back to pgstillhunter...........
Not sure what edition you are reading but in my edition the models, in chronological order are:
Model BLR USA
Model BLR Belgian
Model BLR Japan (this is your gun)
Model BLR 81 short action (Miroku production 1981-95)
Model BLR 81 Long Action (Miroku production 1991-95)
New Model Lightning BLR
etc
It doesn't really matter of course, yours is one of the best BLRs ever made and is a hell of a good rifle. But if it has the hang-down mag and was made in 1977 it is not a Model 81, which was only produced starting in 1981. (Get it, model 81 after 1981
)
Hope this ends any confusion............
Doug