Yes—semi-auto versions of a “BAR” exist, but what you can actually buy depends on which BAR you mean and where you live. The term “BAR” commonly refers to the WWII-era Browning Automatic Rifle (like the M1918/M1918A2), which was originally designed as a select-fire or full-auto military weapon. Original transferable full-auto BARs are heavily regulated under federal law and are extremely expensive and scarce on the civilian market.
If your goal is the classic military-style BAR experience without owning a machine gun, there are modern semi-auto reproductions built to resemble the M1918 pattern. These are typically sold as semi-auto only from the factory and are generally treated like standard rifles at the federal level, though state and local laws can still restrict ownership based on features, magazine capacity, or overall configuration. Availability can be limited, and pricing is often high due to the complexity, weight, and niche demand of the platform.
It’s also important to know that “Browning BAR” can mean something entirely different: Browning’s BAR sporting rifle line. Those are semi-automatic hunting rifles (commonly chambered in sporting calibers) and are not the same firearm as the military Browning Automatic Rifle, even though they share the BAR name. Someone asking for a “semi-auto BAR” might be talking about either one—so clarifying the model and intended use matters.
Before buying, verify the exact make/model, confirm it’s manufactured as semi-auto (not a converted machine gun), and check your state’s rules on semi-auto rifles, detachable magazines, and any “assault weapon” style restrictions. For a deeper breakdown of what’s available and what to watch for, visit the main guide here: https://idyllie.com/can-you-get-a-semi-auto-bar/.
No. The Browning BAR hunting rifle is a semi-automatic sporting firearm, while the WWII-era Browning Automatic Rifle is a military design originally made for automatic fire; they’re different platforms that simply share a similar name.
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