Browning BPR
Browning Dualis
By: Bruce Hamlin
Some of you may be familiar with an article I wrote concerning the
history, models and variations of the Browning Lever Rifle (BLR). That article was primarily written to cover
the Browning line of center fire lever action rifles with a small amount of information
covering other models of some interest to me.
That article can be found at http://www.pumprifle.org/index.php/member-articles/36-browningblr.
Two of those other Browning models were the center fire pump actions
that they produced for just a few short years.
Those would be the Browning Pump Rifle (BPR) and Browning Dualis
(European BPR version). I won’t repeat
my background or firearms/hunting history that I detailed in the BLR article,
but I will go ahead and tell you that the BPRs in 30-06 are now my main go to
rifles. I still like my BLRs and who
could not like a fine single shot rifle, but the pump rifles have taken over my
interest.
One of the first issues I would like to cover is terminology. I don’t know if it is regional, geographical
or just a local thing, but we occasionally hear of pump action rifles being
called slide action rifles. Even though
it is not the most common term used to describe the action, it does exist. I have not spent a lot of time trying to
prove which is the correct term, but I do note that the manufacturers seem to
have a solid history of using the term “Pump Action”. So, in my opinion - pump action it is!
Pump action center fire rifles have not really ever held the lead in
rifle sales in most areas. The exception
to that statement is in some of the Northeast portions of the United States,
where big game hunting with semiautomatic firearms is prohibited. There, the pump actions appear to lead in
sales and hunting use. Also in those
areas, it is clear that the Remington line of center fire pump rifles is the
clear leader. There are a few other
brands of center fire pump rifles that have produced and sold, but like the
Browning, they were never produced in great numbers or for extended periods of
time.
I suspect that center fire pump action rifle sales come in about fourth
behind semi-autos, bolt actions and lever guns.
I don’t know why that is, because I have very good reason to believe
that rim fire pump action sales have a much better showing when compared to the
other action types. Maybe not first
place, but I believe better than fourth.
For hunting purposes, the pump action is definitely faster to cycle and
fire than the bolt action, should a second or follow up shot be needed. Most sources (and some commercial ads) claim
it is faster for the same reasons than a lever action rifle. I have seen some mighty fast cowboy action
shooters with some lever guns, but for most of us, I think the pump is a little
faster. However, I really don’t give
much credence to which action is the fastest.
I try to make one shot kills, therefore accuracy and reliability are my
first considerations. Generally, I see
little difference between actions, accuracy and reliability with the modern
manufacturers when it comes to hunting situations - for most of us.
What draws me to the pump action rifle is the ability to cycle the
action with my support (weak) hand, which allows me to keep the stock to my
shoulder and my strong hand on the stock.
That allows me to recover a sight picture quicker and I don’t have to
hunt for the trigger each shot like I do when shooting most lever actions and
all bolt actions. Also, it drives my
hunting buddies crazy. They think semi
auto’s and bolt guns rule.
What draws me to the Browning BPR is the workmanship, quality, history,
reliability and, finally, the fit. I
find that Browning firearms seem to fit me better and I can shoulder one with
my eyes closed, open my eyes and generally I am looking straight down the
sights (or scope) and the barrel, requiring very little adjustment to get a
very good sight alignment and sight picture.
I find that when I do the same with most other brands, when I open my
eyes, the barrel is always pointed up.
For example, I really have to get my head down on a Remington to get a
good sight picture or alignment. I know
this is due to a difference in stock drop, LOP, my methods etc.., but to me -
it is significant.
You have already probably noted that I have not written about
accuracy. To be honest, with today’s
technology and manufacturing machinery, in my opinion most major quality
manufacturer’s rifles deliver acceptable hunting accuracy with a variety of
ammunition brands and bullet weights. I
can shoot fairly well and I do have some fairly high accuracy standards, but I
have found most modern manufactured rifles will deliver. The feeding/cycling of rounds from a magazine
to the chamber must be flawless. I don’t
tolerate jams due to feeding issues or bad magazines.
Concerning center fire Brownings, I currently have a 1973 Belgium
BAR 30-06, a 2009 BLR Lt. Wt. 81 30-06
takedown and two 1998 BPR’s in 30-06. I
do have a few other collectibles, but they don’t fit into this article. As I
have previously written, I have almost converted my entire center fire rifle
collection to only 30-06 rifles and I do not regret it.
