Went to order a CZ 550 in 375 h&h, and someone had just traded in a Browning A Bolt Medallion (3 yrs old) 375 h&h w/ BOSS. Its only had 1 box of ammo put through it and the shop is willing to let me have it for $725.

I'm not crazy about having the muzzle brake on it, but understand I can order a "Conventional Recoil" tip for the BOSS to replace the braked tip.

Am I better off going with a new CZ for $950, or is it a pretty good deal on the Browning? Anyone have experience with the BOSS or the "Conventional Recoil" accessory?

That Browning A-Bolt with the Boss will shoot MOA groups all day long. The Boss acts as a barrel vibration tuner to allow you to obtain maximal accuracy from any load. Its a Stout capable hunting rifle. I think I have some 25 African and Australian critters I've killed with one. Your call.-Rob

The CR accessory is a worth while endeavor. The brownings are nice rifles and look the part. The CZ, looks like a CZ. The only advantage to the CZ would be the magazine capacity. As for the brake, it will be nice if sighting in a scope.

John

Well, I think the advantage the CZ has is it is CRF with the Mauser type extractor. I'm not saying the Browning isn't a good rifle because it is. But CRF is an advantage in my book.

The Browning is an exceptional rifle IMO. I've had one in .375 since 1996 and killed Ele & Hippo with it. I am a particular fan of the tang safety, same as a safety on DRs, and the magazine which allows a spare to be carried for quick reloads or changes from softs to solids. I also use a Browning .300WM for PG and general game and have taken over 50 species with it.

I should add that I have never had a problem with either of my Browning A-Bolts. Can't say the same about Winchester Mdl 70s nor Remington 700s. Both my A-Bolts have the Boss/CR.

BTW, if you do buy the Browning and need a CR, send me a PM as I have a few extras I could sell.

I too am a huge fan of Brownings. Have two and have never had a problem with either and they both shoot good to boot. There's several of the limited edition shot show special .375 H&H in stainless mossy oak break up that are on gunbroker right now that I am considering buying.

You may really want the to replace the BOSS with the CR version. The conventional BOSS is LOUD. What did I say? I couldn't hear myself type. They're really that loud.

LWD

That's also a good price on the gun if it's in good shape.

LWD

May even get hooked on the boss - nothing wrong with taming some recoil. You probably wear protection at the range anyway. Don't know if you would have to worry about damage to hearing while hunting.

Anyone else find this thread kinda odd? A-bolt 375 being recommended. WBYs are crap but the A-bolt is super deluxe???

quote:

Originally posted by MTM:
Anyone else find this thread kinda odd? A-bolt 375 being recommended. WBYs are crap but the A-bolt is super deluxe???

Maybe it's an early April Fool's thread.

George

MTM & George,
Just trying to make an educated decision before making a purchase. How about a an actual comment about why this might not be a good buy for me as opposed to just saying the thread is a joke.
Actual advice is appreciated. Thanks.

They're not really trying to make a joke or hijack your thread, they're making an observation I was thinking was odd too. Its just that around these parts, on anything above .35 caliber it seems the general concensus is CRF or not worth a dime. And now there are some respected members saying its a great rifle (it is, by the way id buy it in a heart beat) so its not in line with typical AR ideals.

Abolts are great guns, fantastic shooters and reliable, rarely are there any problems. Go for it, that's a great price. Get the CR for hunting but use that BOSS for sighting in and practice, it'll make shooting more enjoyable.

As MHS said, not implying this thread is a joke in any way. Deffinatly a liitle suprised that a few of our more respected members are praiseing the Abolt. It's a serviceable gun no doubt and with the boss can be extremely accurate. Pick up an Abolt, open the action if you still want it go for it.

No worries, I was just caught off guard by the intitial "odd thread" comment. Now I see where you were going with that.

Thanks for all the responses.

CRF is important to some, and there is an advantage or two; but, it is oft misunderstood and overstated. I have a 375 H&H in a win mod 70 and a Sako 75, I will pick the Sako any day.

