Browning BAR mk3 vs Benelli R1

[u/BowFella]

So I've owned a couple Browning BAR Mk3s in 243 over the last couple years and just picked up a Benelli R1 in 308. These guns are similar in function and price so I thought I'd compare the two.

The browning BAR Mk3 is an ok rifle but I'm very disappointed in it's design and performance for a $2K gun. Dont get me wrong, it is comfortable to shoot, looks nice, comes in a good selection of calibers, and has a buttery smooth feeding system and comes with an adjustable gas block. But it is inaccurate, you can get anywhere from 1.5moa to a 4moa rifle. The barrel is bolted to the receiver, not threaded in so after 2-3 shots the gun heats up and the groupings go wild. The nut on the fore end that the sling attaches to has to be torqued 50-60inlbs or the groups open up. It's also made out of soft steel and prone to snapping. The barrel is not free floating so resting it anywhere except close to the magwell throws it off. Oh and you need allen keys, a socket wrench, and a punch set just to field strip it...

The benelli R1 is basically the browning MK3 but none of the flaws. It has a toolless takedown, faster twist rate, and a free floating barrel that is threaded in. For accuracy it's not exactly 1:1 since the benelli is a 308 but the benelli was way more accurate around 1.25-1.5moa and the groups stay consistent as you shoot. I notice the trigger has a slightly lighter break as well. The gun is also more modular, you can; use benelli M4 stocks with some slight modifications, change out the barrel and bolt for different calibers, and is tapped in 5 places on the receiver and 4 places on the barrel to add iron sights. I also like the ergonomics slightly more too. The grip isnt as fat and you can reach the mag release, bolt release, and safety with your index finger.

It just seems like a lot more thought went into the Benelli R1 in design and would definitely be my pick over browning.

[u/[deleted]]

thanks for your review. i really like the leather cheek piece on the butt. i want a benelli lupo wood best in 30-06. but it will have to wait because i want to get a seekins precision PH3 in .300 win mag first, after i finish my current rebuild of my tikka.

[u/Q-Ball7]

The Browning BAR is, fundamentally, a civilian 1960s design. That generally translates to "it makes a bunch of stupid design decisions for no apparent functional reason" in 2026, but from 1960 through 2000 it was the only way to make a semi-auto that was under 8 pounds without going to exotic materials (aluminum, plastic, fiberglass).

Remember, military rifles of the day were closer to 10 and you couldn't easily put optics on them either; you can do both with the BAR.

The R1 is what the BAR should have been if Browning/FN ever bothered to update anything. It still has weird nonsense going on because it's just an M4 turned into a rifle (and is still making those same compromises to keep the weight down), just more refined, because it's a 2000s civilian design instead of a 1960s one.

[u/Dog_is_my_copilot]

I’ve been eyeing the browning for a while as our selection of semi 308s have dwindled, you make a solid case for a benelli. I have a T3 x in 308 but a semi would be a nice addition.

[u/BowFella → u/Dog_is_my_copilot]

Only owned the benelli for a month but not a single hiccup so far. I tried absolutely EVERYTHING to make that BAR mk3 work. Different scopes, torqued everything to spec, even switched out the gun. I must've tried a dozen or more types of ammo and even tried loading for it. Nothing worked. Still sprayed after 2-3 shots and couldnt get better than 2.5moa

[u/truthdoctor]

I agree about the Browning. I have one in 30-06 and it leaves me wanting something better in more than a few aspects. I paid around $500 for an older one years ago so I'm not too disappointed. I just want an AR-10 type .308 again. I'm holding out hope that we get something as light, accurate, reliable and customizable as the Stag-10 soon. With the Carmel and Makasi hitting the market, I have a feeling we might see a .308 semi rifle soon.

[u/Plumbercanuck]

Both?

[u/king_sasha00]

Nice review! Was thinking to build a faux MR1 using the R1. Online rep of the R1 is that the barrel heats up to point of warping concerns which has left me still on the fence. By chance have you used any of the turkish 308 semis on the market? Wondering your thoughts if you have.

[u/BowFella → u/king_sasha00]

I have not unfortunately. The only turkish semi 308 I'm aware of is the Citadel which I've heard a lot of complaints about feeding issues. As for the barrel heating up on the R1 I do notice it's too hot to hold after 10 consecutive rounds or so. It's a very light barrel. It may be a semi but I plan on using it as a precision hunting rifle so I usually take care not to overheat my barrels.

[u/Birdybadass]

Great post, and as someone experienced with the platform help me understand the benefit of a semi auto rifle for hunting purposes over a traditional bolt? I’m considering buying one but don’t know if it has a use case over my typical bolt action rifle, or if it’s a “just for fun” rifle.

[u/BowFella → u/Birdybadass]

A little bit of both. It's fun to shoot and this is my tracking gun and bear gun. Which is why I have the LVPO that has 1-8x. Bears on occassion will charge after you shoot them if you are close by on the ground. It's reassuring that you can dump 5 rounds in his direction if you need to especially if I'm walking up on one that might be wounded. I have also been able to get two shots in a bear and deer before with the BAR on a couple occassions before they went out of sight. Granted the first shot placement was already perfect but it's reassuring. Especially if it's a moose within 100 yards I'm confident I can get 3 shots in the vitals before they run off.

It's not absolutely necessary to go hunting with but sometimes that edge makes the difference.