® BAR MK 3 RIFLE OWNER’S MANUAL
Important operating instructions for: BROWNING BAR MK 3 RIFLES If you have any questions about your new firearm, this owner’s manual or other Browning products, contact: Browning Customer Service One Browning Place Morgan, UT 84050-9326 Phone: (800) 333-3288 browning.com Please use the space below to record information about your new firearm.
C O N T E N T S P A G E State Warning............................................................................................2 WARNING: You are Responsible for Firearms Safety............................2 General Description and Operation......................................................10 Nomenclature..........................................................................................10 Serial Number.........................................................................................
S TAT E WA R N I N G According to state law, California requires that firearm manufacturers, distributors and retailers include conspicuous, specific warnings with firearms sold in that state. Firearms must be handled responsibly and securely stored to prevent access by children and other unauthorized users. California has strict laws pertaining to firearms, and you may be fined or imprisoned if you fail to comply with them. Visit the Web site of the California Attorney General at https://oag.ca.
Please read and understand all of the cautions, warnings, notices, proper handling procedures and instructions outlined in this owner’s manual before using your new firearm. 1 ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE CERTAIN IT IS UNLOADED. Never point any firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Be extremely alert and aware of all persons and property within the range of your ammunition.
3 WHENEVER YOU HANDLE ANY FIREARM, OR HAND IT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS OPEN THE ACTION IMMEDIATELY AND VISUALLY CHECK THE FIREARM’S CHAMBER TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Remember, merely removing the magazine does not mean the chamber is unloaded. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety” in the on safe position unless shooting is imminent. 4 ALWAYS WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING.
HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS TREESTANDS IS DANGEROUS. Doing so may increase the risk of mishandling a firearm. The following rules should always be observed by you and those you hunt with. Always make certain that the stand being used is safe and stable. Always make certain that your firearm is unloaded when it is being taken up and down from the stand. Always make certain that your firearm is not dropped from the stand, or dropped while it is being taken up or down from the stand.
10 BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF AMMUNITION MALFUNCTION. IF YOU DETECT AN OFF SOUND OR LIGHT RECOIL WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS FIRED, DO NOT LOAD ANOTHER CARTRIDGE INTO THE CHAMBER. If your firearm fails to fire, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction for a minimum of 30 seconds. Rotate the ejection area of the firearm away from you, carefully open the action and remove the cartridge from the chamber. If the primer is indented, the defective cartridge should be disposed of in a way that cannot cause harm.
assume no liability for incidents which occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimensions or which develop pressures in excess of commercially available ammunition which has been loaded in accordance with standards established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI).
20 BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING. Because so many firearm accidents occur when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your firearm is unloaded before disassembly, cleaning and reassembly. Keep ammunition away from the cleaning location. Never test the mechanical function of any firearm with live ammunition. 21 TEACH AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY, ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN AND NON-SHOOTERS.
25 DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ALTER THE TRIGGER, “SAFETY” OR OTHER PARTS OF THE FIRING MECHANISM OF THIS OR ANY OTHER FIREARM EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL. We reserve the right to refuse service on firearms that have been altered, added to or substantially changed. Removal of metal from the barrel, or modifications of the firing mechanism and/or operating parts may lead to a refusal of service on such firearms.
FIGURE 1 Receiver Barrel Operating Handle Buttstock Bolt Lock Recoil Pad Magazine “Safety” Latch Trigger Forearm Muzzle Hinged Magazine G E N E R A L D E S C R I P T I O N A N D O P E R AT I O N The Browning BAR MK 3 is a gas-operated, autoloading rifle. With cartridges in the magazine and the chamber and the “safety” in the off safe position, the rifle will fire a single cartridge with each successive pull of the trigger until the magazine and chamber are empty.
C L E A N I N G PA RT S W I T H S P E C I A L F I N I S H E S Be especially careful when cleaning firearms with camouflage, Dura-Touch® Armor Coating and other special finishes. Always prevent these surfaces from coming in contact with cleaning solvents, barrel scrubbers and other strong chemicals. It is preferable to clean these surfaces with a lightweight gun oil containing no solvents, or with a damp cloth and mild dish soap (be sure to keep water out of the action).
FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 The “safety” shown in the on safe position. The “safety” shown in the off safe position. The “safety” is located at the rear of the trigger guard. It is designed to prevent the trigger from being pulled when in the on safe position. In the off safe position, a red warning band is visible on the safety button on the left side of the trigger guard. To place the firearm on safe, push the “safety” button to the right (Figure 2).
THE POSITIONING MENTIONED ABOVE, AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH ITS OPERATION AND POSITION IN THE ON SAFE AND OFF SAFE MODES. B O LT L O C K WHEN USING THE BOLT LOCK ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT, ALWAYS REMOVE THE MAGAZINE FROM THE RIFLE BEFORE CLOSING THE BOLT TO PREVENT INADVERTENTLY LOADING A CARTRIDGE FROM THE MAGAZINE INTO THE CHAMBER.
