I own two Rem. 700s, a 25.06 Varmint BDL for about 20 some years, and a 300 WM Sendero for about 15.
Both are as accurate as one might hope for, have put up numerous 1/2" three shot groups with factory ammo. Have taken enough mulies and whitetails with the 25.06 (a terrific deer caliber I'd recommend every time!)
What I don't like about Remington 700s, enough so that I probably wouldn't buy another, as I think for the same bucks...or less...there are better options to be had.
Triggers: Read too many tales of discharges on flipping safety off. Had it happen to my 25.06 once, albeit after I let a wannabe smith set it up for me. Thought he was the problem until I read of other experiences. I replaced the unit with a Timney immediately. Remington triggers predating the current new models, IMHO, should never, ever be adjusted by anyone but a qualified smith. Better yet, they should just be replaced outright with a Timney, Shilen, or similar quality aftermarket. I also have read similar reports on another forum regarding Rem's new trigger, FWIW.
Bottom metal: Cheap, cheap quality, some sort of crappy pot metal. One must be very careful in reassembling after cleaning to make sure the magazine - made of spring steel and split at the back end - sits properly into the bottom plate, or it will bind and put pressure on the action. This can be tricky, and annoying as hell, to get right. Always make sure that the magazine has a tad bit of free movement up and down once the two action screws are tightened. IMHO, Remington's bottom metal and magazine design sucks.
Williams makes a super good quality bottom plate replacement. It also has a deeper recess machined into it for the magazine that makes reassembly much easier.
http://www.williamsfirearms.com/onepiece.html
I recently took the Sendero in for trigger work, to a very, very reputable smith. He wasn't at all happy with the bolt function, finding galling on one lug. Did a headspace check and found it in the "no-go" range...??? This rifle has had, at the most, maybe 200 rounds through it. Had to remove the barrel and completely redo the headspacing, lap in the bolt lugs, and true the action.
I don't particularly like to knock a N. American manufacturer, but IMHO I think Remington has some catching up to do in the quality and/or design functionality departments with their 700 series rifles...perhaps instead of spending their time and money on buying up competitors. I am reminded of the recent GM saga, and cruising on their reputation as Number One, if you get my drift...
On the other hand...
Both the Tikka T3, which I've had some limited experience with, and the Sako A7 that I'm just learning about, especially for the coin involved, are, IMHO, excellent examples of form, function, and fit in a modern rifle. I mounted a scope and did a sight in on my son-in-law's T3 300 WSM. Trigger was perfect right out of the box. The action was the smoothest I've ever come across. And it shot sub MOA groups (Fusion ammo) right off the get-go! I'm reading lots of reports that the Sako A7 is even better.
No experience with Winchester 70s.
My only experience with a Ruger is my 77/22 stainless (with paddle stock). Trigger had been perfectly reworked before I acquired it at a gun swap some years back. It's a helluva sweet little rifle to handle, although not remarkably accurate at the range. I've also read that older Rugers were a bit of hit and miss on accuracy due to quality of barrels being supplied. I believe they make their own now, and have improved in consistency of quality. Ruger scope mounting is an excellent bonus.
A side note on Ruger M77s, which owners, or anyone looking at buying an older model, should be aware of: There's a recall on early units that's particularly important for safety reasons...
http://www.ruger.com/pdf/m77.pdf
Savage is getting a super reputation for accuracy. I wouldn't underrate these, either. Becoming a very innovative company.
Lastly, every time I handle a CZ rifle or shotgun, I sure am impressed with their fit and finish, again especially for the price tag involved. A stock on a CZ generally ain't the cheapest, barely acceptable chunk of wood they could find to keep costs down. And owners seem to inevitably rave about their accuracy.
Anyway, my two cents, FWIW.
