Hello, I recently purchased a used 1968 Browning BAR 7mm rem mag. I was a great deal and seemed to work great at the time of purchase. When I went to sight it in I noticed it wasn't cycling every casing out. I took the rifle apart and low and behold the bolt sleeve is severely cracked. I am having trouble finding a replacement online for a Type 1 or Type 2 BAR. Does anyone know where I can get one? Also, does anyone know if a BAR Mark II Safari bolt sleeve is the same or close enough to be modified to fit? They look identical online and their parts diagrams show the same parts in the same places. Any help is appreciated. Deer season starts on Saturday and I would like to take out my "new" BAR at some point this season! Thank you!!
Welcome Sir, have you called Browning, Midwest Gun Works, and then I would try Arts Gun Shop. Perhaps Ebay also. I doubt you're going to get it fixed by Saturday. I would also ask the second question to those also.
The first place I go for Browning parts is Midwest Gun Works, which seems to be sold out. The next thing I’d do is give the folks at Art’s Gunshop a call. Good luck. https://artsgunshop.com/
I see Ranger beat me to the punch. So here’s my next option: https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/browning/rifles-browning
Thank you both. Numrich is sold out and my research on ebay only shows another cracked one for sale (not sure why). I will definitely reach out the Art's gun shop and Browning to check for compatibility. I have read that a bad bolt buffer can cause this and that would make sense in my case, there is no bolt buffer between the two plates. Luckily I can find those for sale. I will keep everyone updated on what I find. Thanks!
Maybe you can have the cracked one repaired. A jeweler friend welded this for me: It’s just a shotgun magazine follower and not a critical part like yours. But it’s a possibility. Check out the welding rod:
@Rudolph31 That is not a bad idea. I don't have a photo of the crack but it is all the way around and has displaced on one side. Not saying its impossible but would be a challenge!
I thought I would update everyone on my progress. I ordered a MKII Safari bolt sleeve and it fit with a few minor modifications. I replaced a few other parts and gave it a good deep clean. Went out and shot around 15 rounds today to sight it in without an issue with cycling or ejecting. On another note has anyone else noticed a bit of sporadic shooting when the gun gets hot? Is there any other things that I should check or may need adjusting? There is the chance it was me but I felt stable.
