ORIGINAL: tealboy
I have decided to get a simple Rem 700 243 which sell for $500 at local bass pro. I will consider my camp members used Rem 700 depending on price, condition, etc. which will probably be $300 including mounted scope. Plus, he will let me borrow it, shoot it and get familiar with the gun before paying, so can't really go wrong.
I think you've made a good decision. You might also consider a Savage as well. They are in about the same price range as a the lower end Remingtons, and Savages (including my 2) have a well deserved rep for stunning accuracy for a factory rifle. My Model 111 .30-06 will shoot sub-MOA with the cheapest Winchester 150gr Power Points. But if you like the m700, you won't go wrong there either. I had an M700 .243 that was a great little rifle that I got cheap at Walmart. Shot OK (1.5-2 MOA), especially for what I paid for it ($350 on clearance).
Good luck,
Mike