Operation and care of

The Lightning BLR is the most modern design of any lever action rifle with an advanced rack-and-pinion lever system and strong rotary bolt locking design. And with its detachable box magazine, you can safely shoot ballistically superior pointed bullets The Lightning BLR incorporates Browning's traditional quality and craftsmanship, coupled with the finest materials and modern manufacturing methods. 

With a reasonable amount of care, your Lightning BLR should give you many years of dependable, enjoyable service. Please, feel free to write us immediately if you have any observations regarding its performance and operation. 

You Are Responsible for Firearms Safety

As a gun owner, you accept a set of responsibilities of the most demand­ing nature. How seriously you carry out these respon­sibilities can be the difference between life and death. Mistakes made with guns are final and cannot be paid for with money or regret.

There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle your rifle and any other firearm with in­tense respect for its force, power and potential danger.

PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE CAUTIONS, THE PROPER HANDLING PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTION OUTLINED ON THIS PAGE BEFORE USING YOUR NEW FIREARM. 

PLEASE READ AND PRACTICE THE FOLLOWING CAUTIONS:

CAUTION

1 - ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR RIFLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. 

Do this even though you are certain the gun 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.

2 - THIS RIFLE'S HALF-COCK NOTCH IS SIMPLY A HAMMER POSITION THAT MAY CATCH A HAMMER THAT SLIPS FROM YOUR THUMB WHILE COCKING (PROVIDING THE TRIGGER IS NOT DEPRESSED). It should not be taken as an assurance it will be caught all the time. You should never use the half-cock hammer position to function as a safety. An excessive, abusive pull on the trigger could still cause the hammer to fall. Also, while the half-cock notch may frequently catch a hammer that slips from your thumb while cocking the rifle (provided the trigger is not depressed), the half-cock notch is NOT a safety and should not be relied upon to always catch the hammer. No guarantee can be made that the half-cock notch will prevent the hammer from striking the firing pin. 

\Vhen the hammer is in the full cocked position, the inercia firing pin is positioned co the rear until it is struck by a forcible blow from che forward motion of the hammer. 

3 - THE FOLDED-HAMMER POSITION OF THE HAMMER IS ONLY AN EXTRA MEASURE OF SAFETY. It is designed to put your rifle in a SAFER status. However, like any mechanical device, it can sometimes be jarred or unintentionally manipulated into an unsafe condition. 

Safe gun handling does not stop with the folded hammer position of your rifle. This is an aid to safe gun handling and is no excuse for pointing the muzzle in an unsafe direction. 

ALWAYS TREAT YOUR RIFLE AS THOUGH IT WERE LOADED AND READY TO FIRE.

4 - ALWAYS KEEP YOUR LIGHTNING BLR IN THE FOLDED HAMMER POSITION AND YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER, EVEN IF YOU ARE CERTAIN THE RIFLE IS UNLOADED. 

Chamber a round only when preparing for a situation where shooting is imminent. when you place a round in the chamber, immediately make sure the hammer is in the half-cock position with the tip of the hammer folded forward. The preferred carrying and storage status for the Lightning BLR is with the chamber empty and with the hammer in the half-cock position and with the tip of the hammer folded forward. 

5 - WHENEVER YOU HANDLE A FIREARM, OR HAND IT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS OPEN THE ACTION IMMEDIATELY AND VISUALLY CHECK YOUR RIFLE'S CHAMBER, , FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE.  Make certain that it does not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Always keep the chamber empty and the hammer in the half-cock position with the hammer folded forward unless shooting is imminent.

WARNING: WHEN YOU ENGAGE THE FOLD-DOWN HAMMER, KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER.

6 - DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR FIREARM LOADED, WHETHER IN A SCABBARD, GUN CASE, OR OTHER CONTAINER. 

7 - HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS TREE STANDS 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. Remember, a loaded firearm, may discharge when dropped, even with the hammer in the half cock position. 

8 - BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS, FOR THE SAFETY OF BOTH YOUR GUN AND YOURSELF. Mud, snow, and an infinite variety of other objects may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It takes only one small obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that can ruin (swell or rupture) the finest rifle barrels. 

BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUC­TION, LOWER THE LEVER TO OPEN THE ACTION. THEN, CHECK THAT NO LIVE ROUND IS IN THE CHAMBER AND THAT THE MAGAZINE AND FEED MECHANISMS ARE COMPLETELY EMPTY. 

After assuring yourself that the firearm is completely empty, and with the action open, look through the barrel to be sure it is clear of any obstruction. If an obstruction is seen, no matter how small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch as described in "Cleaning Suggestions" later on this page. 

Before the first firing, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch, and wipe away any anti-rust compounds in the action / chamber areas.

9 - ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR RIFLE WHEN NOT IN USE. 

Your responsibilities do not end when your firearm is unattended. Store your gun and ammunition separately - well beyond the reach of children. Take all precautions to ensure that your gun does not get into untrained, inexperienced or unwelcome hands.

10 - USE THE PROPER AMMUNITION. The Browning Lightning BLR is available in many different calibers. It is important to use the correct ammunition for your particular rifle. The proper caliber for your Lightning BLR is inscribed on the right side of the barrel. 

You can safely shoot ballistically superior pointed bullets since the Lightning BLR has a box magazine and not a tubular one. 

The barrel and action of this rifle have been made with substantial safety margins over the pressures developed by established American commercial loads. However, Browning assumes no liability for accidents which occur through the use of cartridges that have nonstandard dimensions or that develop pressures in excess of the commercially available ammunition that has been loaded in accordance with industry standards established by SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute). 

BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF AMMUNITION MALFUNCTION. 

If you detect an off sound or light recoil when a cartridge is fired, fully unload your firearm's chamber, feed mechanism, and magazine. With the action open, glance down the barrel to make sure that an obstruction does not remain in the barrel. Completely clear the barrel before loading and firing again. 

11 - MAKE SURE OF ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN THE AREA THAT YOU DISCHARGE A FIREARM. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE TO AMMUNITION OR CLEANING A FIREARM.

Lead exposure can be obtained from discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms or handling ammunition. Lead is a substance that has been known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm and other serious injury. 

12 - DO NOT SNAP THE FIRING PIN ON AN EMPTY CHAMBER - THE CHAMBER MAY NOT BE EMPTY! Treat every gun, with the respect due a loaded gun, even though you are certain the gun is unloaded. 

13 - KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER WHILE UNLOADING AND LOADING, UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO SHOOT.

14 - AVOID UNORTHODOX AIMING STANCES.

When a round is cycled, the rear end of the bolt could strike a shooter in the face and cause injury, with your head placed too far forward on the stock. Conform to standard shooting styles. 

15 - BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BACKSTOP - Particularly when there's not much light and visibility is poor. Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or hard objects. 

16 - ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR RIFLE'S CHAMBER BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE, CLIMBING A TREE, JUMPING A DITCH OR NEGOTIATING OTHER OBSTACLES.  Refer to "General Operating Procedures" later on this page for instructions on the unloading of your rifle. Never place your loaded rifle on or against a fence, tree, car, or other similar object. 

17 - WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING. Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause hearing damage. Wear ear protectors (shoot­ing ear plugs or muffs) to guard against such damage. Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles. Allow proper distance (eye relief) between the scope and your eye when firing a scoped rifle or shotgun. Always keep a safe dis­tance between the muzzle of your firearrn and any persons nearby, as muzzle blast, debris and ejecting shells could inflict serious injury. Also, wear eye protection when disassembling and cleaning your shotgun to prevent the possibility of springs, spring-tensioned parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes. 

18 - DROPPING A LOADED GUN CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE. This can occur even with the hammer in the half-cock position with the hammer folded forward.

19 - IF YOUR FIREARM FAILS TO FIRE, KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.

Hold this position for a minimum of 30 seconds. Carefully open the action and remove the car­tridge. If the primer is indented, the cartridge should be disposed of in a way that cannot cause harm. If the primer is not indented, your firearm should be examined by a qualified gunsmith and the cause of the malfunction should be corrected before further use.

20 - BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU AND OTHERS. 

Don't be timid when it comes to gun safety. If you observe other shooters violating any of these safety precautions, politely suggest safer handling practices. 

