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Athlon Outdoors

Gun Review: The Browning BAR Mark II Safari in .300 Win Mag

Browning BAR Mark II Safari rifle

No, this isn’t your granddad’s BAR, but it carries on John Moses Browning’s legacy while packing plenty of power for hunting.

Todd Burgreen

Hunting is a passion of mine. Guns, particularly rifles, are another passion. One can be present without the other and offer great satisfaction to an individual. In an effort to maximize interests, however, I combine both. My love of rifles means I am always looking to create the optimum rifle/cartridge combo for any particular hunting situation. I mean, what fun would it be if we confined ourselves to one rifle/cartridge for all hunting endeavors?

Of course, I’m aware of the mantra “beware of the individual that owns only one rifle, for surely that individual is familiar with its use.” While much more practical, this method is not nearly as interesting. For me, this mantra is not nearly as enjoyable as searching for the optimum rifle/cartridge for a given situation. I would also wager that nearly everyone reading this agrees with this statement or they would not be reading this magazine.

This article’s intent is to highlight one of my longtime favorite hunting rifle/cartridge combinations: the .300 Winchester Magnum chambered in the Browning BAR Mark II Safari. Now, this particular BAR is not John Browning’s legendary M1918 light machine gun. However, John Browning is connected to the sporting BAR via his grandson, Bruce, who teamed with FN engineer Marcel Olinger in designing it. The sporting BAR was introduced in 1967 to compete with Remington’s semi-auto offerings.

Browning BAR Basics

Semi-automatic rifles were new to the hunting arena in the late 1960s. But the Browning BAR had the “it” factor from its inception in terms of aesthetics. The BAR’s longevity and reputation as a hunting rifle comes from combining semi-automatic speed with bolt-action accuracy, and its appeal was further cemented by its ability to handle a wide range of cartridges from the .243 Winchester to the .338 Winchester Magnum. In fact, the BAR is still unique as a semi-auto that can accommodate magnums like the 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag and .338 Win Mag. This means the BAR is capable of dropping antelope, deer, elk, moose and bear. No other production semi-automatic rifle can make this statement without a stretch.

BAR production was altered in the 1970s when assembly was moved to Portugal with manufacturing remaining in Belgium. A design modification of the gas system and other tweaks resulted in the BAR Mark II in 1992. In 1997, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receivers were introduced to the BAR series except for the Safari and White Gold Medallion models, which retained steel receivers. The Mark III variant was introduced in 2017 with an aluminum receiver and new stock styling.

It’s hard to resist the svelte lines of the BAR. The BAR Mark II Safari is characterized by an engraved steel receiver sandwiched between a graceful buttstock and forend made of Grade I Turkish walnut with checkering right where your hands go. A rubber buttpad is included to help soften felt recoil, and you won’t find any sights on the rifle, but the receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting scopes.

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BAR barrels are hammer forged by FN in Belgium. The barrels are also air gauged to monitor quality and check for straightness, and the rifling is inspected by hand. The Safari variant comes with a 24-inch barrel with a 1-in-10-inch twist rate and a chrome-plated chamber.

The seven-lug rotating bolt locks up tightly in the receiver, contributing to the rifle’s excellent accuracy. Similar to an AR, the BAR’s rotating bolt head ensures the bolt is centered and aligned with the bore with a perpendicular breech face. And, similar to a bolt action, the BAR’s bolt face is recessed. A chambered cartridge is surrounded by three rings of steel: the receiver, barrel and bolt face. All of this makes for a rock-solid design, which is especially important considering the powerful upper end of cartridges that the BAR can chamber.

The BAR’s forend surrounds the simple yet ingenious gas system that contributes to the BAR’s effectiveness, softening the perceived recoil and allowing hunters to harness the power of the .300 Winchester Magnum without sacrificing their long-range accuracy. An operating rod acts on an inertial block that drives action rods rearward, working the action. Research literature draws comparisons between the BAR and a pump action, minus the required hand manipulations. In essence, Browning engineers created a gas system capable of handling the different levels of gas pressure associated with a wide range of cartridges. Cartridges are fed from a detachable box magazine that is recessed inside the receiver on a hinged floorplate. The magazine holds three or four rounds depending upon caliber.

To test this particular model, I mounted a Nightforce 3-10x42mm SHV scope to the BAR via a 30mm mount from Talley Manufacturing. This Nightforce scope is compact yet offers a wide magnification range, and mated in the lightweight Talley rings, it complements the BAR in both performance and aesthetics.

