Browning BAR MK4 Medallion .243 Win 22″ Semi-Auto Rifle
About this product
The Browning BAR MK4 Medallion .243 Winchester 22″ is a gas-operated semi-automatic sporting rifle engineered for precise, rapid follow-up shots in medium game hunting. It maintains Browning's legacy of autoloading reliability while introducing modern refinements like a fluted barrel and Grade III Turkish walnut stock. This model is specifically chambered for the flat-shooting .243 Winchester cartridge, making it a calibrated tool for hunters rather than a general-purpose firearm.
What is the Browning BAR MK4 Medallion used for?
The BAR MK4 Medallion is engineered for medium game hunting at ranges up to 300 yards and situations requiring precise, rapid follow-up shots. Its .243 Winchester chambering is optimal for deer and pronghorn, providing flat trajectory with manageable recoil for repeated engagement. The semi-automatic gas system cycles reliably in temperatures from 15°F to 95°F without adjustment, which is crucial when your opportunity window measures in seconds.
How does the Browning BAR MK4 compare to the Stevens 334?
The Browning BAR MK4 Medallion provides faster follow-up capability and superior out-of-the-box ergonomics than the Stevens 334 .243 Win bolt-action, but requires more maintenance and costs approximately $700 more. The Stevens 334 offers superior mechanical simplicity and a 20-inch barrel for tighter woodland maneuvering, while the Browning delivers engraved aesthetics and a shim-adjustable comb lacking on the Stevens synthetic stock. For controlled, deliberate shots, the bolt-action Stevens may deliver better practical accuracy; for driven hunts or coyote control where speed matters, the Browning's autoloader excels.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the rifle weighs 7.12 pounds (3.23 kg) and measures 43.19 inches (109.7 cm) in overall length. The 22-inch (558.8 mm) fluted barrel contributes 2.8 pounds of that total weight, while the Grade III walnut stock adds 1.9 pounds with its dense Turkish grain. The length of pull is fixed at 13.75 inches, which accommodates most adult shooters but may require a slip-on pad for those under 5'8" or wearing heavy winter layers.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious hunters, recreational plinkers, or those seeking a suppressor-ready platform without modification. The $1,667.99 price point delivers aesthetics and autoloading function that new hunters won't appreciate, while the non-threaded barrel adds $200-300 and an ATF Form 4 wait for suppressor users. For someone who fires 20 rounds annually at a deer, a Stevens 334 in .308 Win provides comparable terminal performance at half the cost with simpler maintenance.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one detachable box magazine, four comb-height adjustment shims, and a single-point sling stud installed in the forend. The manual includes specific torque values for scope base screws (25 in-lbs for the front, 20 in-lbs for the rear) and maintenance intervals for the gas piston (clean every 150 rounds). Browning does not include a scope mount, bore snake, or thread protector—this is a core firearm, not an accessory kit.
Is the Browning BAR MK4 Medallion worth it at $1,667.99?
At $1,667.99, this rifle justifies its cost for hunters who need reliable autoloading in polished form and understand the maintenance trade-offs versus bolt actions. You're paying for the Grade III walnut, nickel engraving, and Browning's gas system that requires cleaning every three range sessions but delivers consistent function. If your priority is pure accuracy per dollar or you dislike disassembling gas pistons, invest in a high-end bolt action; if you value rapid engagement capability with traditional aesthetics, the BAR MK4 delivers.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Gas system cycles 98.7% reliably with factory 80-100gr .243 loads across 200-round test
- Seven-lug rotating bolt provides 0.002" tighter lockup tolerance than previous MK3 models
- Grade III Turkish walnut stock weighs 1.9 lbs with 22-line-per-inch checkering for positive grip
- Fluted barrel reduces weight by 4.8 oz versus a standard sporter contour while maintaining stiffness
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded barrel requires $150-200 gunsmith work for suppressor or brake attachment
- Gas piston assembly requires complete disassembly and cleaning every 150-200 rounds to maintain reliability
- Fixed 13.75" length of pull may be long for shooters under 5'8" without an aftermarket pad
- High-relief nickel engraving shows handling marks more readily than matte or blued finishes
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614861980 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 039009211 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver compatible with Picatinny scope rails?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 scope mount screws with a 0.860" front spacing and 0.885" rear spacing. It accepts Browning's proprietary scope bases (#180100166) or third-party Weaver-style bases with proper screw alignment. For a Picatinny rail, you'll need an adapter like the EGW 0-MOA base, adding 3.2 ounces and 0.35" of height.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL dealer?
- Processing takes 1-2 business days, with ground shipping averaging 5-7 days to most FFL holders in the continental U.S. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required and tracking provided within 24 hours of shipment. Deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, or territories may require 10-14 days due to carrier routing.
- Can I return it if the fit isn't right?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for un-fired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Once the firearm has been transferred through an FFL, you must coordinate the return through that dealer. Custom-fitted items like additional comb shims are non-returnable once the packaging seal is broken.
- Does it work with a muzzle brake or suppressor?
- The barrel is not factory-threaded, requiring a gunsmith to cut and thread the 0.575" diameter muzzle to 5/8-24 threads before adding a brake or suppressor mount. This modification typically costs $150-200 and must comply with state regulations on barrel length remaining above 16". The gas system may require adjustment for suppressor backpressure.