21 - BE CERTAIN YOUR RIFLE IS UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING

Because so many gun accidents occur, when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your gun 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.

22 - EDUCATE AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY-ESPECIALLY.

Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting / shooting safety courses. 

23 - NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING.

Your vision and judgment could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others. 

24 - READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS IN THIS INSTRUCTION BOOK, ON AMMUNITION BOXES AND WITH ALL ACCESSORIES THAT YOU INSTALL ON YOUR FIREARM.

It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to­-date information on the safe handling procedures of your Browning gun. Browning assumes no lia­bility for incidents which occur when unsafe or improper gun accessories or ammunition combinations are used. 

25 - PERFORM PERIODIC MAINTENANCE - AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING! 

Your rifle is a mechanical device which, will not last forever, and as such, is subject to wear and requires periodic inspection, adjustment, and ser­vice. Browning firearms should be serviced by a Browning Recommended Service Center or by Browning's service facility in Arnold, Missouri. Browning cannot assume any responsibility for injuries suffered or caused by unauthorized servic­ing, alterations or modifications of Browning firearrns. 

26 - BROWNING RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE ON FIREARMS THAT HAVE BEEN ALTERED, ADDED TO OR SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED. 

Removal of metal from barrel(s), or modifications of the firing mechanism and / or operating parts may lead to Browning's refusal of service on such firearms. Browning will charge the owner for parts and labor to return the firearm to original Browning specifications.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ALTER THE TRIGGER, SAFETY OR PARTS OF THE FIRING MECHANISM OF THIS OR ANY OTHER FIREARM. FAILURE TO OBEY THIS WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS. 

In conventional gun terminology the position and movement of gun parts are described as they occur with the gun horizontal and in normal firing position; i.e., the muzzle is forward or in front; the buttstock is rearward or to the rear; the trigger is downward or underneath; the sights are upward or on top. When the lever is closed or parallel to the stock grip the bolt is "closed" or "locked"; when the lever is down the bolt is "open" or "unlocked." 

For general nomenclature, refer to Figure I. 

The serial number of your rifle can be found on the right side of the receiver, toward the rear. 

BEFORE THE FIRST FIRING, CLEAN THE ANTI-RUST COMPOUND, from the barrel and the inside of the receiver with a clean rag (as much as is possible without disassembling the receiver). Use a light gun oil such as Browning Oil. See "Cleaning Suggestions" later on this page

SHORT ACTION CALIBERS -

One (1) in the chamber, four (4) in the magazine. Except, 284 Win. which holds three (3) in the magazine and 223 Rem. which holds five (5) in the magazine

LONG ACTION, STANDARD CALIBERS­ -

One (1) in the chamber, four (4) in the magazine. 

LONG ACTION, MAGNUM CALIBERS -

One (1) in the chamber, three (3) in the magazine. 

Like most lever action rifles with exposed hammers, the Lightning BLR does not have a separate manual safety. However, the Lightning BLR has me folding hammer feature (See Figure 2) which provides an added measure of safety when the hammer is at half-cock. The exposed ham­mer itself can be an excellent indicator of the safety status of the rifle. 

The Lightning BLR folding hammer has four basic positions: the full-cock, the half-cock, the folded hammer position, and the dropped or fired position. An explanation of each position follows. 

FULL COCK POSITION -

The hammer is all the way to the rear (See Figure 3). At this point, any pull or any force on the trigger could allow the hammer to fall and fire the rifle. 

There are two ways by which the hammer can be placed in this position. First, every time the lever is cycled, the rearward movement of the bolt will cock the hammer to this position. Second, the hammer may also be manually placed at full­cock by pulling it rearward with the thumb until it engages the full-cock notch. Be sure to keep your finger off the trigger while cocking the hammer. 

HALF-COCK POSITION -

This rifle's half-cock notch is simply a hammer position (See Figure 4) that may catch a hammer that slips from your thumb while cocking (providing the trigger is not depressed). It should not be taken as an assurance it will be caught ALL the time. No guarantee can be made that the half-cock notch will prevent the hammer from striking the firing pin. (Refer to Safety Warning Number 2.) 

