Originally Posted by DeerandbearhoG

If you want a pretty 700 w/ nice wood and bluing, I would go for the BDL, the newer CDLs dont impress me too much, the walnut stock has a low luster "thin" finish, and the bluing has a satin finish similar to the black SPS model. The BDL has a high luster finish on the stock and deep,rich, gloss bluing, much more classic looking rifle IMO, and If Im not mistaken the BDL has a 2" shorter barrel than the CDL. With wood stocks I think a heavy polyurythane finish is better to protect it from moisture. I dont think the XCR, or even the SPS stainless are ugly, the gray matte stainless is pretty nice, and the injection molded stocks are light, yet pretty firm w/ minimal flex. Have you considered the MTLSS? Thats what I have, Its much lighter than the other 700s. I think its a nice blend of good looks and weather resistance, although some dont like the thin barrel.