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/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.