Do you guys go for a Browning BAR with or without BOSS?

[ShootAndHunt]

After get so many guys' terrific opinions and experiences, I decided to buy a Browning BAR safari. I found this model in .30-06 has three options: iron sight, no sight without BOSS and no sight with BOSS. Since I will mainly use a scope, the choice seems to between with or without BOSS. I have never shoot a rifle with BOSS before, and is unfamiliar with it (though know how it works in theory). Could you guys with a BAR give me some advices which option I should go?

Is the accuarcy of the BAR without BOSS very sensitive to the ammo you are using?

Is the BOSS really a must and worth of the money?

Is it difficult or cumbersome to find the corresponding BOSS "sweet point" for each brand ammo? how much ammo is it usually necessary to find this point?

How great does the BOSS improve the accuracy, is this accuracy practical in common hunting and field condition?

Thanks,

 

[Gewehr98]

Don't know, never had a BOSS on my BAR...

Because, it wasn't an option on Belgian BAR's in 1969, and I'm certainly not gonna send it back to Browning to have one installed. Accuracy has been good, considering the sporter contour barrel and 4-round magazine. (It heats up pretty quickly)

 

[larryw]

Do you reload? If you do, the BOSS is unnecessary and IMO, undesirable. I'm looking to get mine lopped off and the barrel recrowned.

If you don't reload, it is a very effective means to tune the factory load to your gun. Just make sure you keep it good and tight (and use the CR BOSS, the ported one is very loud ).

 

[Monkeyleg]

If you're willing to spend the time trying to find the right setting for the BOSS brake, it can have a pretty significant effect on accuracy. If you shoot handloads, it's one more variable that you have to take into account. I had one on my .22-250, and I wound up leaving it set to the same spot and fiddling with the loads instead.

 

[Art Eatman]

If the rifle is primarily used for deer hunting or elk hunting, the probable accuracy without the BOSS should be plenty good...

IMO, the primary criterion is whether or not the first shot from a cold barrel regularly goes to the same point of aim/impact. This is far more important than group size.

Art

 

[Kestrel]

Gewehr,

I love that picture of your BAR. What is that barrel length? They don't look that long on Browning's web site. Do they still make that length?

Are the BARs very reliable?

Steve

 

[Gewehr98]

I haven't a clue!

For the life of me, I never gave it a thought to measure the barrel length. Now I gotta dig it out of the back of the safe and find out for my own curiosity's sake. Darnit. I'd say it's either 22" or 24".

Reliable, yes. Accurate, yes. That particular .30-06 BAR, built in 1969, is fussy with ammo. If the ammo isn't factory new or reloaded using a small-base die, the BAR will choke on a round every now and then. I suppose I could send it back to Browning to get the chamber reamed on the loose side of SAAMI specs, but it really isn't a problem. It did teach me to chamber every round I carry into the field beforehand!

 

[achadwick]

I've heard from guys that have very good luck with the BOSS, but not me.

Bought an A-Bolt Stainless Stalker w/ BOSS in .30-06 about a year and a half ago. I reload all my .30-06 ammunition and I've never been able to demonstrate to my satisfaction that the BOSS really does any good. In my rifle quality bullets, cartridge fit in the chamber (OAL, concentricity, etc), a firm and steady hold/trigger release/follow through, and consistent ignition are far more important to accuracy than the setting on the BOSS.

It's also a chore to get the BOSS clean, with all the solvent that gets down into the BOSS's threads. Another problem is getting the BOSS screwed on to a consistent torque. I ran a series of tests that showed I could vary the POI several inches at 100 yards just by screwing the BOSS on real tight or leaving it fairly loose. Still haven't figured out how to cheaply get a consistent torque on the thing.

As Larry said, use the CR-BOSS because the other is VERY LOUD!

I'm also considering getting the BOSS on my rifle cut off and the barrel recrowned, but I haven't given up yet on the thing!