The Remington 700 BDL is a super gun. IMO, the Ruger's, Savage's, and Vanguard's are not as nice. I'm sure others will argue that, and that's personal preference for sure. The ADL is basically the same gun as the BDL, just with no frills. ADL has matte finish, which is ok, plain jane stock, and you have to load it from the top. It is a solid, inexpensive gun though, and they shoot very well. My dad just got one a few weeks ago, and it is a nice gun....and it shot a 25/64" group <img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle> right out of the box, with factory ammo. Personally I couldn't believe it. That thing is a shooter for sure.
Personally I like the BDL with the detachable box magazine. A buddy of mine has a few top of line Ruger's and the actions on his guns are absolutely terrible. Feels like a grinder when you work them, vs my Remingtons that are silky smooth. I'm not putting down Rugers in general, but that's all I have to compare to.
Do your homework, see what feels best to you, and will fit your needs best. Don't just take my opinion on it. Personally if I were buying a new gun today, it would be the 700 BDL Stainless Synthetic DBM. My second choice would be a Browning A-Bolt...they are very nice too.
By the way...welcome to the board...glad to see you're "no longer lurking" <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>