E-Mail 'Range Report: Browning BAR Mk3 in .243 - Part 2, by The Novice' To A Friend

10 Comments

1. Hmm, just wondering, I’ve seen a quite a few .243’s in semi-auto though the yrs and none seem to last very long ( sales wise ) and I have had more than a few sales people explain to me why the .243 is not a good semi auto cartridge. Why is this one any different ? Just wondering

   1. The Browning BAR has been continuously available in .243 since 1966, so .243 has a pretty good track record with this platform.

      1. My Browning BAR Safari in .243 Win is a quarter century old and remains as the most accurate and reliable deer rifle I’ve ever owned. Never a hiccup, and an amazingly consistent MOA.

2. Novice,

   There are several things you could do to improve your group sizes that you did not discuss.

   To start, are you shooting these groups at 25yrds? It would be standard for that rifle and set up to be zeroed at 100 yards.

   Do you know the barrel twist of that particular barrel? You would benefit by researching which barrel twist and bullet weight work together for ideal performance.

   What kind of ammo were you using? If you are using the cheapest option available, that is going to impact your groups a lot.

   I noticed you did not talk about leveling the scope. Did you level the scope, and how did you level it?

   What shooting position where you in when you shot these groups?

   With a lot of comments talking about recoil sensitivity, have any of you considered attaching a muzzle brake?

   This rifle looks to be $1000+, options are available in that price range that are more practical.

   1. Muddykid, thanks for the great input.

      I do a lot of my range work at 25 yards because I have a 25 yard range behind my barn, but I have to go offsite for longer distances. The Army often uses a 25 yard range for zeroing rifles.

      I know that there are a lot of other factors that can improve my accuracy in the long run, but in the short run reducing the discomfort of range work will help me to focus better on some of the other factors.

      I did level the scope. I placed the rifle in a vise, leveled the rifle, then attached the scope loosely in the rings and leveled it.

      I was shooting kneeling behind a bench.

      I had not considered a muzzle brake, but I am currently testing a recoil pad, which I hope to write about in a future article. I decided it was worth exploring a less pricey alternative.

      Thanks again for the helpful input.

      1. The Army uses a 25 meter zero for 5.56 with iron sights. Not the same as a .243 with a scope in yards.

         Be sure to understand the differences in why this is done. Meaning, the Army has a different definition and purpose for accuracy than what you’re talking about here.

         Furthermore, does the scope you used maintain a focus with the parallax at 25 yards?

         Consider this approach for leveling your scope.

         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQGM8Cn8lS8

         If you are shooting behind a bench in the style you mentioned, that is not the most stable position. Prone is best and be sure to load your bi-pod.

         My comments here only serve to help improve your interest and goals. I like that rifle, certainly a good looking piece. And .243 is an excellent choice. Looking forward to part 3.

3. it’s time everyone realized that Amazon is not your friend and you need to stop doing business with them.

4. Very enjoyable reading . A very good article. I am not a fan of Browning BAR. Heavy and expensive. I know they are great guns just not mu cup of tea.

5. I can sympathize with your comment about disturbing the domestic tranquility. My wife absolutely hates the smell of kerosene.

   1. Strelnikov, yes it sounds like my wife and your wife are of one mind on this matter.

Comments are closed.