Among many ML's, I also have a older walnut stock Rem700 with #11 cap ignition and it's an excellent shooting ML. I would not trade nor sell it as it's an excellent shooting ML.

It is a bit more detailed to clean but only a few more minutes than an Encore.

I'm not trying to talk you into keeping the Rem700 or getting an Encore. That's up to you.

I can detail clean the Rem700 (including the bolt and firing pinmechanism which is critically important) in about 30 minutes. Which is only about 10 minutes longer than it takes me to detail clean an Encore.

What powder are you shooting?
Black Powder and Pyrodex are the most fouling.
777 is less fouling.
Black Mag'3, APP and Goex Pinnacle (Still APP) are very clean.

Remington Kleenbore Primers are the cleanest I've shot.

If you switched your powder and primerto a clean version, I think you would likely find a new appreciation for the Rem700.

I take my Rem700 out each year during at least one day hunting and certainly at the range.

My suggestion would be to keep the Rem700 for now and switch to a cleaner propellant. And then if you are still wanting something different, keep the Rem700 and buy something different. That way you have a backup ML or an extra in case you wish to invite someone along.

Regards,

Tahquamenon