A-Bolts are way past Remington 700s in fit/machining quality/finish.
The bolt in an A-Bolt works smoothly because it's machined to fit better in the action.
The A-bolt has a 3 lug bolt vs 2 lug in a 700. This gives you a smaller bolt lift. I like a shorter bolt lift, but it wouldn't be the only reason to pick it over another rifle.
In the rifles I've handled, the A-Bolt barrels are free floated whereas 700s are not. A-Bolts are also glass bedded at the factory. These two things in a 700 can be fixed if you're handy.
Every A-Bolt I've seen has been more accurate than every 700 (except for the heavy barreled 700s), probably due to better machining and stock fit. The bores of A-Bolts look better finished than 700s.
700s are good and I would consider then a standard to compare other rifles to.
IMO A-Bolts are better than the 700 standard.
[rant]
I don't own a 700 for stupid reasons, like how every redneck in NC has one and thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread...but none of them know why it's a good rifle.
They can't look subjectively with some intelligence at rifles and say why one is better than the other. They just know that all their buddies have them and deer die when you shoot them.
[/rant]
Are 700s good rifles? Yes. Are they overrated? Absolutely.
There are better rifles than a 700 such as CZs, Tikkas, Sakos, A-Bolts...
Having said that, it all comes to personal preference.
It sounds like you've handled each.
I suggest handling them again and if possible shooting them.
Pick the one that feels good, and I mean the one that you can see yourself shooting and enjoying. The rifle you pick should feel like a part of you when you shoulder it. If you like how smooth an A-Bolt is, then factor that into your decision. If you value "fitting in" with the majority of rifle owners then by all means get a 700. Its not a bad choice.
I don't care what people think...so I got a Tikka T3.
Every redneck friend of mine who's handled it was amazed at how smooth and accurate it is, but for some reason many still think a 700 is better. Its just how they were raised I guess.
