Okay. I'm getting down to the nitty gritty.

I've about decided on the Remington 700 SPS. I can't decide whether to get the black on black for $428.00 at Academy or the black on SS for $504.13 at Walmart. I could pick up the black on black at Academy tonight if I wanted, but I will have to order the SS one at Walmart.

I've about decided on the Nikon Monarch 3-9x 40mm scope with the BDC recipticle in Matte finish for $288.88 with free shipping at www.4scopes.com

I thought about getting the scope in silver if I got a SS barrel but the BDC recipticle doesn't look like it comes in silver yet.

Anyone have a specific recomendation for scope rings for that combination? That site has a special to add Leupold STD base and rings for $40 more.

I still haven't 100% decided on the caliber. I know the 7mm Mag will reach out and touch whatever I would need it to and really in the big picture $10 more for a box of shells isn't going to make that much of a difference. I've shot both calibers in different rifles and can't recall one kicking any more than the other but it's been some time ago and I only remember squeezing off a couple rounds with the 7mm Mag vs. shooting a few boxes in .30-06.

I may stop by the local shooting range and check out the Ruger M77 in 7mm Mag that is black on SS because I didn't ever try one of those out to see how it felt. It is barely used but they have had it for several years without selling it. They are asking $475.00 for it so that might be one of the reasons it hasn't sold.

Thanks for all the replies. It might have confused me as much as helped me but it for sure made me feel like I was exploring all the options.