Safari Time

Good marksmanship in the field starts with confidence. Confidence is built through firing a rifle that is not overly punishing (each of us has different standards and tolerances in this regard) and is inherently accurate as demonstrated from the bench. A rifle that shoots well off the bench offers the shooter no excuses or alibis when serious practice starts using field shooting positions or in the woods. I used three loads to test the rifle: Black Hills ’ Gold ammunition using 180-grain Nosler AccuBond bullets, Black Hills’ 165-grain GMXs and Federal Premium ’s 180-grain Trophy Bonded rounds.

First up was running the Browning BAR from the bench using a Champion tripod front rest and rear sandbag. To measure the rifle’s accuracy, I fired five 3-round groups with each of the loads, and the Federal load produced the best group at just 1-inch. It seemed that the Browning BAR preferred the heavier bullets.

But I didn’t spend a lot of time on the bench at the Echo Valley Training Center ’s 100-yard range. There are more indicative evaluations for a hunting rifle than merely firing from a bench at a 100-yard target. To explore the rifle’s capabilities, I fired groups at 300 yards from more field-expedient positions, such as from prone with a bipod or pack for support.

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The BAR’s buttstock allows for a good cheekweld in that it prevents a shooter from getting slapped in the face when firing, as some other rifles are capable of doing when scopes are used. The BAR also proved potent on the Echo Valley Training Center’s “Jungle Walk” range, with targets placed between 30 and 120 yards away. Of course, the BAR’s polished blue receiver and glossy oiled walnut stock weren’t normal fare for me on the Jungle Walk, but this is a handy rifle. The BAR was very easy to maneuver with, and I had no problems engaging randomly placed targets hidden within cover. I fired multiple shots at most of the targets. My emphasis was on accurate shot placement and how the BAR’s smooth recoil impulse facilitated fast follow-up shots. If you’re a lucky hunter, you might be able to adopt a kneeling or sitting position in lieu of shooting off-hand. But, while this isn’t exactly empirically quantifiable, the BAR “hangs” well no matter the firing stance and is very quick in getting into and out of field shooting positions.

The 8-pound BAR proved easy to handle, and I didn’t have to search for my targets after shouldering the rifle. A spare magazine on the belt or pocket allowed for efficient reloads by simply releasing the BAR’s hinged floorplate and swapping out detachable magazines. Another option was to insert rounds directly into the empty magazine after exposing it via dropping the floorplate.

The BAR also proved just at home on one of Echo Valley’s known-distance ranges, where steel targets are set out to 500 yards. I engaged these silhouettes easily from prone and was able to send my follow-up shots downrange while the echo from the first shot still echoed back my way.

Tried & True

It’s hard to imagine a more flexible hunting rifle than a Browning BAR Mark II Safari chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum with a variable-power optic. This perhaps is the optimum rifle/cartridge combination for hunting in North America.

Yes, there are newer guns, more powerful guns and some with space-age aesthetics. But you shouldn’t just accept a new design as automatically superior, especially when you can rely on a design that’s proven itself since the 1960s.

Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum

Barrel: 24 inches

OA Length: 45 inches

Weight: 8 pounds (empty)

Stock: Turkish walnut

Sights: None

Action: Semi-auto

Finish: Blued

Capacity: 3+1

MSRP: $1,350

For more information about the Browning BAR Mark II Safari, visit browning.com .

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Browning’s BAR - Ask the Man who has One!

other By: Stan Trzoniec | May, 24

For the modern shooter, and in addition to the more traditional BAR shown at the top, the more modern MK 3 is shown at the bottom. Both are available from Browning.

Friend Joe Pirani was a Browning fan from the word go. He had Browning Superposed shotguns for field and trap and when it came to rifles, he was stuck on the BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) that went with him on all his hunting trips. When we did get to serious discussions relating to the gun on an antelope/mule deer hunt near Jordon, Montana, many years back he told me, “It is dependable, accurate, but most of all, for the .30/06 Springfield, it is easy on my shoulder.” For a senior like Joe, that was a big plus.

For many hunters, there is nothing like a Browning. High polishing on the receiver, crisp checkering and fine wood are all the hallmarks of this gun.

Of course, that got me thinking about the Browning BAR rifle. Sure, I’ve had my share of testing all types of semi-automatics in handguns, shotguns and rifles with most of my time going to the Benelli R1 and Remington Model 7400 that I found fairly accurate, but they were not as soft on my shoulder as I had expected. Talking to Joe and shooting his BAR semi-automatic in Montana for a final sighting-in really set me straight. Even with factory ammunition, his gun hit groups an inch and a half or less at the century mark. I was hooked, ordering one in the 7mm Remington Magnum upon my return home.

