Browning Arms Company, assembled in Portugal
Specifications (Current production BAR[1])
Mass	6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)
Length	41–45 in (1,041–1,143 mm)
Barrel length	20–24 in (508–610 mm)
Cartridge	Short and long-action cartridges [2]
Action	Gas-operated piston, rotating bolt,
Rate of fire	Semi-automatic
Feed system	Detachable box magazine
Sights	Open 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.

Users

•  United States
  • St. Louis Police Department .30-06 Rifles equipped with Redfield Scopes.^[6]

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
6. Grennell, Dean (1980). Law Enforcement Handgun Digest. DBI Books Inc. p. 88. ISBN 0-695-80646-7.

External links

• Browning BAR Owners Manual
• A Brief History of the BAR Archived 22 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine