As you probably know all rifles are hit or miss out of the box, as far as being an accurate rifle. Normally handloading can level this playing field, but not always. Sometimes a rifle needs a little additional work. That is when a good gunsmith comes into focus. It has been my experience that most gunsmith's would rather work on Remington's, and seem to be able to "Ring" a little more accuracy out of a Remington.

Most rifles need a trigger job out of the box. I have been told by smith's that the Remington trigger is easier to work on-when compared to the Ruger. Smith's have also told me that the Remington is easier to bed than the Ruger. However I have never done either job myself. But I have had a few done.

Everbody talks about sub 1" groups on this site. It seems every rifle every body shoots will shoot that well. Believe me all rifles do not shoot sub 1" groups. Heck most shooter's can not do it, even if their rifle could.

If I were you, and this was going to be strictly a hunting rifle-here is what I would do. First put on the clothes you will be hunting in. Then go to the gun shop and handle all the rifles. With your gloves on(if you wear them while shooting), handle the rifles. I would go so far as to say that whichever one "feels" the best for you-you will shoot the most accurately. Tom.