This is sort of a continuation of a previous thread, but is a different subject, so i decided a new post might be in order for this.

While at my local Gander Mountain, i found a used Win Model 70 Classic, in 7mm Rem Mag, for 415$. The rifle is in excellent condition, and has a nice bright barrel, but it also has a BOSS on it (Factory installed by winchester)

I have never owned a rifle with BOSS, is it worth using or should i just purchase a new barrel? I have heard it elevates muzzle blast to...new heights, and also that it can hurt accuracy, instead of helping it as it is supposed to. Anyone have any experience with these? Pros? Cons? Should i can it and have the barrel recrowned, or just get a new one? Without the BOSS the barrel will be right around 24" long, a bit shorter than the 26" i was looking for, with the boss the "barrel length" is 27". Will velocities from this barrel be similar to those from a 26" standard barrel? Thanks, Azure

You'll get 24" type velocity. The BOSS will not hurt your accuracy at all based on my experience. (I have a M70 .30-06 BOSS). The muzzle blast is very loud. You can and should get a CR plug which is a solid muzzle attachment that replaces the one with holes in it. I use my standard BOSS plug for range work but hunt with the CR plug. In my gun, my point of impact changes very little when I make the switch. So I will work up a load and BOSS setting using the standard plug, and then switch, double check the zero and go hunting. It is a very accurate gun with either option.

I also have a M70 7mm Mag with a 24" standard barrel. I don't think anything I will ever shoot will be able to tell the dif between it and a twin that had a 26" barrel.

For $415, if it's clean, that's a heck of a deal. I'd buy it and not look back!

I have a browning Abolt in 7mm Rem Mag and the boss on it makes shooting itty bitty groups posible by tweaking the barrels harmonics. All the Boss really is is an adjustable weight at the end of the barrel that you tune to your specific load.

I shot a browning Medilon with a boss in a 375 H & H one of the most accurate rifles in that calibre that I have ever shot.
It does make a big bang but I think you can really play with it tuning and you will be pleased.

The Boss system is a proven accuracy tuner that works. I've seen several different calibers that all would print nice tiny groups from standard and light weight hunting rifles with the Boss on them.

My only complaint is I never liked the lump in the end of the barrel. The price seems right for the rifle you described. My hunting partner has been plinking elk and deer out here in Idaho for well over 20 years with the 7mm Rem mag shooting 175 Speer Grand slams with outstanding success.

If you like the Winchester platform that would make you an excellent rifle.