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

by
posted on October 31, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
no-6-semi-auto-rifle-the-bar.jpg

The Browning BAR has been a popular choice for firearm enthusiasts since its introduction in 1967. Don’t confuse this BAR with the famed Browning Automatic Rifle that served our Doughboys so well in the trenches of World War I, at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea and beyond. That design is more than 100 years old. This Browning BAR is still being made and doesn’t require a tax stamp to assume ownership.

Browning has eight models of the semi-auto currently in production. They are the Safari and Safari with BOSS in the Mark 2 family. There’s also a Mark 3 model, with Hell’s Canyon Speed, Wood, DBM (Detachable Box Magazine), Mossy Oak Break-Up Country and Stalker versions.

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. MSRP for the base model runs from $1,229.99 to $1,399.99, depending on chambering selected—which also determines the barrel length of either 22 or 24 inches. It’s available in .25-’06 Rem., .243 Win., .270 Win., .30-’06 Sprg., .308 Win., .338 Win. Mag. or 7 mm Rem. Mag. Four chamberings are available with Browning’s Ballistic Optimized Shooting System (BOSS) and MSRPs run from $1,459.99 to $1,589.99.

There is much more to choose from in the Mark 3 line, everything from wood stocks to synthetic in camo and black. The base model has a traditional walnut stock polished blued barrel and engraved receiver. It’s available in nine chamberings, three barrel lengths and, depending on model, will set you back between $1,299.99 and $1,389.99. Magazine capacity varies by cartridge and each uses a gas-piston system of operation.

The black synthetic stocked Mk 3 Stalker is also available in nine chamberings. Barrel lengths run from 22 to 23 inches and MSRP is $1,299.99 to $1,389.99.

The design may have celebrated its 53rd birthday, but it’s already considered a classic and was the sixth-best-selling semi-automatic rifle for retailers using the services of GunBroker.com last year.

Latest

Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp Review 1
Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp Review 1

Review: Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp

Kimber expanded its 2K11 line with the Pro Comp in 2026, providing a Commander-length slide and barrel topped by an integrated compensator.

New for 2026: Bear Creek Arsenal Bear Bolt Pro

North Carolina-based Bear Creek Arsenal, a prolific maker of AR-10 and AR-15 pattern firearms, is combining the modularity of the MSR platform with a traditional turn-bolt action with its Bear Bolt Pro.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1854 Lorenz Jägerstutzen

The Austrian Lorenz Jägerstutzen was a unique variant of sharpshooting rifle that made it stateside during the American Civil War.

SHIELD Sights Celebrates 40 Years of Red-Dot Optics Innovation

SHIELD Sights is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of British engineering, innovation and contributions to the evolution of modern red-dot optics.

TX Maxed: The Taurus TXM in 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR

Using its TX series architecture yet again, Taurus is adding the 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR to its chambering options with the new-for-2026 TXM.

Review: Federal's 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Ammunition

Federal’s new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak takes a long-range staple even farther.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.