John

The BOSS thing puts weight in the wrong place for a dangerous game rifle. CRF is a second issue. That cast trigger that can break is another situation. Think you can field strip the bolt? Do you carry a vise around with you? I asked a gunsmith about bolt assembly; he said that there are about seven ways to put it together, but six of them don't work. If you can come up with a threaded cap to replace the BOSS (Browning warns against shooting the gun w/o the BOSS), it would greatly improve the balance (taking a hacksaw to the muzzle brake portion of the BOSS may suffice). I don't know what to do about the rest of it. I don't like the two-piece bottom metal held on with two screws, but it works for a deer rifle.

The CZ has most of the right features in place, and it is a proven big bore. It's a better starting place.

Generaly the BOSS will give you an accuate rifle. It is not a guarantee though, my Model 70 in 338 with a BOSS has been inconsistent in the accuacy department. When I put on the CR the accuracy really went south.

quote:

Originally posted by Robgunbuilder:
That Browning A-Bolt with the Boss will shoot MOA groups all day long. The Boss acts as a barrel vibration tuner to allow you to obtain maximal accuracy from any load. Its a Stout capable hunting rifle. I think I have some 25 African and Australian critters I've killed with one. Your call.-Rob

Rob, You don't think the BOSS is ugly but fluting is? Just asking a question.

I have a butt load of Brownings, three of which have the Boss System. I have both Boss devices for all three rifles. If you don't like the additional noise, get the Boss CR and screw off the noise maker and put on the CR. You'll get the additional recoil, but not the additional noise. Therein lies the trade off. You can still "sweet spot" your loads with either device.

Here is an idea.....rather than a CZ or Browning/boss.... spend your $$ wisely...

Buy a (in no particular order) a Ruger RSM, Rem 700, or Win Model 70.... ALL BETTER CHOICES

Rae59- Sorry Dude, but you really dont have a clue do you? A muzzel brake is functional and USEFULL, not stupid and rediculous like fluting on a DGR Barrel- . Sorry if that bends your trigger, but its TRUE.-Rob

To answer a few other comments, excuse me, where else than on the barrel do you want to add weight? Ever actually shoot running game? Cast iron trigger as a problem? Just how many have broken? Never heard of a single one! Taking the bolt apart? In 10 trips to 5 continents, never had a issue,maybe I just naturally figured out the ONE Right way. Duh! Damn those bolts are SO Complicated! Sorry, but the Browning A-Bolt is a GREAT Hunting Rifle and while it has flaws those are not the significant ones.Buy one hunt with one, then draw a conclusion. Bet it wont ever be for sale! -Rob

quote:

Originally posted by Robgunbuilder:
Rae59- Sorry Dude, but you really dont have a clue do you? A muzzel brake is functional and USEFULL, not stupid and rediculous like fluting on a DGR Barrel- . Sorry if that bends your trigger, but its TRUE.-Rob

Opus, if you like it - buy it. I know two people who swear by them (BOSS).

For ROB-TGB only:
You crack me up Rob, a BOSS is more than a muzzle brake. It is more ugly.
U Got A Attitude!

quote:

Originally posted by Robgunbuilder:
Sorry, but the Browning A-Bolt is a GREAT Hunting Rifle, and while it has flaws those are not the significant ones. Buy one hunt with one, then draw a conclusion. Bet it wont ever be for sale!

