Browning Boss System

[Jdeck09]

My dad has an older Browning A-Bolt chambered in 7mm WSM with the BOSS system. As he's gotten older, he's found it more difficult to shoot this rifle comfortably and accurately—which is frustrating given the high cost per round.


He’s planning a trip to Africa later this year, and I’m considering replacing the BOSS with a more modern muzzle brake, like one from Area 419. Has anyone tried this setup?


Long-term, I’d like to have the barrel cut down and suppressed, but that won’t be possible before his fall hunt. As a backup plan, he may end up taking my 6.5 PRC loaded with 127gr LRX, which shoots much more comfortably.

 

[TxLite]

I had an area 419 and liked it but it was only a 6.5 creedmoor. My buddy put a one of the bastard brakes on his 7prc and said it worked awesome though.

I guess if it was me I would just have him shoot a lighter recoiling cartridge though, and you could even brake that to get it to where it’s enjoyable and not just manageable.

 

[Jdeck09]

I had an area 419 and liked it but it was only a 6.5 creedmoor. My buddy put a one of the bastard brakes on his 7prc and said it worked awesome though.

I guess if it was me I would just have him shoot a lighter recoiling cartridge though, and you could even brake that to get it to where it’s enjoyable and not just manageable.

Thats kinda what I was thinking. I'm a big fan of the Area 419. I've got it on both the PRC and 6.5 creedmore

 

[SDHNTR]

I don’t think a brake is going to solve your problem. The BOSS does an ok job at reducing recoil, but it induces muzzle jump, which may be at least part of the problem. Poor stock design is surely a contributor too.
A newer and better brake may only marginally improve things, or not, (a side port brake with rear facing baffles will increase muzzle blast. That may make things worse. It’s a tradeoff)

Sounds like what he really needs is a smaller cartridge in a gun with a stock better suited to handling recoil.

 

[Jdeck09]

I don’t think a brake is going to solve your problem. The BOSS does an ok job at reducing recoil, but it induces muzzle jump, which may be at least part of the problem. Poor stock design is surely a contributor too.
A newer and better brake may only marginally improve things, or not, (a side port brake with rear facing baffles will increase muzzle blast. That may make things worse. It’s a tradeoff)

Sounds like what he really needs is a smaller cartridge in a gun with a stock better suited to handling recoil.

You nailed it. The "jump" has been a consistent feedback point for a long time. I dont have kind words for that Browning. I'll get him setup on my 6.5s.

 

[Isildur]

I have one on an a-bolt as well. As far as shooting without the boss goes, they used to make a piece for them called the BOSS CR. The cr is just like the muzzle break portion of the boss but it was solid. You could replace the muzzle break with the cr and shoot same point of impact. As you would imagine the CR lowers the noise and raises the recoil.

 

[Jdeck09]

I have one on an a-bolt as well. As far as shooting without the boss goes, they used to make a piece for them called the BOSS CR. The cr is just like the muzzle break portion of the boss but it was solid. You could replace the muzzle break with the cr and shoot same point of impact. As you would imagine the CR lowers the noise and raises the recoil.

I thought about it. I think that piece is still sitting in the original plastic wrap. I think my dad would shoot worse with more recoil so I dont think its feasible to go that direction. I appreciate the insight though!