History
Production of the BPR began in 1997 and ended in 2001. I have not been able to find solid
information concerning the production years of the Dualis, but I believe it was
close to 2001 through maybe 2009 or 2010.
The BPR barrels are stamped Made in Belgium - Assembled in Portugal, on
the left side of the barrel just forward of the rear sight. Just above that is stamped Browning Arms
Company Morgan Utah & Montreal PQ.
The serial number is engraved on the lower left side of the receiver at
the rear. The visible proof marks are on
the left side of the barrel near the receiver.
Browning S.A. is stamped on the right side of the barrel just forward of
the rear sight. Just above that is
stamped PATS: U.S. 5,571,101 EUROP.
0692696 BPR Caliber 30-06 Spg. Only (for
30-06‘s).
I have seen no indication or claims of BPR or Dualis production by
Miroku in Japan.
I have not been able to examine a Dualis in person to verify its
markings, but I think we can safely assume it is the same or nearly the same as
the BPR. The Dualis’ markings may be
stamped in different languages due to its intended international market.
The basics of my research and a few related articles that I have found
indicate that Browning developed the center fire pump rifle (BPR) in an effort
to keep their share of the firearms (hunting/recreational) market, should semi
auto rifles become illegal to possess in the Untied States. Some misinformed people where trying to use
the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (Sept. 13, 1994) to make it illegal to own any
semi auto rifle, for any purpose. The
ban expired by Sunset Law in 2004.
The Browning family did make firearms in the United States in the 1800’s,
but just for the sake of being complete with this article, no Browning named
commercial firearms (as we know them today) have been produced/manufactured in
the U. S. There have been some
prototypes designed and developed here, but not any commercial production by
the Browning name. Some other U.S.
firearms companies have produced their own licensed versions of Browning owned
designs/patents, but they were produced under that companies own name, usually
with a different model name/number.
Browning’s have mostly been manufactured in Belgium (Fabrique National)
since the early 1900’s. Miroku of Japan
has produced/manufactured some Browning named firearms since the early 1970’s.
BPR Serial Numbers
You can visit Browning's website - to determine the year of production
of your rifle
Just like with the BLR’s, I can tell you that the website is absolutely
wrong with the serial numbers, as far as the order goes.
The website states:
In 1975 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture:
The first part of the serial number identification is supposed to begin
with the actual serial number, such as 1000.
The coded year of manufacture is supposed to be next as in - NR -
followed by:
1E7 (Model Number) = Browning BPR Pump Rifle
Example:1001NR1E7 = A 1997 BPR Pump
Rifle with a serial number of 1001.
Actually, it is the reverse:
A true example is: 1E7NR1001 = A 1997 BPR with a serial number of 1001
The model designator comes first, then the coded year of manufacture,
then the serial number.
The next mistake that appears is the supposed 1998 change to the serial
number standardization system that was required to work in their Oracle
program. This meant a new system
including a Model Number change was supposed to have taken effect in 1998 models. My research and the 1998 BPR year models that
I have seen do not support this. All of
the 1998 year model BPR’s I have been able to locate still use the same system
as listed above for 1997 year models, only with the coded year of NP (1998).
A true example is: 1E7NP1001 = A 1998 BPR with a serial number of 1001.
Now for the supposed 1998 change, which apparently did not take effect
until 1999. Note: I have not been able
to find a 1999 BPR to verify the change.
The website states:
In 1998:
The first part of the serial number identification is supposed to begin
with the actual serial number, such as 1000.
The coded year of manufacture is supposed to be next as in - NP -
followed by:
321 (Model Number) = Browning BPR Pump Rifle
Example:1001NP321 = A 1998 BPR Pump
Rifle with a serial number of 1001.
Again, it is the reverse:
A true example is: 321NP1001 = A 1998 BPR with a serial number of 1001
The model designator comes first, then the coded year of manufacture,
then the serial number.
Just like with the BLR’s, this one mistake will cause some
buyers/sellers/ collectors a little problem, but you can trust me - they
(Browning) have it wrong on their website!
Just for your information, I have seen references that state that
Browning started each year’s serial number sequence at the number 1000 for all
models. I think that information is
correct, and if so, the above BPR serial number would indicate that it was
actually the first BPR produced in 1998.
You should print the Browning “date gun” link I have provided above,
because with anything on the internet, it may disappear one day. However, you can just use the corrected
information I have provided with this following information to help you
correctly date the year of manufacture of BPR’s.
