What would you like to know about using a factory-BOSS-equipped rifle without either of the BOSS weights on it?
is the barrel threaded? or how to remove it? If not threaded are there ugly marks left behind? Will I need to recrown the barrel?
The barrel is threaded. It's a VERY fine-pitch thread. You just screw it completely off. You can either also unscrew the jam nut that holds the weight in place, or I suppose you could try to use that jam nut as an impromptu thread protector. However, it won't stay put and it won't cover anywhere near all of the threads. The crown is there, intact, and protected (recessed) even with the BOSS removed. There is a plastic substance in a recess in the barrel threads, that serves as a thread-locker of sorts. It sort of 'wears out' as you screw & unscrew the BOSS a lot over time. You can still use the BOSS and lock it in place with the jam nut, but I found overall operation somewhat better when that plasticky stuff was new. My experience with my 30-06 A-bolt was that POI moved A LOT with the BOSS installed vs. removed.