Classic looks are what make this gun a favorite to many sportsmen. There is no Monte Carlo hump, nor is there a cheekpiece to mar the lines of the stock. Recoil pad and swivels are standard as well as select wood.

Considering the long history of Browning Arms, the BAR is a recent newcomer to the fold, which opened the door to a lot of shooters who wanted to use the higher-powered cartridges but because of recoil, stayed away. In any event, some 53 years ago, Browning introduced its first sporting semi-automatic rifle in the .243, .270, .308 Winchester and the .30-06 Springfield. To satisfy the magnum thirst for such a weapon, in 1968, the 7mm Remington Magnum was teamed up with the popular .300 and .338 Winchester magnums with the latter dropped from production in 1975.

Actually, design work started in 1963 and noting from a brief from Harmon Williams (former president of Browning) and other information, I found the content interesting. All were intent of keeping the BAR consistent with a “family appearance,” so a compromise was sought with the receiver for example, with features borrowed from the famed Auto-5 shotgun. They incorporated the celebrated humpback profile, but with less of a pronounced shape, toning it down a bit more to modern standards. A multiple 7-lug bolt for a strong lockup was next, which was secured within the rear portion of the barrel that led to the decision of chambering more powerful magnum cartridges.

Another advantage of the BAR is the detachable magazine. With a spare in the pocket, one is prepared for an extended time in the field.

Naturally, in most cases, a gas-operated rifle offers a softer recoil sensation than a bolt or pump and the BAR does it in grand style. With my 7mm Remington Magnum, I was pleasantly surprised at the marked difference between this and other manually operated guns and I can see why hunters choose this gun in the larger, magnum chamberings. Spreading the recoil sensation over a longer period of time and with the inclusion of an internal buffer and rugged action and inertia block, to me the BAR excels in this field of hunting rifles, especially when it comes to looks and accuracy potentials.

The BAR has a simple, but effective gas operating system. It is easily cleaned by simply removing the forearm as shown here. Just remove the front sling swivel and the pull the forearm forward and off.

With a model lineup that includes the Mark II and MK 3, we will be discussing the former gun. The latter is an update on the original rifle with modern looks that will grab the attention of the more contemporary hunter. Naturally, being more recent, there is a choice of many finishes, stocks, barrel lengths and calibers. With my taste more to the higher end guns for looks alone, the model known as just the MK 3 (Third Generation) complete with a satin nickel receiver, oil finished Grade II stock and high relief engraving would be my choice. In the past, this gun and its variants, was also known as the Short or Long Trac gun before it moved into the more recent models.

Hunters who would like the more traditional BAR look would gravitate to the Mark II Safari grade, which is more to the appearance and styling of the original BAR rifle. Although my gun was purchased some years back, the current Mark II gun mimics the Grade I gun I have concerning how it looks, the feel and operation. For collectors, years past showed Browning had offered a Grade II (same as the Grade I but with an engraved receiver), along with Grades III, IV and V with highly-engraved and decorated receivers, fancy wood and specialized checkering patterns. Aside from all this, special models and Limited Editions filled out the line throughout the years.

No matter what, when Browning wants to put out a special edition, they go BIG. This is the gun celebrating the original military version of a BAR in 1917. Top-flight engraving, gold-engraved images, extraordinary wood and finish are the trademarks of this very exclusive gun.

In the appearance department, it is hard to fault this gun with its select wood stock completed with a glossy, weatherproof finish. With previously made guns, figured wood was more of a standard item more so than today, and my gun has dark wood with a bit of fiddleback for character. During its design stage, it seems a lot of midnight oil was burned, as to me, it appeared that much thought went into the lines and design of the stock. Initially, when everyone was seemingly copying the “California” look with high combs with a fancy cheekpiece, the BAR was content with a more classic look. Holding the gun out on arm’s length, the influence of a bolt-action rifle with the rounded forend, well-proportioned forearm, all tapering back to the buttstock can be seen. The pistol grip has the right reach for the trigger finger when the hand is placed on the grip with the comb following through with the right dimension for the eye to center on the reticle of the scope.

While other semi-automatics may fall short on accuracy, the BAR is still up there with the best. Careful handloads can make the difference with some tuning and with a variety of bullets.

On the gun, there is more than an ample supply of checkering on both the forearm and the pistol grip. Since my gun was made some time back, I would assume it is all hand-cut, much before the age of computer generated checkering machines. Typical of Browning fashion, the checkering wraps completely around the forearm in a point pattern with a border to suggest a custom look. Inside the forearm is the gas-operated action and operating bar that ensured trouble free operation even with the higher-powered magnums. On the pistol grip, again one can see the value here with more checkering than it seems possible, considering the price tag. Complementing the gun, sling swivels and a classic-styled recoil pad finish the wood part of the gun.

