Looking for a good .223 Varmint / Target under $700 (street price)

New to the forums, I've searched and absorbed a lot but I'm looking for some info on 3 models I've narrowed my selection to, all in .223.

I want something that will shoot MOA @ 200 yards with factory ammo (high quality) since I don't reload. I also want something that's looks good and since I'm not hunting shiny is fine. I've got plenty of matte black weapons, I want this on to look and feel more refined than a combat weapon.

Here's what I've found that I like in my price range. I looked at the Remington SPS Varmint and even with the $40 rebate good until the 31st I just can't warm up to them.

Weatherby Vanguard S2 Varmint (guaranteed SUB MOA)
Savage 12 FCV (Accustock)
Savage 25 LVT (bedded and floated)

Or, because I'm a sucker for laminated stocks and fluted barrels, if I bump my budget up $200 I can get into one of these.

Savage 12 BTCSS
Savage 12 VLP DBM
Savage 12 BVSS

First question, Weatherby or Savage? I like the quality look and feel of the Weatherby and the Howa action has a good reputation but is it a better shooter than the Savages? I do love their new 2 stage trigger! From what I've read there are very few Weatherby owners who don't really like their guns. That's a good sign. On the flip side, based on internet chatter you would think every savage is SUB MOA out of the box with anything you want to throw into it. My bet is, in this price range it's a toss up between the Weatherby and the Savage and the shooter and ammo will make the biggest difference.

Second question, is the Model 25 the bastard child of the Savage line? I mean it really doesn't get a lot of love in the internet and I rarely see them in any local shops and there's hardly any range reports that I can find. Yet it' a very good looking gun, it fits well and points great with the thumb hole and Monte Carlo style stock (I've handled one in the 17 Hornet). They use a modified version of the threaded barrel attachment method to set a tight headspace and are bedded and free floated. It seems like a lot of gun for a $635 street price, what am I missing or are the Model 12's with the wood stocks really $300 better?

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas.

Mark

Yes, I have seen the MVP but not in person. It looks like a good package, I may give it a second look if I can find one to hold. Thanks.

I'm still thinking the guns I listed are inherently more accurate but that may just be me based on marketing and Internet opinions.

Well, I ended up ordering one of the last 2 Savage 12 BTCSS's in the country in .223. It should be here in a week or so. I also found a smokin' deal on a Nikon Monarch 5-20x44mm scope through another thread here for $365 so all that's left is to find some mounts and I'm all set. I can't wait to get this package to the range.

BTW, I did blow my budget. I wanted to keep everything under $1000....... $965 (gun) + $365 (scope) + $50 (mounts) + tax is a bit over $1000

I have a Weatherby VS in 223 and highly recommend it. I have shot Savage they are good too but like Vangard better.

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It was between the Savage and the Weatherby and I went with the Savage for looks, fit and accuracy (debatable as the Weatherby is also very accurate). The Savage was just more of what I was looking for but if I hadn't been able to find the BTCSS I would have purchased the Weatherby.

Then again, I was at a store yesterday that had a CZ527 Varmint in .223 and it was a beautiful gun. Too many guns, not enough money