AMMUNITION DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS OR HANDLING AMMUNITION MAY RESULT IN EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND OTHER SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE. DO NOT USE AMMUNITION OTHER THAN WHAT IS INSCRIBED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BARREL. EXAMINE EVERY CARTRIDGE YOU PUT IN YOUR FIREARM.
total rifle capacity includes an additional cartridge which can be loaded in the chamber in addition to a full magazine. LOADING THE MAGAZINE WHEN LOADING YOUR RIFLE ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT CARRY YOUR RIFLE WITH A CARTRIDGE IN THE CHAMBER TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE.
FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 Pull rearward on the magazine latch to access the magazine. Press the cartridge into the magazine until it is retained by the magazine feed lips. 4 Lay a cartridge on top of the magazine follower and press the cartridge down with your thumb until it is retained in the magazine (Figure 6). Load subsequent cartridges into the magazine in the same manner. THE BASE OF EACH CARTRIDGE MUST BE FLUSH WITH THE REAR OF THE MAGAZINE.
FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 Grasp the sides of the magazine and detach it from the floorplate. Press the cartridge into the magazine until it is retained by the magazine feed lips. 3 Pull the bolt completely rearward and inspect the chamber to make sure it is empty. Return the bolt to the forward, closed position. 4 Detach the magazine from the floorplate by grasping the sides of the magazine and pulling it off the hinged floorplate (Figure 7).
FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 Remove the magazine by pushing on the ambidextrous magazine release. Press each cartridge straight down into the magazine until it is retained by the magazine lips. 7 After loading the magazine, swing the floorplate and loaded magazine upwards until retained by the magazine catch. L O A D I N G T H E D E TA C H A B L E B O X M A G A Z I N E ( N O F L O O R P L AT E ) DO NOT INSERT A LOADED MAGAZINE INTO THE RIFLE, NOR LOAD A CARTRIDGE INTO THE CHAMBER, UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT.
THE BASE OF EACH CARTRIDGE MUST BE FLUSH WITH THE REAR OF THE MAGAZINE. IF THE NOSE OF A CARTRIDGE PROTRUDES BEYOND THE FRONT OF THE MAGAZINE, IT COULD CAUSE FEEDING PROBLEMS OR INTERFERE WHEN INSERTING THE MAGAZINE INTO THE RIFLE. 5 After loading the magazine, insert the magazine into the magazine block of the rifle until it locks in place.
there is a possibility that it will not close completely, preventing the rifle from firing. FIGURE 11 THE RIFLE IS NOW READY TO FIRE BY SIMPLY MOVING THE “SAFETY” TO THE OFF SAFE POSITION AND PULLING THE TRIGGER. To verify the bolt is closed completely, make sure the The bolt is fully forward when the bolt forward indicator is exposed. operating handle is in front of the red bolt forward indicator dot located on the receiver near the ejection port (Figure 11).
THE RIFLE IS NOW READY TO FIRE BY SIMPLY MOVING THE “SAFETY” TO THE OFF SAFE POSITION AND PULLING THE TRIGGER. 3 When ready to fire, move the “safety” to the off safe position, take aim and squeeze the trigger. 4 After a cartridge has fired, the bolt automatically moves rearward, ejects the empty case, then returns forward, chambering a cartridge from the magazine. Because fired cases are ejected to the side, bystanders should not stand to the side of the shooter.
UNLOADING WHEN UNLOADING YOUR FIREARM ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE CAREFULLY AFTER UNLOADING TO BE SURE ALL CARTRIDGES ARE CLEARED FROM THE FIREARM.
3 Pull the bolt completely rearward and inspect the chamber to make sure it is empty. Return the bolt to the forward, closed position. 4 Detach the magazine from the floorplate by grasping the sides of the magazine and pulling it off the floorplate (Figure 7, page 17). 5 Once the magazine has been detached, unload the magazine by pushing the cartridges, one at a time, forward and out of the magazine.
MOUNTING A SCOPE BEFORE MOUNTING A SCOPE, SIGHT OR OTHER ACCESSORIES TO YOUR RIFLE, PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR RIFLE IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. The top of the BAR MK 3 receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases. From the factory, the scope base holes are fitted with filler screws.
Many gunsmiths find it helpful to use a drop of serviceable thread locking compound to assure the screws stay tight. Make sure the thread locking compound does not get into the action. Be careful to ensure that the threads of each screw engage properly in the receiver to prevent stripping the threads in the receiver. 7 Tighten the screws snugly, but do not overtighten. 8 Mount your scope rings and scope as outlined in the instructions supplied with your scope rings and/or scope.
