I know I've been blowing about a rifle purge for a few years, but the time really is coming. My question is, does the Boss system add or take away from the desirability of the Winchesters. Greatly affect the price?
They usually bring a little less, but I’m not sure I would say “greatly” less. And every once in a while they surprise and bring as much - or more. Just depends on who is looking for what ...
I have a Supergrade that over the years I have often wished did not sport a BOSS, and every time I think about rebarreling it I look at the targets and just can’t do it.
It’s an ugly, obnoxiously loud front end to an otherwise pretty nice rifle, but the danged thing shoots bugholes and always has.
In my experience, with all its cons, BOSS systems actually work.
PS: Dang, they’re loud! I think my left ear is still ringing from a mule deer buck I shot in 1998!
They usually bring a little less, but I’m not sure I would say “greatly” less. And every once in a while they surprise and bring as much - or more. Just depends on who is looking for what ...
This ^^^^^^ ... My local FFL had a left hand stainless Abolt Bolt Boss listed on GB. Initial bid was mid $500 range? Last few minutes of auction bids went up over $700. They were very surprised, and pleased, with the outcome on that rifle.
I would have to agree with all the above. IF there were a glut of LH M70s on the market then it might be less desirable with the BOSS however if you want a LH M70 you don't have many on the market to choose from.
My experience is similar to RickBins, my BOSS equipt Stainless Classic is the most accurate of my M70s, but that ugly dog knot on the end drove me to buy a standard take-off barrel for it. I can't bring myself to swap it out though. Ugly is as ugly does and the noise is mitigated using the non-ported (CR) body and the brake makes it a sweetheart to shoot off the bench.