I would like to know what used BLR's are actually going for these days. I know the new ones retail for well over $600.
The Blue Book does not give them a very high value once they are down to 90% or so.
I'm looking at a straight grip .308 and a pistol grip .300 Win Mag with the folding hammer.
What have you guys been paying for these guns on the used market and what do you think these two would bring in 90-95% condition? The bluing on both is near perfect but they both have a few small dings in the wood. Both are Japan guns.
Thanks in advance.
WFR

I couldn't say, I bought mine new. You may be able to surf around sites such as Gunbroker or Guns America and see what they're going for.

WFR, there were several other things that affect price. Is the straight grip gun a pre-81 gun or a 81 series gun. Steel or alloy receiver?
What part of the US do you live in can also affect price. Regards, Byron

WFR, there were several other things that affect price. Is the straight grip gun a pre-81 gun or a 81 series gun. Steel or alloy receiver?
What part of the US do you live in can also affect price. Regards, Byron
How do you tell if it is a pre-81 gun or not?
I live in Virginia.

In 1975 Browning started using a two letter code system (should be two letters in the middle of the serial number) that determine the year of manufacture. The first should be a R, P, N or M. If you locate it whatever the second letter is, I can tell you year of manufacture. For example, mine is MW, meaning it was made in 2004.

the local gunshop by me has 4 all in well less than 90%. He wants around 500 a piece for them... he claims they are "collectors items". He has a thing for brownings, even his new ones are high because of "quality". Sells everything else cheap though... weird.

In 1975 Browning started using a two letter code system (should be two letters in the middle of the serial number) that determine the year of manufacture. The first should be a R, P, N or M. If you locate it whatever the second letter is, I can tell you year of manufacture. For example, mine is MW, meaning it was made in 2004.

Found the table that showed this date of manufacture code.
The .308 is straight stock, slim forend, steel receiver and made in 1990.
The .300 Win is pistol grip stock, wider forend, alloy receiver and has the fold-down hammer feature. It was made in 2000.
Will that help narrow down the price a bit?
Any info about these would be helpful.
I've only owned 2 Brownings in my entire life and bothe were BAR's.
Thanks!
WFR

If I could get either one for $425-$450 would that be a fair price?

I would say yes because they really are not that common. Plus they are a Browning for what they may be worth. Can you find a better gun for 450?If I could get either one for $425-$450 would that be a fair price?

Anbody else?
I see quite a few posts here regading the performance of these guns but not a lot of discussion on price.
Are they a good investment?
Would you go for the steel receiver over the alloy?

Sorry not to respond sooner. The pre-81 series magazine extended below the botton of the receiver. The 81's and all blr's that followed were flush with the botton of the receiver. If in excellent condition about $500.00 on either of the ones you are asking about. Byron

Anbody else?
I see quite a few posts here regading the performance of these guns but not a lot of discussion on price.
Are they a good investment?
Would you go for the steel receiver over the alloy?

I have seen 1 steel receiver .308 at a gun show for $550. Actually I have seen it (the same gun from the same person) at the past 15 or so local gun shows...

I have not seen any other steel frame BLRs at any price anywhere locally.

I have seen several alloy frame BLRs at local pawn shops for around $400. I have not seen a new one anywhere locally.

But then, I am in the Seattle area, and the people around here (at least the majority) are not known for ... an appreciation for functional usability, so to speak ;)

Personally I would prefer the steel 308 to the alloy anything, but that is just my preference.

Thanks for the input gentelmen!
I am going to get the steel receiver .308 and pass on the alloy receiver .330 WM.
That .300 WM would probably kick like a mule anyhow!
It'll go nice with my 700 BDL in .308 and '68 BAR grade II in .308.
I'll try to post some pictures when I get it off layaway.
As always, you guys have been a great help.
Thanks!
WFR