Stan picked his BAR in the 7mm Remington Magnum. This is a very popular cartridge, easy to tailor for specific hunting duties with a wide variety of components including brass, powder and handloading equipment.

As you might have guessed, past and present day BAR’s show an accent of quality on all the metalwork. From the barrel to the receiver, all the polishing is smooth and of high quality befitting a gun of this stature. At the muzzle on my gun, there is a hooded sight with a rear sight, which I removed for scope mounting.

The receiver is the most impressive part of the gun. With a combined area of 32 square inches, which then lends itself to some fancy decoration in engraving with higher-grade models and high relief scroll engraving on current Mark II models. Within the top part of the receiver is the bolt port and its novel rotating bolt with seven locking lugs that are secured into the rear of the barrel after each shot. Trigger pull is a crisp 4 pounds and the safety, mounted behind the trigger, is a cross bolt design. These guns are equipped with a 3-, 4- or 5-round detachable magazine depending on caliber. Fit and finish of the gun in total on any gun I used or tested was first rate with nothing to complain about anywhere.

Over the years, Stan has had the opportunity to test and hunt with a variety of Browning BAR rifles. All were accurate, easy on the shoulder and priced right for the American hunter.

Chambered for the eight popular sporting cartridges, the lineup begins with the .25-06 Remington followed by the .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield and the .300 Winchester without the BOSS muzzle brake. If you want the optional brake, the choice is narrowed to the .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield and .300 Winchester. Due to the design of the gun and its recoil effect, I don’t think this brake is warranted, but if you have a physical problem, it will lessen the effect even more. As a footnote, if you opt for the more modern MK 3 rifle, chamberings do run from the .243 Winchester through the WSM calibers and up to the .300 Winchester Magnum.

Being teamed up with the popular 7mm Remington Magnum makes the Browning BAR a formable field weapon for all but the largest of western big game. Born in 1962, and while new to many shooters, the 7mm concept dates back as far as the turn of the century. Around 1912, there was the .275 H&H, a close cousin to the .375 H&H. Still later, wildcats started to rise with the .276 Dubiel, the .276 Newton and the .276 Newton Magnum, which according to research launched a 100-grain bullet over 65 grains of IMR-3031 powder for a then, unprecedented velocity of over 4,000 fps out of a 28-inch barrel with 1:12 twist. Moving on, the .280 Dubiel Magnum, then the .285 OKH with a unique duplex loading and the 7mm Weatherby Magnum.

Stan’s late friend, Joe Pirani, took his BAR on every hunt the two were on in the lower 48 states. In Canada, Joe shot this better than average caribou with one shot from his Browning .30-06 Springfield rifle.

However, I believe it was through the efforts of the western hunter Lew Bowman and Remington working closely on his ranch, that the 7mm Remington finally saw the light of day. With a capacity of around 87.0 grains of water (as measured to the neck and shoulder juncture), the 7mm Remington Magnum may be unpleasant to shoot in a bolt or pump gun, but I found in a semi-automatic like the BAR, recoil levels are more than acceptable to even the intermediate and advanced hunter.

With that in mind, while there is a wide selection of factory ammunition to choose from in all bullet weights, I found handloading the way to go with no special attention needed with a semi-automatic rifle. Naturally, to do all this, a good set of dies is necessary although I never did need a small base set for functioning or accuracy with my BAR. For the best results with slower burning, larger stick powders, trickling is necessary for precision as well as the attention to the details one would partake to get the most out of any rifle.

From any angle, the Browning BAR never seems to lose it’s neat and clean appearance. Chambered for a wide range of cartridges, the gun is known for its soft recoil and inherent accuracy. Newer models have high relief scroll engraving.

The only thing I would mention is to full-size all cases versus neck sizing to ensure complete and full cycling of the gun and more so, just before a hunt. I like to smoke, or mark a fired case while setting up the sizing die just to make sure the neck part of the die is working its way down far enough to ensure the proper tension on the neck. If you are working with a new gun, the assembly of a dummy cartridge complete with a bullet is a good way to make sure all is well before proceeding. Once the die is set, follow-up with the rest of the cases, clean, check for overall length and prime with Federal 215 primers.

Slow burning powders are the rule here. For those starting out, and to narrow down the field, I found the IMR-4350, IMR-4831 and H-4831 will give impressive results in accuracy and velocity readings without much work. Later, when handloaders want to broaden their base even more, they can venture into H-870, Norma MRP and IMR-7838. For velocities, in the 140-grain bullet range, expect around 3,150 fps, 154 grains 2,950 fps, 160 grains 2,850 fps and the heavy 175 grains, up to 2,900 fps with 66 grains of IMR-7828 for tight groups around or under one-and a half inches.

