Jimmy,
You are, of course, completely entitled to your opinion. Also, I do not want to give the impression that I am discounting or treating your experiences (or those of your friend) as unimportant, or unworthy of consideration. I do NOT intend that at all. I have simply heard this sort of criticism again and again....and my experiences are quite the opposite. So, what does that prove ? Nothing at all, certainly. However, I must go on what experience I have...and this differs from yours. So be it. I certainly don't blame you for liking Tikkas.... I think that they are fine rifles, too (and a bargain, since they are built by Sako - and largely of the same parts). I have a very high regard for Tikkas, perhaps a bit better than Remingtons. I simply didn't want the impression to be passed on that Remingtons are somehow junk - because I do not believe this to be true (based on my years of experience with them).

There are certainly lots of good rifles available besides Remingtons, we should all use what we happen to particularly like. At this point, as it happens, I have a jones for old milsurp Mauser-type rifles. I currently mostly shoot a 50-plus year old Yugoslav M48 "Mauser"....which I have installed and bedded in a 70-plus year old converted Yugo military stock. I love the blasted thing, though it isn't worth $50 to anyone, but me. I have spent a good bit of time re-bluing, polishing and working over the action, to smooth it's operation and ensure reliable feeding with all bullet types. This old wreck is nearly "bulletproof"...and shoots very well. It may be old, but it's reliable (and can hang in with lots of the 'younger" or newer guns). Perhaps that's why I like it so much.....it's a bit like me, in that sense.

The "bottom line" is : we all have valid experiences and opinions to share. Sometimes, information is presented that is not always concurrent with the experiences of all. So, we can disagree....no harm in that.

By the way, I was unaware that Remington was building any of it's Model 700 components abroad. My understanding is that the parts are all made in the US. I don't see that it matters, as long as the specifications are the same...but, it does to some...and that's fine. I certainly could be incorrect on this, it wouldn't be the first time. I have a friend that used to work for Remington (recently retired). I'll give him a call.... I'm curious now.