Just to clear things up, I don't work for either company, but I do work where I get to handle many different guns from all makers. It's a rough job I know! I've owned several 700's and hunted with them for many years. If I was to go buy a new rifle right now, it would be the Icon though without question. Just a really well made rifle. Am I going to trade all my 700's in for Icons, no. He ask for an opinion, and that's what I gave him.