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

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.