MOVING FROM FULL-COCK TO HALF-COCK -

In order to move the hammer from full-cock to half-cock position, you must first place your thumb on the hammer to restrict its forward movement. The trigger is then depressed to release the hammer from 1he full-cock notch. 

Schematic is provided for parts identification only and should not be used as a guide to assemble guns.

Important: Schematic refers to Long Action model only. When ordering parts, please list the part number, the part name, the caliber, the model and the serial number located on your rifle. For the Short Action model, you must indicate the serial number in order to receive the correct parts.

CAUTION: THESE BROWNING PARTS ARE MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE BROWNING LIGHTNING BLR AND SHOULD NOT BE USED IN OTHER GUNS EVEN THOUGH MODELS MAY BE SIMILAR. INADEQUATELY FITTED PARTS MAY BE DANGEROUS. 

Parts list refers to the Long Action Lightning, folding-harnmer model only. When ordering parts for the Short Action Folding - hammer model, or any previous BLR, you must indicate the rifle's serial number, in order to receive the correct parts. To order parts by fax, use our toll-free fax number: 1-800-817-4755.

AS SOON AS INITIAL FORWARD TRAVEL OF THE HAMMER HAS MOVED PAST THE FULL-COCK POSI­TION, IMMEDIATELY REMOVE YOUR FINGER FROM THE TRIGGER. BE CAREFUL: IF THE TRIGGER REMAINS DEPRESSED, THE HALF-COCK NOTCH WILL NOT CATCH THE HAMMER SHOULD IT ACCI­DENTALLY SLIP DURING THIS OPERATION. THE HAMMER WOULD CONTINUE PAST THE HALF-COCK POSITION TO THE DROPPED OR FIRED POSITION AND THE GUN COULD DISCHARGE. 

PRACTICE LOWERING THE HAMMER -

A wise practice to follow is to place the thumb extended over the hammer with the point of the thumb just over the "V" between the hammer and the firing pin so that it can act as a cushion against accidental hammer fall, and at the same time, case the hammer into the half-cock nocch (See Figure 5). When a scope is mounted on the rifle, it is necessary to insert the point of the thumb more from the side. A little practice with an empty rifle will enable a person to become adept at using the thumb in either manner. 

If a cartridge has been chambered in anticipation of an imminent shot, the hammer should be carefully lowered to the half-cock position and the folding hammer rotated for­ward. Remember, when a shot is no longer imminent, unload the chamber of your rifle by operating the lever downward. With the lever still in the downward position, remove the magazine from the rifle, inspect the chamber to make sure all cartridges have been removed from the rifle. Return the lever to the closed position, re-insert the maga­zine and return the hammer to the half cock, folded down position. 

FOLDED HAMMER POSITION -

An additional feature on the Lightning BLR, the folding hammer feature (See Figure 6) further protects against accidental discharge of your firearm. This fold-down position removes the possibility of the hammer coming in contact with the firing pin if the hammer is accidentally struck. NOTE: THE HAMMER IN THE HALF-COCK POSITION WITH THE HAMMER FOLDED FORWARD IS MERELY AN AID TO SAFE HANDLING OF YOUR RIFLE. ALWAYS HANDLE YOUR RIFLE AS THOUGH IT WERE LOADED.

ENGAGING THE FOLDING HAMMER -

In the half-cock position, the upper portion of the hammer can be rotated forward with the thumb, to position the hammer against the rear of the bolt, without coming in contact with the rear of the firing pin. This fold-down feature puts the hammer in a safer position, but this position shouldn't be considered a safety.

DROPPED OR FIRED POSITION -

This is the position of the hammer after a round is fired. However, it is not a recommended carrying position. (See Figure 7). 

PREFERRED CARRYING POSITION -

For maximum safety, you should never chamber a cartridge until a shot is imminent. The half-cock position with the hammer folded forward is the recommended position of the hammer during handling and storage. 

LOADING - 

THROUGHOUT THE LOADING PROCESS MAKE CERTAIN THE RIFLE IS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. 

The correct procedure for cleaning your rifle is as follows:

1 - Be sure that the chamber is empty and the hammer is lowered to the half-cock position with the hammer folded forward.

2 - Detach the magazine, by pulling down on the magazine release button with the index finger (see Figure 8). The magazine will slide easily from its recess. 

