The tested gun is the steel receivered BAR Mk II in .270 Winchester. The tested model has no "BOSS" or "BOSS-CR."

When it comes to gas operated sporting rifles, the Browning BAR has ruled the roost in the hunting department for many years. From the original sporting BAR to today�s newer MK II Safari, all have been manufactured in Belgium. The only minor distinction for collectors is the "made in Belgium, assembled in Belgium" stamping a few wear. This is more a matter of trivia than tangibility.

The tested gun was fitted with Talley steel quick release scope rings on Talley bases holding Sightron�s most popular scope: the SII 3-9 x 42. This Sightron SII has the factory dot in the center of the reticle. Shooting this example alongside a classic BAR .270, the improved magazine, tasteful engraving, upgraded wood, and softer shooting all became quickly apparent. In fact, with 130 grain factory loads, this rifle is so soft-shooting you might find it hard to believe you are shooting a big game rifle. As dead caribou and an equally dead Newfoundland moose can attest, you certainly are.

The accuracy, as far as I�m concerned, has been remarkable; perhaps that�s why I�m remarking about it? It shoots 150 grain Winchester Partition Golds into 1 inch to 1-1/8 inch with regularity, and with 130 grain Nosler Ballistic tips it really hums, shooting below � inch @ 100 yards. As mentioned, this particular example has no "BOSS." I�m glad for that, and have no idea what could live on the difference.

I should mention the Talley steel rings that really are works of art, being both strong and lightweight. The Sightron SII 3-9 x 42, like most Sightron SII scopes, has an excellent image, a generous internal adjustment range (95 inches in this case), and superb tracking. You can draw a square shooting with this scope, and I have.

In freezing rain and covered with ice, this BAR has never failed to function. All scoped up and ready for the hunt, the fully outfitted BAR as configured weighs 9 lbs. 14.5 oz. This is both a blessing and a curse. It is superbly easy to shoot, and shoot well. Recoil is practically non-existent in the field, and pleasant at the bench. Yet, as most BAR lovers admit, it is a bit heavy for long treks across the tundra. For those who prefer to shed a little weight, the new alloy-receivered "BAR LongTrac" gets you there at a touch under seven pounds, sans scope.

The trigger as supplied on this BAR breaks at 4 pounds, 4.5 ounces after a short amount of initial take-up. It is actually better than most factory triggers today, needing no tuning for its intended purpose.

Every once in a while you hear a senseless debate about cycle time on short vs. long bolt actions, or perhaps bolt throw. Spending a little time with the BAR reveals how absurd these debates really are. You can throw three shots into the vitals of an animal that might bite back, or a large animal that doesn�t react to a vital hit, before the bolt is so much as unlocked on common bolt actions. If you ever need a follow-up shot, the BAR gets you there faster than any other action can hope to.

On an Arctic Quebec caribou hunt near the Labrador border, after I shot my caribou the pilot asked, "How many shots, Rambo?" I answered, "Twenty-two." My guide was quick to answer, "Yes, and they all went through the same hole." Though a follow-up is shot is rarely (and hopefully never) needed, hunting with a BAR makes it a possibility.

My father has hunted with a Browning BAR .270 since they first came out. It was the .270 that made him put his Mauser in the gun case for good. Once you shoot one, you�ll likely understand why the Browning BAR has become a classic in its own right, and remains the zenith of today�s semi-auto hunting rifles. In this case, the "Best There Is" advertising slogan is aptly applied.