Browning Lever 1966 308 win

Question
A friend just called with a gun that was supposed to be made in cleveland ohio in 1966. i guess the plug was pulled and only 250 were made and it is a browning lever gun in 308. Any idea ?

Answer
Hello Jim. Sounds about right. The rifle in question is the Browning Model 81 BLR USA was chambered in .243win. and .308win. It was originally scheduled to be manufactured by TRW (Thompson-Ramo-Woolridge) in Cleveland, Ohio for Browning. Originally assembled in 1966, these rifles were considered prototypes as they were never sold through regular channels and at one time were scheduled to be destroyed. Approximately 50 to 250 of these rifles exist, some still NIB. This variation has a 2-line legend on the right side marked "MADE IN USA" and "PATENT PENDING". If it is not new in box, a true friend would invite you out to shoot it! Prices run from $450 in average shooters condition to over $1,000 if NIB. I hope this answers your question and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage