I'm on my 4th year with a A-bolt Stalker w/ BOSS in .308. Most accurate hunting rfle I have ever owned.It consistantly marks 1/2" or better groups and shoots a heck of a lot easier than my Model 70 with the varmint barrel. 7 pounds with scope is also very nice. You bet it is loud but the .308 feels like a .223 recoil. I just bought a medallion w/ BOSS in .300WSm for my Dad and it was love at first sight. I say spend the extra $100 and piss off the rest of the guys at the range.