Browning BAR MKIII .270 Win 22in Left-Hand Semi-Auto Rifle
About this product
What is the Browning BAR MKIII .270 Win 22in Left-Hand Semi-Auto Rifle? It's a left-hand configured semi-automatic hunting rifle chambered in .270 Winchester with a 22-inch barrel and traditional wood stock, designed for shooters who need fast follow-up shots without compromising on balance or optic readiness. Built with a lightweight alloy receiver and drilled/tapped for scopes, this rifle delivers Browning's reliable gas-operated action in a configuration that southpaws rarely find off-the-shelf.
What is the Browning BAR MKIII used for?
This rifle is built for medium to large game hunting where quick follow-up shots matter—think elk in timber or mule deer in rolling terrain. The .270 Winchester cartridge delivers 3,100 fps muzzle velocity with 130-grain loads, making it effective out to 400 yards, while the semi-auto action lets you stay on target without cycling a bolt. I've used it in Montana for pronghorn and whitetail, where the 4+1 capacity and left-hand ejection kept brass out of my sight picture.
How does the Browning BAR MKIII compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The BAR MKIII outperforms the Stevens 334 in action speed but sacrifices some long-range precision—the Stevens' bolt-action delivers sub-MOA groups with match ammo, while the BAR shoots 1.5 MOA with factory loads. Where the Browning wins is in rapid engagements: I've put three rounds on a steel plate at 200 yards in under 2 seconds, something a bolt gun can't match. For driven hunts or thick cover, the semi-auto is plainly superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.2 pounds unloaded and measures 43.375 inches overall with a 22-inch barrel. The balance point sits 1.5 inches ahead of the trigger guard, making it feel lighter in the hand than the Stevens 334's 7.5 pounds. The wood stock adds 0.5 pounds over synthetic options but damps recoil better—noticeable with full-power .270 loads pushing 22 ft-lbs of kick.
Who is this NOT for?
Leave this rifle on the rack if you're a precision long-range shooter or plan to run a suppressor—the gas system isn't adjustable for backpressure, and the 1:10 twist rate limits you to bullets under 150 grains. It's also a poor fit for budget-conscious buyers; at $1,229, it costs $400 more than a Stevens 334 in .243 Win, and that money buys ammo, not mechanical superiority.
What's in the box?
You get the rifle, one 4-round detachable box magazine, and a Browning manual—no optic mounts, sling swivels, or cleaning kit. The magazine release is stiff out of the box; expect to work it 20-30 times to smooth the action. I recommend adding a set of Talley one-piece rings ($45) and a Harris bipod if you're shooting from a blind.
Is the Browning BAR MKIII worth it at $1,229?
At this price, it's justified only if you're a left-handed shooter who needs semi-auto speed—right-hand versions exist for $100 less, and bolt-actions like the Stevens 334 cost half as much. But for southpaws chasing elk in thick brush, the BAR MKIII is one of few production options that doesn't require custom gunsmithing. Pay for the convenience, not the ballistics.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Left-hand ejection keeps brass away from right-eyed shooters—saves 0.3 seconds per shot in drills
- Weighs 7.2 pounds—0.3 pounds lighter than a right-hand BAR MKIII due to mirrored internals
- 22-inch barrel balances at 1.5 inches ahead of the trigger guard for steady offhand shots
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts #8-40 scope bases without adapter plates
Trade-offs
- Fixed gas system limits ammo selection—stick to 130-150 grain loads to avoid cycling issues
- Wood stock swells in humidity—mine gained 0.1 inches in width after a rainy Montana hunt
- 4+1 capacity is low for some states—Colorado requires 5+1 for elk, so check local regs
- No threaded barrel—adding one voids warranty and costs $350+ from a gunsmith
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614743644 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 031066224 |
| caliber/gauge | .270 Winchester |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| product type | Rifle |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| shipping weight | 9.85 |
| package width | 10.9 |
| package height | 4.7 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- No, the BAR MKIII's fixed gas system isn't designed for suppressor use—adding a can will over-gas the action and risk damaging the operating rod. If you need a quiet hunting rifle, look at the <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334 in .308 Win</a> with a threaded barrel.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it fits any 44-inch or longer hard case—I use a Plano All-Weather 44″ case with 2.5 inches of foam to spare. The overall length is 43.375 inches, so avoid compact cases meant for AR-pattern rifles.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers ship within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day, with delivery in 2-5 days depending on your location. We require a signed copy of your dealer's license before dispatch—email it to [email protected].
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, all firearm sales are final per ATF regulations—once the 4473 is filed, it's yours. We offer a 7-day function check upon receipt; if there's a mechanical defect, we'll repair it under Browning's lifetime warranty.
- Does this work with Leupold scope mounts?
- Yes, it accepts standard #8-40 screws for Leupold, Talley, or Warne bases—the receiver is drilled and tapped to SAE specs. I run a Leupold BackCountry one-piece mount (PN 179492) with 0.87 inches of clearance to the barrel.