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

Cz P10 Ported Review 1
Cz P10 Ported Review 1

Review: CZ USA P10 Ported

CZ expanded its popular line of P10 handguns with a specially configured model that features integral barrel ports just behind the muzzle to aid in recoil management.

Keeping The Wilderness Quiet: Bergara's BTi30 Suppressor

Bergara joined the growing crowd of suppressor manufacturers in 2026 with its BTi30 design.

New for 2026: Ruger American Rifle Generation II Scout

Ruger adds a Scout rifle option to its Generation II American rifle.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished Pistol

Springfield Armory’s homage to the Hi Power now has an even better-looking option.

New for 2026: Franchi Momentum Mule Rifle

Franchi’s do-it-all MULE rifle is designed as a general-purpose carbine.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Spec Series M&P9 and R Handguns

Smith & Wesson expands its Spec series with the Spec Series IV M&P9 M2.0 Metal Compact pistol and the Spec Series R revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.