A year ago, I was in the same boat as you, and did all kinds of research for my 700 PSS .308
After calling Richard NEAR, and talking to him about it for about 20 minutes, I decided that buying Canadian was on the top of my priorities, as well as getting the best quality money can buy.
I had Leupold 2 peice bases and rings in the past, and wanted to go for a practical multi-use platform, so I chose the Military proven MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail. The NEAR rail is manufactured using stainless steel, and ultilizes the his patented "pro lug" that contacts the chamber face to prevent any base forward movement upon firing. (Makes it even more stable so you have no scope movement)
Richard did not have at that time the stainless rings I wanted, so he sent me a loaner set of his personally hand made light weight rings to me at no additional cost to use/tryout for a year, and return them and get what I originally wanted. (does it get any better then that?)
He has made a loyal customer through his actions. The quality is top notch. NEAR items are made in Canada for Canadians. You won't find anything better the NEAR. You will find, lower quality everywhere else.
I promote his precision rifle parts to my 8 Wing Military rifle team, and they agree that the quality to the best they have seen.
Give him a call 1-866-608-2441 or (780) 608-2441 or go to the web site and see for yourself.
http://www.scopebases.com/products.htm
Dutchie