3 - To load the MAGAZINE: Cartridges are loaded by pressing them downward until they are retained by the rim of the magazine. Insert car­tridges into the detachable box magazine. The correct cal­iber is inscribed on the right side of the barrel. 

4 - With the bolt closed and the hammer in the folded-down hammer position, re-insert the loaded magazine into the rifle. A sharp, metallic click will indicate that the maga­zine is fully inserted and engaged with the magazine latch. 

5 - To load a cartridge in the CHAMBER:

With the rifle pointed in a safe direction, a cartridge can be chambered by cycling the lever. Then, carefully lower the hammer to the half-cock fold-down position after chambering the cartridge. Afterwards, whenever desired, you can quickly and easily thumb back the hammer to the firing, full-cock position. At full-cock, any pull on the trigger will allow the hammer to fall and fire the rifle. For maximum safety, you should never chamber a cartridge until a shot is imminent. 

UNLOADING - 

1 - Remove the cartridge in the chamber by operating the lever downward. 

2 - With the lever still in the down position, remove the magazine from the rifle. 

3 - The chamber should then be inspected to make sure all cartridges have been removed from the rifle. 

4 - Cartridges in the magazine may be removed by stripping them out with the thumb. 

AMMUNITION 

Carefully select your ammunition. Because your Lightning BLR uses a box style magazine and not a tubular magazine, pointed Spitzer-style bullets can be used. 

Again, the Lightning BLR is available in many different calibers. It is important to use the correct ammunition for your particular Lightning BLR. You should check the right side of your barrel for the caliber of your model. 

See the section on "Loading" for magazine capacities. 

LEVER ACTION FIRING: 

1 - With a round in the chamber, you need only to thumb the hammer rearward to its full-cock position to make the rifle ready for firing. 

Otherwise, cycling the lever to place a round in the chamber will also leave the hammer in the full-cock (ready-to-fire) position. 

2 - After each shot, cycle the lever with a downward force. Lower the lever to open the bolt, extract and eject the empty cartridge case. At the bottom of the stroke, resistance will be felt as the lever raises the front end of the carrier and aligns the next round with the chamber. 

Then, when you raise the lever, the bolt will pick up the next round from the magazine and push it into the chamber. Be sure you cycle the lever completely.

3 - Because fired cases are ejected to the side, bystanders should not stand to the side of the shooter. 

The trigger mechanism has been adjusted at the factory to provide a short, crisp pull. It is recommended that no attempt be made to change these adjustments by anyone other than a qualified gunsmith at a local Browning Recommended Firearms Service Center or by Browning's Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri. 

Note: The Lightning BLR incorporates a trigger mechanism which will not allow the trigger to be pulled until the lever is fully closed. 

HORIZONTAL:

1 - To move the point of impact to the right loosen the coin slotted screw, located on the right side of the sight by turning in a counter-clockwise direction and tighten the screw on the left side by turning in a clockwise direction (See Figure 9). This causes the rear sight to move to the right. 

2 - To move the point of impact to the left simply reverse this procedure. 

VERTICAL: 

Vertical adjustment of the sight is controlled by the screw located on top and to the rear of the sight. To raise the point of impact, turn the screw in a clockwise direction until the sight has been raised the needed amount. (See Figure 10). To lower the point of impact, turn the screw counter-clockwise. 

BE CERTAIN YOUR GUN'S CHAMBER IS UNLOADED. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE SAFETY GLASSES DURING ALL ASSEMBLY, DISASSEMBLY AND CLEANING PROCEDURES. KEEP AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. DO NOT TEST THE FUNCTION OF YOUR FIREARM WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. 

The correct procedure for cleaning your rifle is as follows:

1 - Be certain the chamber and magazine are completely unloaded, the lever is down, and the ejection port is open. Again, to unload your rifle, eject any live round in the chamber by operating the lever downward. Remove the magazine and unload it by pushing forward on the base of each round until it clears the retaining rims. 

2 - Using a rifle cleaning rod with tip and patch large enough for a snug fit in the bore, insert the rod and patch in the barrel and run it back and forth several times. Caution should be exercised to ensure that the cleaning rod or handle does not strike the crown of the muzzle, as damage to this area can adversely affect the accuracy of the rifle. 

