Sorting out a rifle with a BOSS

[WNTFW]

I have an aquaintance that has a .270 Browning with a BOSS on the end of the barrel. He can not get it to stay in tune. Last night after a meeting he asked me to take a look at it. I have not taken the gun yet.
My plan would be to first check all the usual things on a rifle with no BOSS. (Crown, scope, mounts, action screws & etc). It might just need a good bore cleaning. Then if everything checks out diagnose the BOSS system.

I am wondering if anyone has a BOSS that works well or are they just a pain.

The first time I met the owner was at a range & he was shooting the rifle. He was sorry he bought it. Biggest complaint he had was the extra noise and losing the adjustment. This was echoed on a brief search of the web.

I am looking for advice specific to the BOSS.
So far the options specific to the BOSS seem to be:

1 - figure out how it works and get it to work. Still would have the noise.
2 - get a CR (solid - non ported) version and use it. Still would have an adjustment.
3 - remove it from the end of the barrel. Haven't seen the thing up close in detail though, it depends on what is possible.
4 - cut the barrel and recrown it.
5 - rebarrel
6 - sell rifle - The owner does no want to stick someone with a rifle that does not shoot well. I have to admire his integrety.
7 - sell rifle with full discloure at a reduced cost.
8 - leave it in the back of a safe for all eternity.

Any Ideas?

 

[HarcyPervin]

I'd cut and recrown it, how much use for a Boss is there on a .270? Unless this rifle is being shot by someone who is very recoil sensitive or its a short-mag, that would be my move. If this is the case, I'd use some downloaded rounds or a good recoil reducer. Should be a salvageable shooter, assuming thats the only problem

 

[Murphy4570]

Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is a "boss" as it pertains to firearms?

When I saw this thread, I thought you were going over a rifle with your boss, e.g., the guy who you work for and who tells you what to do!

 

[WNTFW]

HarcyPervin,
.270 Win is the caliber. The owner bought another .270 Win so recoil would be a non issue or at least a sideways move.
I am kind of leaning towards the cut & recrown. (pending inspection) This is how I got involved as he doesn't like the BOSS. I suggested cut & recrown.

Perity,
That would be the easiest on me!

 

[WNTFW]

Murphy,
I was hoping you guys could tell me!

http://www.chuckhawks.com/muzzle_brakes.htm
http://www.browning.com/customerservice/qna/detail.asp?id=107
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaCoUyjKaVk
http://www.browning.com/customerservice/qna/detail.asp?id=108

It seems very much like a tuner on Benchrest Rimfire. However on a centerfire we can tune a load to a rifle or at least try.:banghead:

There is a ported & solid version from what I have read. Finding a solid version might be hard & not worth it anyway.

Conceptually it sounds good. Implimentation seems to have some pitfalls. Apparently the idea didn't sell like hot cakes. Come to think of if I had another shooter tell me he didn't like his.

 

[highlander 5]

why not a threaded adaptor or protector like the type put on when the flash hider of an ar 15 is removed? Just lock tite it in place.

 

[WNTFW]

Highlander,
that would be option 3

3 - remove it from the end of the barrel. Haven't seen the thing up close in detail though, it depends on what is possible.

that would have the advantage of returning back to original specs of it ever mattered. I like to progress in the easiest things first and non permanent changes. It just depends on the way the BOSS is constructed. I am anxious to see how the thing is put together in regards to tolerances. I also want to get some clarification on how it loses it's adjustment. IE does the locking mechanism slip or does the accuaracy go away with no changes.

The big red flag to me is the accuracy should not get go completely away if it is out of tune just a little. That is based on my experience & assumptions with normal rifles. I think I will see the guy shoot a different rifle and a see a different shooter shoot his rifle as an early step.

It would be a quick & easy test. I think getting a good baseline would we wise in the short & long run.

Thank you for the logical input.