1E7 = BPR Model Number for 1997 and 1998
321 = BPR Model Number for 1999, 2000 and 2001
NR = Coded Year of Manufacture 1997
NP = Coded Year of Manufacture 1998
NN = Coded Year of Manufacture 1999
MM = Coded Year of Manufacture 2000
MZ = Coded Year of Manufacture 2001
Dualis Serial Numbers
I have not been able to find any information on the serial numbering
system for the Dualis. Browning
International’s web site does not offer the same in depth resources as the
Browning North America web site.
I can only assume that since both are made by FN, they should probably
be the same, but that is only an assumption.
Browning Center Fire
Pump Rifle Models
BPR
In my previous BLR article I made a big statement. I like BLR’s - a lot. But I really like the BPR’s in the center
fire calibers, especially the 30-06.
Actually, that combination has now become my favorite. While I have not been into the BPR’s but a
few years, I still plan to acquire every BPR in 30-06 that I come across. If I
have the funds and it is reasonably priced of course.
The BPR Pump Rifle was introduced in 1997 and they were produced through
2001. Some sources state they were not
produced in 2001, but I have seen properly serial numbered BPR’s (year code MZ)
for the year 2001. I will note that BPR’s
were listed in the year 2000 Browning catalog, but apparently not in the year
2001 catalog. I can not explain why they
were not in that catalog.
I have read one source that states the Browning Dualis (see Dualis information
below) was supposed to have replaced the BPR for American sales in 2001, but I
have seen no evidence that the Dualis has ever been sold or advertised for sale
in the United States.
1997
BPR (Browning Pump Rifle) in long and short action. Four calibers in long
action .270, 30-06, 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag., and two in short action in
243 and 308. The two regular long action
and two short action barrels are 22” long.
The magnum barrels are 24” long.
BPR barrels are free floated and the rifles weigh around 7 ½ pounds.
The BPR uses the same scope mounts as BAR MK II’s and later BLR’s. The BPR uses the same magazines as BAR MK II’s. The BPR’s magazine capacity is four rounds
for standard calibers and three rounds for magnum calibers. The safety on the BPR is reversible for left
hand operation.
The BPR was dropped from the line only 5 years (2001) of
production.
The BPR has an aluminum alloy receiver.
The trigger group assembly is held into the receiver by two steel pins
which can easily be driven out, allowing the removal of the trigger group.
The single stage trigger is gold and the Gold Browning logo can be found
on the bottom of the trigger guard.
The front sight is a ramp mounted brass bead with a sight hood.
The rear sight is click adjustable for both elevation and windage. It is attached to the barrel by two screws.
The action release is a lever located on the lower right side of the
receiver, just forward of the middle of the trigger guard
The wooden walnut forearm (checkered) is held to the two action (slide)
bars by one single screw. Do not replace
the screw with a front swivel assembly.
Inside the front of the forearm are two small felt pads about the size
of a dime. I have seen reports were that
their intended use is to clean the action bars or barrel. That is not the case. They are a barrier (buffer) between the wood
and action bars, used to keep the two apart.
If you want a front swivel assembly, you have to use the type that goes
around the barrel itself.
The wooden walnut stock (checkered) is a pistol grip type. It has a black rubber butt plate, held to the
stock by two screws. The stock is held
to the receiver by one screw headed bolt that is accessed by removing the butt
plate. The stock has a swivel assembly
factory installed.
Neither the stock nor forearm has any protective finish on the
inside. I recommend a good interior coat
of something like boiled linseed oil. I
use a regular silicon spray on the exterior of the wood.
The magazine floor plate is released by a sliding latch located just in
front of the trigger guard. The magazine
can be removed from the floor plate assembly by slight hand pressure.
The bolt is a seven lug rotary type which locks directly into the
barrel. The barrel and receiver are
intended to be replaced (if needed) as one unit.
BPR Owners Manual
Here is a link to the NRA Museum 1998 Dope Bag article concerning their
introduction of the BPR.