3 - Inspect the the chamber and bore for powder fouling A normal amount of powder residue can be expected and is not serious. Residue can usually be removed by repeating step 2, using a patch saturated with nitro-solvent. If or when fouling should become heavy, it can be removed with a brass bore brush. Dip the brush in nitro-solvent and scrub the chamber and bore 

4 - To maintain the utmost accuracy of your rifle it is recommended you clean the bore with a copper solvent. Modern cartridge jackets are made mainly of copper and zinc. Residues from copper and zinc stick to the barrel and require more frequent cleaning. Swab the bore of your rifle with a good copper solvent using the manufuc­turer's recommended procedure. 

5 - After fouling has been removed, the bore should be wiped dry. Then, pass a slightly oiled patch through the bore for preservation. A fine, light gun oil like Browning Oil is recommended. Make sure there are no obscruc­tions, cleaning patches, or other obstacles left in the bore.

6 - Wipe all exposed metal surfaces with an oiled cloth, making sure to wipe the gun clean of all finger marks. Finger marks should be removed because they provide a place where moisture can accumulate. Ordinary good judgment will, of course, indicate that the metal of the gun should receive a light film of oil any time the gun has been exposed to adverse weather or handling. 

7 - The wood surfaces of your rifle can also be wiped lightly with Browning oil, or you can apply a quality wood or furniture polish to the stock and forearm. Using one of these methods (not both), will enhance the beauty and durability of your rifle. 

CLEANING THE MAGAZINE -

Depending on how often you shoot, it is helpful to disas­semble the box magazine for cleaning. You may want to check your magazine for cleaning after every 50 to 100 rounds. To clean the magazine, remove the detachable box magazine from the rifle. Slide the magazine bottom plate out to the rear. The magazine spring and follower can then be easily removed for inspection. Wipe off any dirt or residue then apply a very thin coat of oil and wipe clean again. Too much oil will only serve to collect oil and dirt. To reassem­ble, reinsert the spring and follower, then slide the bottom plate back into position. 

FURTHER DISASSEMBLY -

NEVER ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR LIGHTNING BLR APART FURTHER THAN EXPLAINED IN THIS MANUAL. 

This is a specialized, finely fined mechanism. You may per­manently mar it by attempting to disassemble the inner mechanism assemblies. If further disassembly for service or cleaning is required, take your gun to a Browning recommended Service Center or a competent gunsmith, or send it to our Arnold, Missouri Service Facility as explained under "Service or Repair." 

If your firearm should require service or re­pairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center. Contact your Browning sporting goods dealer or call our Service Department for the address of the Service Center nearest you. Otherwise, you may send your firearm directly to our own Service department. For technical questions about your firearm or service call our Service Department. 

Browning Service Department 

3005 Arnold Tenbrook Road 

Arnold, Missouri 63010-9406 

Phone: 1-800-322-4626

Canadian Customers call or write: 

Browning Canada Sports Ltd. / Ltee,

5617 Chemin St-Francois 

St-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1W6 

Phone: (514) 333-7261 

When returning your firearm for servicing, you must do the following: 

• Be sure it is completely unloaded.
• Package it securely in a cardboard container.
• Enclose a letter with your firearm that clearly describes the trouble experienced and the repairs or alterations desired.
• If convenient, send a copy of the letter to us separately
• Never return ammunition with your firearm. It is against postal and most commerce regulations.

If you have any questions about this manual or about any other Browning products, call or write our Consumer Information Department: 

Browning Consumer Information

Morgan, Utah 84050 

Phone: (801) 876-2711

BROWNING CANNOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURIES  SUFFERED OR CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING, ALTERATIONS OR MODIFICATIONS OF BROWNING FIREARMS. 

Read and heed all warnings in your owner’s manual, on ammunition boxes and with all accessories that you install on your firearm. It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date information on the safe handling procedures for your Browning gun. Browning assumes no liability for incidents which occur when unsafe or improper gun accessories or ammunition combinations are used. 

Do not, under any circumstance, alter the trigger, safety or parts of the firing mechanism of this or any other firearm. Failure to obey this warning may result in injury or death to yourself or others.