OK. let me expand the controversy. What is the best bolt action rifle of all time?
I don't know but I have an opinion based on what I've owned, shot and hunted with over 40+ years.
The doesn't make me an expert only experienced to a limited extend. Only gun magazine writer's are experts. 
I have owned several Rem's Model 700's and 7's mostly because they were more easily available. They are good and reliable rifles with strong actions, good accuracy, and good triggers (the old Rem's before the X-Pro triggers). They have never failed me. A good value but not sure current production matches quality of the 'old Rems. If the went back to the old triggers system and change the extractor design they might have the perfect rifle for the average shooter / hunter.
I have several Tikka T3's Lites. Action is smooth, triggers great, good field handling, reliable extractors. Too light for me for real accurate shooting but a serviceable hunting rifle especially from big game where the target is large compared to a ghog.
I have one Weatherby, a 223 Super Varmint Master. The most accurate rifle I ever owned out of the box without any changes. Trigger is great, feeding problematic but for a varmint rifle no big deal; I normally load one round a time anyway. Don't like the two position safety but not a big deal.
I have a few Browning A and X bolts. Very accurate, extractors reliable, feeds ok, like the X bolt safety system whereby you can unload on safe. Triggers not good even the X bolt's I had. If you can find a gunsmith who can work the triggers they can be great.
The winner is: the Winchester Model 70 with the Mauser type control feed extractor. I had one and like an idiot I sold it for a considerable profit but there is no profit in getting rid of a great rifle.
This is when I was young and dumb. I leaned the hard way that only skilled marksmanship will made you a better shooter / hunter not the caliber. If my life depended on it (i.e. hunting dangerous game) I would chose the this rifle over all other bolts. The three position safety is an added plus. Trigger is good and can be tuned if needed. Accuracy is on par with other quality factory rifles. I like the additional weight in the large calibers to aid in controlling recoil. But reliability is the key here which made me chose it.
Let the feedback begin.
I don't know but I have an opinion based on what I've owned, shot and hunted with over 40+ years.
The doesn't make me an expert only experienced to a limited extend. Only gun magazine writer's are experts. I have owned several Rem's Model 700's and 7's mostly because they were more easily available. They are good and reliable rifles with strong actions, good accuracy, and good triggers (the old Rem's before the X-Pro triggers). They have never failed me. A good value but not sure current production matches quality of the 'old Rems. If the went back to the old triggers system and change the extractor design they might have the perfect rifle for the average shooter / hunter.
I have several Tikka T3's Lites. Action is smooth, triggers great, good field handling, reliable extractors. Too light for me for real accurate shooting but a serviceable hunting rifle especially from big game where the target is large compared to a ghog.
I have one Weatherby, a 223 Super Varmint Master. The most accurate rifle I ever owned out of the box without any changes. Trigger is great, feeding problematic but for a varmint rifle no big deal; I normally load one round a time anyway. Don't like the two position safety but not a big deal.
I have a few Browning A and X bolts. Very accurate, extractors reliable, feeds ok, like the X bolt safety system whereby you can unload on safe. Triggers not good even the X bolt's I had. If you can find a gunsmith who can work the triggers they can be great.
The winner is: the Winchester Model 70 with the Mauser type control feed extractor. I had one and like an idiot I sold it for a considerable profit but there is no profit in getting rid of a great rifle.
This is when I was young and dumb. I leaned the hard way that only skilled marksmanship will made you a better shooter / hunter not the caliber. If my life depended on it (i.e. hunting dangerous game) I would chose the this rifle over all other bolts. The three position safety is an added plus. Trigger is good and can be tuned if needed. Accuracy is on par with other quality factory rifles. I like the additional weight in the large calibers to aid in controlling recoil. But reliability is the key here which made me chose it.Let the feedback begin.
