I joined this forum a few months ago when I bought my BLR '81. However, after picking it up, I decided to have some work done and it was out of my possession for a few months. I had some issues chambering Federal ELD-X 200-g so I wanted to have it checked out by a pro. While it was there, I switched the forend from the traditional banded one on the straight-stocked version, to the schnabel-style used with the pistol-grip models. This is accomplished by having a dovetail milled and barrel stud installed. I also decided to have it cerakoted in stainless. Since I have had it back, I haven't tried the 200g Eld-X, but have been using Norma bondstrike 180g with good results. I can group close to an moa at 100, and at 400 yds can consistently ring 24x12" steel angle. Pretty cool. I bought this as a North American big game rifle and I think it will fit the bill for that very nicely. Not a rifle for plinking. The 300wsm is a fantastic cartridge, but, particularly in such a lightweight rifle, it has a very stout recoil, and ammo is rather expensive. The gunsmith did tell me if he never works on another BLR he won't be upset about it, but he did a nice job. I'll see if I can get some pictures up soon.
Interesting aside, Browning has significantly "streamlined" their offerings in the BLR. Last year, there were a few non-traditional calibers still listed on their website, along with some of the older calibers, the 7mm-08 and the .223. This year, it seems, the 300 wsm is no longer an option, along with the two previously mentioned. You still get .243, .308, .270 in some configurations, 30--06, and 300 wm. The only non "legacy" cartidge is 6.5 Creedmoor. I suppose sales justify production, and lever-action fans generally prefer the classic cartridges. I would prefer another short-action BLR, but I already have a Savage 99 in .308. So far I haven't been excited enough about 6.5 Creedmoor to want to expand in that direction, but I recently gave away my old 30-06 to a friends' son who moved to Wyoming. I have an itch to have an '06, but I don't want it to feel like a boat paddle vs. the short action..or I could get either of those calibers in an x-bolt..
