Got to my local gun shop today and did some fondling. They only had a couple from my list:
Savage 12FV (223 but should be the same in 204): Wow, I really like the bolt handle, bolt was smooth and the trigger was awesome!
Remington 700 SPS Varmint: Though the stock was nicer than the Savage, the bolt felt clunky and trigger was HEAVY.
I also handled the Remington 700 VL SS Thumbhole: Trigger seemd a bit lighter and crisper than the 700 SPS. Bolt was smoother too. The thumbhole tough would not work for me as I have small hands and I felt like I was stretching for the trigger.
So, I am 95% sure I will be getting a Savage. Man that trigger is sweet! I just have to figure out what kind of stock I will end up with. The basic one on the 12fv just felt flimsy and cheap. Don't know if I would be better off getting the base model, then upgrading the stock or finding a pull-off or after market.