Browning BAR MK4 Medallion .270 Win 22in Walnut Blued
About this product
The Browning BAR MK4 Medallion .270 Win 22in Walnut Blued is a gas-operated semi-automatic sporting rifle engineered for reliable, fast follow-up shots on North American big game. It bridges the gap between classic aesthetics and modern, field-ready functionality, with a 22-inch fluted blued barrel, engraved aluminum receiver, and adjustable Grade III walnut stock providing the shooter with a combination of balance, pointability, and controlled operation.
What is the Browning BAR MK4 Medallion used for?
This rifle is designed for hunters pursuing medium to large game at varying ranges, particularly in environments where a second shot may be needed quickly. Its .270 Winchester chambering, with a 1:10" twist rate, effectively stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights from 130 to 150 grains, making it suitable for deer, elk, and bear out to distances where the shooter is proficient, while the semi-automatic operation manages recoil for faster target re-acquisition compared to a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .308 where you must cycle the bolt manually.
How does the Browning BAR MK4 Medallion compare to a bolt-action rifle?
The BAR MK4's primary advantage over a traditional bolt-action, such as the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, is its gas-operated, self-loading action which significantly reduces perceived recoil and enables quicker follow-up shots. The trade-off is a slight weight and mechanical complexity penalty; the BAR MK4 weighs 7.12 lbs unloaded, approximately 0.4 lbs heavier than many comparable bolt-actions, and requires more detailed disassembly for thorough cleaning of the piston and gas system after extended use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle has an overall length of approximately 42.5 inches and weighs 7.12 pounds (115.2 ounces) empty. Its 22-inch fluted barrel provides a favorable balance point just forward of the receiver, making it feel lively and quick to shoulder from a slung position, and the shim-adjustable walnut stock can be fitted to accommodate most adult shooters within a 30-minute installation window using the provided hex keys.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the shooter prioritizing ultra-lightweight mountain hunting rigs or absolute mechanical simplicity. At 7.12 lbs before optics, it is not a featherweight, and hunters seeking a sub-6.5 lb rifle for extreme alpine pursuits should look elsewhere. It is also less ideal for the casual shooter unwilling to perform the detailed takedown and cleaning required every 200-300 rounds to maintain the reliability of its gas system, a process more involved than cleaning a simple Over/Under shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round detachable box magazine, a set of three stock adjustment shims for modifying cast and drop at the comb, and the necessary hex wrenches for installation. Browning does not include a scope mount, rings, or a sling—these are considered field-expedient accessories that vary too much by hunter preference, so budget an additional $150-$400 for a quality optic and mounting solution.
Is the Browning BAR MK4 Medallion worth it at $1667.99?
At $1667.99, this rifle justifies its cost for the hunter who values the specific combination of a refined semi-automatic action, traditional walnut and blued steel aesthetics, and factory-adjustable fit. You are paying a premium of roughly $700 over a utilitarian synthetic-stocked bolt-action for the engraving, grade-III walnut, and the engineering of the BAR's reliable gas system, which delivers a noticeably softer shooting impulse than a fixed-breech design.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Gas-operated action reduces perceived recoil by an estimated 30% compared to a similar-weight bolt-action.
- Shim-adjustable Grade III walnut stock allows for custom cast and drop in under 30 minutes.
- 4+1 detachable magazine capacity enables quick tactical reloads versus internal magazine designs.
- 22-inch fluted barrel dissipates heat efficiently and saves approximately 3.5 ounces over a plain barrel of the same length.
Trade-offs
- Weighs 7.12 lbs empty—nearly half a pound heavier than many synthetic-stocked bolt-actions in the same caliber.
- No threaded barrel—adding a suppressor requires a $125+ gunsmithing operation and re-crowning.
- Gas system requires detailed disassembly for cleaning every 200-300 rounds to prevent carbon lock.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614862000 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 039009224 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .270 Winchester |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 50.2500 |
| 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?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard Browning BAR scope mount base (Part #010900340), which is sold separately. The mounting pattern uses 6-48 screws with a center spacing of 0.860 inches. I recommend a one-piece base from EGW or Leupold for maximum rigidity.
- Does it come with a threaded barrel for a suppressor?
- No, this specific Medallion model does not have a threaded muzzle. The barrel is crowned and polished. If you require threading for a suppressor, you will need to have it machined by a qualified gunsmith, which typically costs $125-$200 and requires removing approximately 0.5 inches of barrel length to establish proper shoulder.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships to your selected FFL dealer within 1-2 business days. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground is typically 3-7 business days depending on your location. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide your order number and confirm they will accept the transfer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- All firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL due to federal regulations. Please verify the rifle's specifications, particularly length of pull, before purchase. Ironclad Armory can provide detailed dimension sheets upon request to assist in your decision.
- Does this work with aftermarket magazines?
- It is designed to work specifically with Browning BAR MK4 detachable box magazines. While some aftermarket options exist, I have found Browning factory magazines (approx. $45 each) to be the most reliable. The rifle ships with one 4-round magazine; purchasing 1-2 additional is advisable for extended range sessions.
- What is the recommended break-in procedure?
- Browning recommends a conservative 20-round break-in: fire one round, then clean the barrel thoroughly with solvent and a copper-removing agent like Barnes CR-10, repeating for the first 5 shots. Then fire 3-round groups, cleaning between each group, for the next 15 rounds. This helps settle the gas piston system and condition the bore.