New Gun, Which to buy?

[archerben]

I'm looking to pick up a new .25-06 and I'm struggling between a few different guns. I have narrowed my choices down to a Savage 111GCNS, a Remmington 700 XCR or 700 Mountain LLS, or a Howa M1500 JRS Classic. Here's the pros and cons I'm facing on each gun:

Savage 111GCNS
Pros: Price, Accutrigger
Cons: No stainless barrel offered, 22" barrel

Remmington 700 XCR
Pros: TriNyte coated barrel/action, 24" barrel
Cons: Synthetic stock (I prefer wood or laminated)

Remmington 700 Mountain LLS
Pros: Stainless barrel, Laminated Stock
Cons: 22" barrel

Howa M1500 JRS Classic
Pros: Price, Stainless barrel, Laminated Stock
Cons: 22" barrel

Each gun has aspects that I really like, and each seems to be lacking something that I want. I'd like to hear some opinions on each of these different guns. The Howa is the gun that I have heard the least about thus far, and the gun that I know the least about.

 

[Steve H]

Where did you find the mountain gun? I might "HAVE " to breake down and get that one. I have a Rem. Sendaro in 25 '06 and learned to love that cal. I vote for the Mtn. rifle.

p.s. WELCOME to the board.

 

[archerben]

Thanks for the welcome. I've mostly been looking at the different guns online and I haven't tried to find the Mountain LLS in a store yet. I might have to make a run over to Cabelas soon to see if they have it or can get it. Here's a link to the gun on Remmingtons website:

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/model_700/model_700_mountain_LSS.asp

I don't have much experience with the .25-06, but I have been very impressed with what I've seen from them and from looking at ballistic charts. I borrowed one this fall for a deer/antelope hunt and really liked the combination of the mild kick and accuracy.

 

[Steve H]

The web site does not show that gun in 25-06...............here is the site that show all the calibers and whick guns they go with.
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/centerfire_rifles_by_calibers.asp

If they ever do come out with a Mountain Rifle in 25-06 I'm gonna jump on it. They did a .280 Mountain Rifle a few years ago and it's great. I think a 25 would want a longer barrel than their "standard" mountain gun barrel.

 

[archerben]

Hmmm, I guess that rules out both the Mountain LLS and the XCR. Looks like they offer the SPS Stainless in a .25-06, but I don't really like the feel of the stock on that SPS. What are the differences that you're going to see between a 22" and a 24" barrel?