Browning BAR Mark II: Belgian Craftsmanship & Modern Tradition

Few rifles blend battlefield lineage with sporting elegance as seamlessly as the Browning BAR Mark II. Chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum, this Belgian-made semi-automatic rifle embodies the precision, reliability and craftsmanship for which Browning has long been known. This a descendant of the iconic Browning Automatic Rifle of two world wars and the Korean conflict, and a refinement of the sporting BARs introduced in the late 1960s, the Mark II offered in the September Collection of Collector’s Elite Auctions represents both continuity and progress.

Introduced in the early 1990s, the Mark II series brought smoother cycling, improved durability and subtle design refinements to a proven platform. This particular example, manufactured in 1995, captures that moment in Browning’s ongoing pursuit of sporting excellence.

Built for hunters who demand both speed and accuracy, the BAR Mark II’s semi-automatic action offers rapid follow-up shots with reduced felt recoil. Chambered for the versatile 7mm Remington Magnum cartridge, the rifle’s 24-inch barrel delivers excellent velocity and flat-shooting performance. It is a trusted companion for pursuing big game across varied terrain. Its detachable, drop-free box magazine ensures reliable feeding and easy reloading. The 3+1 capacity provides practical firepower without excess bulk.

The 7mm Remington Magnum dates to the early 1960s and is a belted cartridge that can trace its lineage to the lauded .375 Holland & Holland Magnum. The 7mm Remington Magnum offers better ballistic performance than the .30-06 Springfield—another iconic cartridge in its own right—due to the higher muzzle velocity of this magnum-size cartridge.

Belgian Craftsmanship

The rifle itself demonstrates the artistry of Browning’s Belgian craftsmen. It is a tasteful nod to the namesake’s original partnership with European arms makers from more than a century ago. The pistol-grip walnut stock and forearm feature crisp diamond-pattern checkering, providing both secure handling and classic sporting elegance. A black rubber recoil pad softens the punch of magnum loads. The polished blued finish remains both durable and handsome. Sling swivels complete the rifle, underscoring its field-ready design.

Factory sights include a front post and adjustable rear notch. However, the receiver is drilled and tapped to accept optics for hunters who want to stretch out the 7mm Remington Magnum cartridge.

The Browning BAR Mark II is more than a rifle; it is a bridge between eras. It draws inspiration from the original military BAR yet is refined for the sportsman’s field. Its combination of fast, smooth cycling, balanced handling and Belgian craftsmanship makes it a rifle equally at home in the woods or displayed in a collection.

Three decades after its manufacture, this 1995 example continues to represent Browning’s enduring commitment to quality and innovation. In the BAR Mark II, tradition and performance are not at odds; they are one and the same. This example is ready for you to embrace that tradition and reap the benefits of its performance.

About the Author

  • Logan Metesh is an arms historian with a focus on history and development. He has a degree in historic preservation and has worked for the National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution. The ease with which he can recall obscure historical facts and figures makes him very good at Jeopardy!, but exceptionally bad at geometry. Over the years, he has contributed to multiple books and written hundreds of articles for different publications. He is the owner of High Caliber History LLC and the host of the No Lowballers Podcast.

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