They're the same action as the Weatherby Vanguard series. See Weatherby's site for more info.
My Vanguard shoots 1.5 MOA with factory, and .75 MOA with handloads so far.
They're great guns, durable, accurate. Similar to the Remington in design (even use the same scope bases), but with a better safety for practical use.
Howas may have a relatively low price tag, but they're every bit as good as the Remington is.
Many of Remington's prices have become silly, completely out of line with the quality and features of their firearms. I'd CERTAINLY put the Model 7 in that category.
If you want a lightweight bolt rifle, and you're looking to spend Model 7 money, get a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight.
The new ones are GORGEOUS, smooth as silk, controlled-round-feed, with 3-position safeties. In short, they're in a class far above the Remington, for about the same price or less, made in USA. 2 more inches of barrel, same weight.
IMO if you want a great lightweight bolt gun for the best price, the Howa Ranchland or Weatherby Vanguard Carbine (different stock, also 20"). If you want a great lighweight bolt gun and don't mind spending, the Winchester Model 70.
The Ruger 77 Mk IIs WERE nice, but I've checked out the new Hawkeyes and they're really rough. The bolt feels about as smooth as a bucket of bolts. Not worth the price IMO.
The Remington Model 7 is a well-balanced, neat little package, but the prices they want for them now are far more than the rifle is worth. Furthermore, a safety that won't lock the bolt down is not acceptable, to me, in a rifle for field use. (The current Rugers are 3-position, but don't lock the bolt DOWN, either.)
That's my 2 cents. Check out the guns in the shop YOURSELF before deciding.
The Weatherby action is the same as the Howa, so you can get a good idea about the gun if you can only find the Weatherby. Weatherby guarantees 1.5 MOA with factory ammo, for that carbine, BTW.
