The production of the BLR lever action rifle began in 1969. The Model 81 BLR lever action rifle was introduced in 1981 and included some minor changes, including a different magazine. The Lightning BLR was introduced in 1995 and is still in production.

To find your serial number, you will need to refer to your owner's manual.

Historic Information Serial Number Info
1969-75

In 1969 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture:
K=BLR Lever Action Rifle

This was then followed by the serial number.

K=BLR Lever Action Rifle
Made in Belgium from 1969 - 1972. Made in Japan from 1973 to present.
1976-1997

In 1975 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it followed until 1998. The Model 81 BLR was introduced in 1981. The Lightning BLR was introduced in 1995.

  1. Serial Number beginning with 01001 at the start of each year.
  2. Date of Manufacture is a two digit code:
    Z=1, Y=2, X=3, W=4, V=5, T=6, R=7, P=8, N=9, M=0
  3. BLR Type:
    127=BLR Lever Action
    327=Model 81 BLR Long Action
    227=Model 81 BLR Short Action
    427=Lightning BLR

Serial Number Example:

01001PY227

This would be an Model 81 BLR Short Action rifle,manufactured in 1982 with the serial number 01001.
1998
  1. Serial Number beginning with 01001 at the start of each year.
  2. Date of Manufacture is a two digit code:
    Z=1, Y=2, X=3, W=4, V=5, T=6, R=7, P=8, N=9, M=0
  3. Lightning BLR Type: 341=Lightning BLR

Serial Number Example:

01001NN341

This would be a Lightning BLR rifle, manufactured in 1999 with the serial number 01001.