Browning has always been known for its high-grade models, and the MK 3 is no exception in the line. The gun has a nickel receiver finish, highly-polished barrel and high relief engraving.

For my testing and shooting over long periods of time, it showed a wide majority of bullets by various makers are well suited to be used in the 7mm Remington. Common names like Hornady, Speer, Sierra and Nosler from 140 to 175 grains proved more than satisfactory when it came to powders still available during the pandemic at the various sporting goods and box stores with the BAR’s common 24-inch barrel length. The attached table included with this article, shows some of the better loads possible with the 7mm Remington Magnum in a semi-automatic sporting rifle like the Browning BAR.

In closing, a buyer could not go wrong with selecting the BAR chambered for the 7mm Remington. In many years past, the semi-automatic was frowned upon for serious hunting duties, but today, this combination is easy to shoot, a pleasure to reload, very efficient and in a worst-case scenario, factory ammunition is available in just about any part of the country.

browning safari review

Copyright 2006, 2012 by Randy Wakeman. All rights reserved.

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Revivaler

The Browning BAR Mark II Safari

browning safari review

The Browning BAR sporting rifle is not the same as the John Moses Browning BAR of World War I fame. The BAR sporting rifle is a design that was created with the input of Val Browning’s son Bruce Warren Browning, working in collaboration with a design team led by Marcel Olinger. The BAR sporting rifle was designed not as a combat rifle as the 1918 BAR had been, but as a sporting rifle. Not only that but given the problems that can be encountered with legal possession of a semi-automatic rifle in some jurisdictions the BAR was sensibly designed to be legal in the most places possible. This is, I suspect, the reason for the detachable magazine to be mounted on a hinged floorplate which makes it much slower to reload than a rifle with a detachable magazine that can be dropped out and replaced. The video below, courtesy IowaGunGuy YouTube channel demonstrates loading and firing a half dozen shots. The Browning BAR is not a rifle you would take into a fire-fight against people armed with AK47’s or such like and expect to come out alive; its a sporting rifle, not a combat rifle; and its a great sporting rifle.

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP1glBvsRUA” /]

The sporting Browning BAR underwent its design phase in 1966 with the rifle being debuted to the shooting public in 1967. When introduced to the public the design of the BAR can best be described as not yet fully evolved as can tend to be the case with most things created by human beings. The rifle was available with right or left hand safety catches, but these were not interchangeable and it had a complex trigger mechanism that could not be removed for cleaning unless the butt stock was first removed. But although the early models were not yet as refined as they would later become the BAR did well and steadily gained a reputation for decent accuracy and good dependability.

browning safari review

As most of you will already know a semi-automatic rifle has more potential sources of failure than a bolt action or double barrel. The time when a shooter will accept those potential sources of failure is when he or she expects to need a fast follow up shot or two such as may be the case hunting in medium to thick cover in the woods where a quarry that is not instantly anchored can hop out of sight before a bolt or lever action can be operated. This is the sort of scenario in which a Browning BAR really comes into its own. Over the years Browning have worked on getting any bugs or design faults fixed on the BAR so that the Mark II is, in many people’s view, a near perfect self loading hunting rifle that delivers a high degree of dependability. Those upgrades have included a re-designed trigger system that is more easily removable for cleaning, and a gas operating system with improved reliability. The Mark II also had a slide stop lever added so that the action can be held open independent of whether the magazine is inserted or not.

browning safari review

The Browning BAR sporting rifles feature components made by Browning in Belgium and then final assembly is done at the Browning Viana works in Portugal. Browning BAR’s have been assembled at Browning Viana since the early seventies. Another example of rifles being assembled by Browning Viana is the Winchester Model 70 which have been assembled there for the last few years. I have a Winchester Model 70 Super Grade assembled at Browning Viana and the quality control on it is simply flawless; and I would expect the quality control over the Browning BAR Mark II Safari models to be up to the same very high standard.

browning safari review

The Browning BAR Mark II Safari rifles are available either with or without the BOSS barrel tuning system. The BOSS is a feature that some shooters will want and that some will not. Barrel mounted tuning devices are all the rage amongst the benchrest shooters at my local shooting club but whether or not you will want one on your hunting rifle will be a matter or personal choice. Personally I would not want one adding to the length and weight of the barrel, but that is just personal preference. Without the BOSS system the between the hands balance of the BAR Mark II is allowed to really shine; the mass of the forged steel action providing the rifle with well centered weight that accentuates its fast handling attributes. Barrels of the BAR Mark II Safari are hammer forged.

browning safari review

There are advantages and disadvantages inherent in using a self-loading rifle. The obvious advantage is the ability to get a second shot away as quickly as can be accomplished with a double barrel gun, and the reduction in felt recoil because the self-loading action absorbs some of the recoil energy making the rifle more docile to shoot. The disadvantages are, first and foremost, that a self-loading rifle requires more maintenance than a bolt action or a double. In order to keep it running dependably a self-loader must be maintained.

