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

Fiocchi’s new Hyperformance SBR Enhanced line of ammunition
Fiocchi’s new Hyperformance SBR Enhanced line of ammunition

Selling Short: Fiocchi's Hyperformance SBR Enhanced Ammunition

Fiocchi’s new Hyperformance SBR Enhanced line of ammunition isn’t a mere marketing gimmick. It’s designed for top performance out of short-barreled rifles, and it delivers.

New For 2026: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-20 Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine introduced its VICTRA-12, a modular 12-ga. shotgun suppressor, last year. This year, the company is bringing out a 20-ga. version with the VICTRA-20.

The Armed Citizen® June 22, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Important Notice To Members: Exercise Your Rights. Assist In The Nomination Of Directors.

The NRA Bylaws provide for the election of one-third of the members of the Board of Directors each year. Those terms of office will expire at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Members in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 24, 2027.

Skills Check: Pistol Standard Xray 2 Drill

Examine and strengthen each part of your presentation and shot in this revealing drill.

Gunsite at 50: Celebrating a Golden Anniversary

It’s no secret Gunsite Academy is celebrating its Golden Anniversary this year. In August, it’s holding a 50th Anniversary Alumni Shoot to celebrate five decades of training excellence, tradition and community.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.