[StarfireIV]

The Rem 700 is the small block Chevy of rifles. Yes, there are better, usually more expensive actions out there, but in terms of bang for the buck, the 700 is adaptable, and repairable. It is also use, maintenence, and repair friendly.
About the only beef I have with the manufacturer is the dinky bolt handle which is more suited for iron sights than a scope. But here again, Badger Ordnance makes an oversize bolt handle that corrects this problem. This also proves another point, just like the afore mentioned V8, there are thousands of add-ons, accessories, and mods available for it.

[fish hawk]

I bought a Rem. 700 in 1960 in 243 cal. and have killed wild goats, pigs, mule deer etc. and to this day have never had any problems with it what so ever. I've used the 70 grain bullet for target and varmints and the 100 gr. for hunting. Even though I love the 243 as a all around rifle, I would go with something bigger than the 3006 for Elk, bear, caribou and moose. Remington gives you tons of choice in calibers.