FIGURE 13 The six stock shims move the stock as shown above. These shims with their respective stamps are further clarified here: • Shim 1 raises the comb approximately 1/16", and the heel approximately 1/8". • Shim 2 is neutral. This shim is already installed on your rifle. • Shim 3 lowers the comb approximately 1/16", and the heel approximately 1/8". Cast is the offset of the buttstock from the longitudinal centerline of the firearm.
right, away from the face of a right-handed shooter. If you turn the shim around so the L is facing the end of the buttstock, and it will cast the stock to the left. • Shim 2R2L adds the same amount of cast to the stock as shim 1RL and the same amount of drop to the comb as shim No. 2. • Shim 3R3L adds the same amount of cast to the stock as 2RL and 3RL, and lowers the comb approximately 1/16" and the heel approximately 1/8".
4 Completely remove the buttstock from the receiver, along with the existing shim, and install the shim you have selected (Figure 16). Make certain you have the proper shim installed and in position before reattaching the buttstock and recoil pad. DO NOT USE MORE THAN ONE SHIM ON THE BUTTSTOCK . FIGURE 16 Install the selected shim onto the buttstock. 5 When you are satisfied with the fit, reattach the buttstock to the receiver with the washer and the screw.
FIREARM’S CALIBER. NEVER USE A MUZZLE BRAKE OR SUPPRESSOR THAT IS DESIGNED FOR RIMFIRE USE ONLY ON A CENTERFIRE RIFLE. BEFORE INSTALLING OR REMOVING A MUZZLE BRAKE OR SUPPRESSOR TO/FROM YOUR FIREARM, READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND ANY OWNER’S MANUAL INCLUDED WITH THE DEVICE, AND PRECISELY FOLLOW ALL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE SUPPRESSOR OR MUZZLE BRAKE MANUFACTURER.
surfaces with a light gun oil containing no solvents, or with a damp cloth and mild dish soap (be sure to keep water out of the action). When cleaning your firearm’s bore and action, protect the external finishes from any contact with chemicals used. Also, avoid any contact between external finishes and other strong chemicals like those found in DEET-containing insect repellents, sunscreens, etc. Damage to camouflage, Dura-Touch and other finishes caused by chemicals is irreversible and not repairable.
If you encounter a function problem be sure to give your firearm a thorough cleaning to see if it solves the problem before seeking the services of a Browning Recommended Service Center or our Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri, or a qualified gunsmith. 1 Lock the bolt in the open position as explained previously. 2 Inspect the chamber and bore for powder fouling. A normal amount of powder residue can be expected and is not serious. It can usually be removed with a patch saturated with nitro solvent.
4 Inspect the barrel and chamber to be certain no patches have inadvertently been left in them. Remove any that remain. 5 Use a small brush or rag to remove dirt or other foreign matter from inside the receiver and other parts of the action. Lightly lubricate all moving parts with a high-quality, light gun oil. Use oil sparingly, a very light film is sufficient. A fine, light gun oil is ideally suited for this purpose. DO NOT POUR LARGE QUANTITIES OF OIL INTO THE RECEIVER OR OTHER PARTS.
FIGURE 17 FIGURE 18 Tap the trigger group pins through the receiver. Lift the trigger group from the receiver. DO NOT ALTER OR ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE ANY PART OF THE TRIGGER GROUP OR REMOVE OR DISASSEMBLE THE BOLT MECHANISM. If any service of the trigger group or bolt becomes necessary, contact our Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri, or a qualified gunsmith. T R I G G E R G R O U P R E M O VA L 1 Be certain the rifle is completely unloaded and the “safety” is in the on safe position.
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE TRIGGER GROUP BEYOND THIS POINT. THIS IS A SPECIALIZED, FINELY FITTED MECHANISM; ANY ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE THE TRIGGER GROUP MAY DAMAGE IT BEYOND REPAIR. T R I G G E R G R O U P I N S TA L L AT I O N 1 Before reinstalling the trigger group, make sure that the bolt is fully forward and engaged in the locked position. 2 Visually check the “safety” on the trigger guard to make certain it is still in the on safe position.
3 Shake all excess solvent from the magazine and dry with a cloth or blow dry with compressed air, if available. 4 Wipe off any dirt or residue, then apply a very thin coat of oil and wipe clean again. NEVER ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR FIREARM APART FURTHER THAN EXPLAINED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL. YOUR FIREARM IS A SPECIALIZED, FINELY FITTED MECHANISM. YOU MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE IT BY ATTEMPTING TO DISASSEMBLE THE INNER MECHANISM ASSEMBLIES.
MODELS WITH SPECIAL FINISHES As with any gun, the only way to preserve its pristine condition and collector appeal is to never handle or fire it, which in turn would deprive you of much of the enjoyment that comes with owning a fine Browning firearm. While special finishes such as engraving and gold plating greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your rifle, please be aware that they are no more durable, and in some cases may even be slightly less durable than more common gun finishes.
SERVICE OR REPAIR If your firearm should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center. To locate a service center visit browning.com, contact our Customer Service Department or your Browning firearms dealer for the address of the Service Center nearest you. Otherwise, you may send your firearm directly to our Service Department in Arnold, Missouri.
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BROWNING.