You’ll find the Browning manual with maintenance instructions for the BAR Mark II at Browning’s web site if you click here .

The second thing to watch for is that a self-loading rifle is not going to be as ammunition tolerant as a fixed breech action such as a bolt action. The Browning BAR Mark II Safari has an excellent reputation for dependably functioning with a wide range of factory ammunition although with a self-loading rifle it is important to read the box of new ammunition because some types are not suitable for self-loading rifles and there will be a printed warning on the ammunition box. For handloaders there will be a need to keep your reloads in the range that the self-loader functions well with. Handloaders do not have the same flexibility in tuning loads to a self-loading rifle as they do for a bolt action. This is something the BOSS system can be used to compensate for if you have chosen to have your rifle fitted with one. A self-loading rifle is not necessarily the optimum choice for a handloader because it will eject fired cases well clear of the rifle so you will need to search for them to retrieve them and you will likely have to deal with damaged necks from where they’ve hit the ground.

browning safari review

The last disadvantage of a self-loading rifle is that you should not expect a trigger of the same standard as on Winchester’s current Model 70 for example. The self-loading mechanism has more to do than the trigger on a bolt action or double and so you need to expect it to be relatively heavier and likely with a trace of detectable creep. For fast shooting this is not an issue and the BAR will be in its element if used in fast action scenarios like a shotgun.

Specifications and Calibers

The Browning BAR Mark II Safari is available in 25-06, 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum, and 338 Winchester Magnum with a 24″ barrel; 243 Winchester, 270 Winchester, 308 Winchester, and 30-06 with a 22″ barrel. The barrel and action are forged steel whilst the trigger guard, trigger and related parts are alloy. Stock wood is Turkish walnut. The BAR Mark II Safari with the BOSS system is available in 270 Winchester and 30-06 with a 22″ barrel, 300 Winchester Magnum and 338 Winchester Magnum with a 24″ barrel.

browning safari review

The Browning BAR Mark II Safari is the more expensive version of the BAR and there are less expensive versions that have alloy receivers. Our preference is always for steel and walnut with classic design. If you are looking for a self-loading sporting rifle then the BAR Mark II is one of the best on the market today. It’s a rifle that will give many years of faithful service as long as the owner does their part by looking after it and feeding it a diet that it likes.

You will find the Browning BAR Mark II Safari rifle on Browning’s web site if you click here .

You will find the Browning BAR Mark II Safari rifle with BOSS system if you click here .

You will find the Limited Edition 100th anniversary model if you click here .

browning safari review

( Pictures courtesy Browning )

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Jon Branch is the founder and senior editor of Revivaler and has written a significant number of articles for various publications including official Buying Guides for eBay, classic car articles for Hagerty, magazine articles for both the Australian Shooters Journal and the Australian Shooter, and he’s a long time contributor to Silodrome.

Jon has done radio, television, magazine and newspaper interviews on various issues, and has traveled extensively, having lived in Britain, Australia, China and Hong Kong. His travels have taken him to Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan and a number of other countries. He has studied the Japanese sword arts and has a long history of involvement in the shooting sports, which has included authoring submissions to government on various firearms related issues and assisting in the design and establishment of shooting ranges.

Jon C. Branch

The Browning BAR Mark II Safari

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BAR Safari Tribute High Grade

BAR Safari Tribute High Grade

$4,669.99 - $4,669.99 MSRP

Launched in 1967, the Browning BAR sporting rifle brought a new level of reliability, and eventually magnum power, to semi-automatic hunting rifles. A distinct and separate rifle from the military BAR M1918 that was developed by John M. Browning, this sporting model was imagined by his grandson, Bruce Browning, and perfected by team of experts at the FN factory in Belgium. After 57 years, production of the BAR Safari is set to end. To honor this magnificent rifle and its legendary production run, a limited number of 200 high grade commemorative rifles are being offered. Both the history and the efficiency of this amazing rifle are unequaled among autoloading rifles.

