Years ago, I started going to gun shows, used gun shops, etc, and bought good sound actions all by themselves, without paying for cosmetics. Or I would look for a rifle with a badly beat up stock and barrel, with a very good action. (Learn what to look for)
Then, buy the action at a rock bottom price, (under 150 dollars.) Take it to a good gun smith who charges reasonable prices, have them accurize the bolt, locking lugs, rebarrel it in a target grade model, and chamber it for what ever your heart desires. Then bed it in a super hot camo composite with matching pattern on the barrel.
There you have it, a custom tack-driver for under a grand. And it will be built to fit you. It's the only way I will go, and it cannot be beat by any mass manufacturer. Period.
Thanks. One of my friends did mention he thought the quality of Remingtons wasn’t what it used to be. I am not knowledgable enough to pick out a used action and know that it’s great quality to build around. All my other friends do build their own but I’d rather not bug them with my ignorance. I do appreciate all the advice and hearing why someone prefers one brand, caliber, spec over another. It’s been a big help to me. You will not see me at Camp Perry any time soon :-)