Dualis
This is basically a European BPR variation. The mechanism, manual safety, and magazine
catch are all identical except for some cosmetic differences. The operation is
also identical, including the unusual pump action pattern. The standard barrel
is 20 inches, but the same barrel is used for magnum rounds and is therefore
shorter than the barrel used on magnum BPR rifles. The Dualis has a Express
type sighting rib that also has a folding leaf sight; this rib can be removed,
revealing drilling and tapping for a telescopic sight. The front sight has a
bead of fluorescent plastic and no sight hood. The receiver housing is made
from light alloy, but other metal parts are of high-strength steel. The stock
and fore-end are of walnut; the pistol grip of the stock is unusually deep and
is checkered. There are reports that the Dualis only has a magazine capacity of
two rounds to satisfy European requirements, but they all have the same
magazine capacity as USA model BPR’s.
The Dualis was introduced in Europe is 2001. There are unconfirmed reports that it started
being sold in North America in 2003.
Note: I have not found the Dualis was ever available in the United
States. If you find one in in the U.S
(especially in 30-06) I would greatly appreciate the information.
The general information given for the BPR is the same for the Dualis,
except where noted.
The Dualis was offered in the following calibers: .308, 270, 30-06, 7mm Rem. And 300 WM.
All the calibers of the Dualis have a 20” barrel.
It has a folding leaf rear sight mounted on a removal rear sight
rib. It is drilled and tapped for a
scope also.
It has a fluorescent plastic front sight on a ramp, w/o a sight hood.
The stock and forearm are walnut and are checkered. They both have a different (European style)
design.
Dualis Owners Manual
BPR Standards
As a standard, the short action and regular long action BPR’s have a 22”
barrel and the magnums have a 24” barrel.
All Dualis barrels are 20”.
Below is an example BPR specification for the 30-06:
Specifications and features:
Browning BPR Center Fire Pump Rifle
.30-06 Springfield caliber
22" six groove button-rifled barrel
1:10" RH twist
4 Round detachable box magazine
Pump action
Single Stage Trigger
7 lug (three rows) breech bolt
Recessed bolt face
Rotating bolt
Side ejection
Gold bead raised ramp front sight/ w a sight hood
Click adjustable rear sight
Lightweight aluminum receiver
Checkered walnut stock
Checkered walnut forearm
Crowned muzzle
Hinged floor plate, detachable box magazine
Recoil pad
5-1/4 lbs. trigger pull
13-5/8" length of pull
19-3/4" sight radius
1-1/4" drop at comb
1-1/2" drop at heel
39 5/8“" overall length
7 lbs. 3 oz.
The difference in receiver length between short actions and long actions
appears to be about ¾”.
Repairs
My research shows that Browning depends on a
natural product called Kanabe to coat its stocks, but that is not
verified. Citristrip has been reported
as one of the better ways to remove the Browning epoxy type finish. For minor repairs on the polyurethane
finished Browning stocks, try Lemon Pledge or something similar. I have not found a source for aftermarket
stocks. See below for information on
factory replacement stocks from Midwest Gun Works (MGW).
If you ever have the stock and forearm off, I highly recommend that you
apply a good coat of wood oil to the interior of both. There is no finish on the inside. If you want to strip and refinish the stock,
here is a link to a process that results in a beautiful finish. http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2702095. It is the third post down and make sure you
take heed of the checkered area warnings.
I have not found any information on any gunsmiths who do trigger work on
the BPR other than MGW. I would assume
any that work on the BAR could work on the BPR.
Besides the information on Browning’s website concerning repairs and
parts, I have found that Midwest Gun Works (MGW) seems to be the best source
for getting what you need. http://www.midwestgunworks.com. They also have a good selection of parts
and diagrams.
and some parts also.
I have not found a Browning Field Service Manual for the BPR. I have also not found any detailed
assembly/disassembly instructions for it.
Personally, I have not found it to be difficult to disassemble or
reassemble. It is very much like the BAR. Just pay attention to the parts relationship
if you choose to have a go at it.
Commemoratives -
Specials
None are known to exist.
Caliber
Interchangeable Magazines
JFYI some of the BPR magazines (long vs. short action specific) are
interchangeable. Many are marked as
being multiple caliber.
They are the same as BAR MK II magazines.
.243 & 308 interchange - four round
270 & 30-06 interchange - four round
7mm - three round
300 WM - three round
The Dualis magazine holds four standard rounds and three magnum
rounds. It is assumed that they also
offer some interchangeability.
Conclusion
I will conclude this article by saying that the research into the
BPR/Dualis has been very challenging and educational. I hope I got everything right and I really
strived to verify any information that has been presented.
I would ask that if you find any new information or conflicting
information, that you contact me through the PumpRifle site and let me have an
opportunity to review your sources and make additions or corrections as needed.