Classic in looks and contemporary in performance, the BAR is the hunting rifle that set the standard for every other autoloader on the market with accuracy and speed unmatched by any other hunting semi-auto. The BAR Safari Tribute High Grade is the ultimate sporting autoloader with elevated craftsmanship that is fitting for a commemorative rifle of such renown. This limited model features magnificently figured Grade IV Turkish walnut, custom Giovanelli Bodega game scene engraving, and deeply blued metal. 

NOTE: Unless specifically listed as included with a firearm, accessories shown such as scopes, optical sights, rings, ring mounts, optic rails, bipod rails, ammunition, etc. are NOT included. Accessories are available at authorized Browning dealers and  here on Browning.com.

  • Grade IV Turkish walnut stock
  • Custom game scene engraving by the masters at the famed Giovanelli Bodega

BAR Features

  • Gas piston operation
  • Detachable Box Magazine
  • High strength, the seven-lug rotating bolt that locks securely into the barrel for a precise breech-to-chamber relationship.
  • Strong action bar/inertia block link-up reduces barrel vibration to improve accuracy
  • Integral buffering system reduces wear and stress on the rifle’s operating system
  • 30-06 Spfld • 22"

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My Beautiful 1969 FN Browning Belgium 30-06 Safari High Power Rifle

  • Thread starter DetroitRearView
  • Start date Jan 15, 2020
  • The Hide Armory
  • Bolt Action Rifles

DetroitRearView

Hunter shooter.

  • Jan 15, 2020

Long Range 338

Professional ammo waster.

It is beautiful, nice snag.  

Resident Sommelier of cellulite

Beautiful rifle with a bit of history to it.  

Zebco Pro Staffer

What's not to love about a Browning?  

Beautiful rifle!  

Beautiful gun and cool story  

  • Jan 16, 2020

Vintage Gun Scopes

browning safari review

DetroitRearView said: Thanks gents, I told him what they were going for $$ but he insisted on 1/2 the going rate; so now I am looking for a nice period scope to top it off. Vintage Gun Scopes Vintage Weaver, Redfield and other Vintage Rifle Scopes, Guns, scope rings and mounts for sale. www.vintagegunscopes.com Click to expand...

Vintage Gun Scopes — Leupold Vari-X 3x9x, Arched Logo. c.1961-64. Crosshair.

Yes, looking at that one and may get on the list for a mint older M8 4x or this is something I have alway thought was classy: https://www.vintagegunscopes.com/top-shelf/lyman-all-american-4x-perma-center-mib  

  • Feb 15, 2020

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IMAGES

  1. Gun Review: The Browning BAR Mark II Safari in .300 Win Mag

    browning safari review

  2. Gun Review: The Browning BAR Mark II Safari in .300 Win Mag

    browning safari review

  3. BROWNING SAFARI

    browning safari review

  4. Belgium Browning Bar II 308 Safari with Swarovski 4-12X50 scope

    browning safari review

  5. Browning BAR MKII Safari 308win.

    browning safari review

  6. Browning BAR II Safari 270 w/Boss and Nikon

    browning safari review

VIDEO

  1. Browning african safari whose hunting who part 2

  2. 1969 BROWNING BELGIUM SAFARI GRADE HI POWER 30-06 @ Ron’s Hunting Supply

  3. Browning bar MK3 308

  4. Browning BAR MKII Safari

  5. Browning BAR II 338 WinMag охота на лося

  6. 7 Best Moments in Archery Hunting

COMMENTS

  1. Pros/Cons: Browning BAR MkII Safari

    Re: Pros/Cons: Browning BAR MkII Safari. I had an early Belgian made BAR in .270 Winchester. I still have a target in my loading room of 3 shots in 5/8" at 300 yards. Fluke group I know since I never duplicated it but it did regularly shoot into 1" to 1.25" at 100 yards. Am not familiar with current models.

  2. Gun Review: The Browning BAR Mark II Safari in .300 Win Mag

    It's hard to imagine a more flexible hunting rifle than a Browning BAR Mark II Safari chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum with a variable-power optic. This perhaps is the optimum rifle/cartridge combination for hunting in North America. Yes, there are newer guns, more powerful guns and some with space-age aesthetics.

  3. The Browning High-Power Bolt Action

    The High-Power rifles were available in popular calibers from .243 Winchester to .458 Winchester Magnum; however, the majority were for .30-06-length (3.340 inches) and .375 H&H-length (3.600 inches) cartridges. Short action cartridges (.243 and .308 Winchester) were produced in limited quantities on the '98 action.

  4. Browning's BAR

    Friend Joe Pirani was a Browning fan from the word go. He had Browning Superposed shotguns for field and trap and when it came to rifles, he was stuck on the BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) that went with him on all his hunting trips. When we did get to serious discussions relating to the gun on an antelope/mule deer hunt near Jordon, Montana ...

