I have three rifles in .308. A Rem 700, Ruger M77, and a Weatherby Vanguard. All three being excellent rifles, I have a preference for the Weatherby. I live on my own 160 acre farm, and I can literally walk out of my house and shoot long distances. I like the two stage trigger on the Weatherby, and it feels a bit beefier than the other rifles, which helps me on the long shots. Weatherby Vanguards are guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy with premium ammo. I don’t know if they still do this, but Weatherby packed the three-shot test target with my rifle, and all three shots were touching, with two of them at first glance looking like they were the same hole. I think Howa made the action on the Weatherby, and it feels better than the other two guns.
That being said, I’ve heard a lot of good things about the new Ruger All-American rifle. The first being accuracy.
For those who do not know, the Howa M1500 and the Weatherby Vanguard 2 are essentially the same rifle. Both can be modified with a new trigger guard to accept 5 and 10 round magazines. My link above shows a M1500 with excellent glass for under $600.
Thanks for the info/link; posts; downside. Information/education BUMP!