Mine was given to me, but you can make an offer. If you don't like the caliber, try re-barreling it. Did I mention that it's stainless?

quote:

Originally posted by Robgunbuilder:
Sorry, but the Browning A-Bolt is a GREAT Hunting Rifle and while it has flaws those are not the significant ones.Buy one hunt with one, then draw a conclusion. Bet it wont ever be for sale! -Rob

+1

I bought an A-Bolt H&H (sans BOSS) 5 years ago. Had it reamed to .375 Wby and took it bear hunting. Pennsylvania bear hunting........There are drives where the rifle gets pushed on the ground ahead of me for 1/4 mile or more. I've had it full of water, full of dirt, full of snow, full of spruce needles, you name it. I've yet to break the trigger of need to disassemble the bolt. The DBM is nice for quick loading/unloading. The tang safety is irreplaceable for a quick shot at an exiting bear. Without the BOSS I've gotten under 1 1/2" for 5 shots at 100 yards. But I've really only ever monkeyed with the 250gr. SGK's. I imagine, with experimentation, it could do much better.

Hope someone here makes you a good offer as that gun should go to someone who wants a GREAT Hunting rifle. I have probably 4 Browning A-bolts in various calibers so don't need another. thanks though-Rob

quote:

Originally posted by Winchester 69:
POS!!

Now, there's an educated, well thought out and factually substantiated reply, right there.

I admire a thinkin' man.

quote:

Originally posted by Robgunbuilder:
Rae59- Sorry Dude, but you really dont have a clue do you? A muzzel brake is functional and USEFULL, not stupid and rediculous like fluting on a DGR Barrel- . Sorry if that bends your trigger, but its TRUE.-Rob

Hey Robber,
Your "International Symbol For No" the circle with the slash through your pic., is reversed (backwards), it should be from 2 o'clock to 8 o'clock. No futher comment............at least for tonight.

quote:

Originally posted by Strut10:
Now, there's an educated, well thought out and factually substantiated reply, right there.

I admire a thinkin' man.

You know opinions are like assholes everybodys got one and no one wants to look at the other guys! You have received some sound advise, do as you please.-Rob

Rob
Appparently he's a universal expert on case design, barrel fluting, porting and polishing, remington extractors, international singage convention (wow, I didn't know that was a skill) as well as an expert in identification of things hanging around an ass ... certainly a man of many talents .. he has certainly found you and I out for the the obvious FRAUDS we are, and the lackwit of our experiences, googled as they are.

Rae, are you a hawaiiakenyan or did you just invent global warming? I mean, seriously, I haven't met a man that knew all the answers to all his own questions who wasn't a lawyer.

Jeffee,
I had absolutely no intention of getting into a P...ssing match with you or anyone else. But, I will not stand by and be insulted by you or ROB-TGB or anyone else without defending myself. I have ONLY stated facts and actuall experiences here on the AR forum. PLEASE show me otherwise. I have asked MANY questions here on the AR because I DON'T know the answers. I asked about cutting/flutting a barrel and I get a:
"it looks stupid". THAT is a opinion. Yes, he (ROB-TGB) did add "that in his experience it did not reduce much weight", but he should have left it at that. I have never posted anywhere on this forum where I called anyone's idea or thoughts stupid or otherwise. If I have a opinion, I will post IMHO, etc. and not state an opinion as a fact. If I post something as an experience I will state that. Jeff, as a moderator, please show me where I have done otherwise? I will admit that I was having a little fun with the comebacks from the diehard Remington fans but it was just that, fun. Everything I stated on that post was a real experience and happened more than once. I believe I stated that.

The other day I posted three questions that were somewhat related to each other without realizing that was a no-no here on the forums. I was simply trying to get as much factual input from as many sources as possible. You came after me on the 2nd and 3rd post and had the nerve to say it was "bad netiquite", yet it is O.K. for you and ROB-TGB to insult or be-little others for stating an experience or question that you may not understand completely.

My comment about your broken sentences is just that. I felt singled-out from your postings and many times don't understand your intent or meaning with the broken sentences. Also, I can't tell if you are kidding or not. There were several times I felt you were trying to belittle me with your posting. I know ROB-TGB was.

Jeffe, WHAT on earth are you talking about when you said "case design and polishing"??????????????????????????



OPUS, sorry this all came to a head on your post. Again, I have two friends who swear by the BOSS system as far as accuracy. If you like the gun, buy it.