  5. Browning BAR Mk. II Rifle

    The Browning BAR Mark II is the most popular of all semi-automatic hunting rifles. It comes in three basic models: Safari, ShortTrac/LongTrac, and Lightweight Stalker. All BAR Mark II rifles feature advanced self-cleaning gas operation, seven lug rotary bolt, dual action bars, removable trigger assembly, bolt lock release lever, ambidextrous ...

  6. The Browning BAR Mark II Safari .270 Rifle

    Illustration courtesy of Browning. The tested gun is the steel receivered BAR Mk II in .270 Winchester. The tested model has no "BOSS" or "BOSS-CR." When it comes to gas operated sporting rifles, the Browning BAR has ruled the roost in the hunting department for many years. From the original sporting BAR to today�s newer MK II Safari, all ...

  7. Browning Safari made in Belgium Rifle Review

    In this review we're going to be checking out the browning safari. Chambered in a 300 short mag we're going to tell you what we know about this beautiful rif...

  8. BAR Mark II Safari

    The autoloading BAR MK II Safari features a traditionally-styled walnut stock, hammer-forged barrel and a polished blued and engraved steel receiver. Reliable gas piston operation. Detachable box magazine. FIND A DEALER TO PURCHASE. $1,229.99 - $1,849.99.

  9. The Browning BAR Mark II Safari

    Specifications and Calibers. The Browning BAR Mark II Safari is available in 25-06, 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum, and 338 Winchester Magnum with a 24″ barrel; 243 Winchester, 270 Winchester, 308 Winchester, and 30-06 with a 22″ barrel. The barrel and action are forged steel whilst the trigger guard, trigger and related parts ...

  10. Anybody else Hunt with Browning Safari Grade Rifles

    SticksMcKinley said: Yes, I have a '73 Safari in .270. Great rifle and no salt problems! Some folks may think that I typed "salt" by mistake for some reason, but a little research on Browning Safari rifles will reveal the history. And there is also an integtrity story here. Brownig almost went broke fixing the problem.

  11. Browning BAR: A Classic Semi-Auto Rifle That Still Sells

    The Mark 2 Safari's come with a gloss walnut stock, rounded fore-end, engraved receiver and polished blue barrel. It's a classic Browning look sure to turn heads.

  12. BAR Mark II Safari with BOSS

    BAR Mark II Safari with BOSS. View Hi-Res Image. Discontinued With Browning's exclusive BOSS system. Traditional stock, polished blued steel barrel and engraved receiver, select gloss walnut stock, rounded forearm. FIND A DEALER TO PURCHASE. $1,499.99 - $1,639.99.

  13. Shooting the Browning BAR Mark II Safari

    Short video showing the Browning BAR Mark II Safari, this one chambered in 30-06, a beautiful auto-loader, semi-automatic hunting rifle.http://www.browning.c...

  14. "This Gun Fits Me Perfect" Browning BAR Safari

    For Mark Muller, the first rifle he ever bought, a Browning BAR Mark II Safari with BOSS, is the perfect rifle for him. It fits him like a glove.

  15. Browning BAR

    Suggested retail on it will be $1,470. That other BAR, the one designed by John Browning, will be 100 years old in 2017, and to commemorate that, a limited run of 100 of today's BAR Safari Grade rifles will be offered with special 100th Anniversary markings. The caliber is .30-06, and suggested retail is $2,700.

  16. BAR Safari Tribute High Grade

    2024 SHOT Show Special - The autoloading BAR Safari Tribute High Grade features grade IV walnut stock, custom engraving, and a hammer-forged barrel. Reliable gas piston operation. Detachable box magazine. FIND A DEALER TO PURCHASE. $4,669.99 - $4,669.99.

  17. My Beautiful 1969 FN Browning Belgium 30-06 Safari High Power Rifle

    I lusted over the Safari, however I had just bought my 1969 Camaro SS and my date/gas fund was pretty low - hence I purchased the ADL. But I always wanted that Browning. I looked for years for a like new one at a reasonable price point. In mean time I did find a very nice 1954 MDL '94 without a screw touched, but has appropriate scabbard wear.

  18. Browning FN Mauser hi power Safari grade rifle

    In early 1966 they apparently started the 5 digit serial numbers in the 30,000 range. Every gun I have seen from 1966-1968 had the year before the L and a SN between 35000 and 45999 (i.e. 8L45123). In 1969 and later production they all had the L and two digit date code at the end of the serial number (i.e. 64444L69).