The only time I sold a 710 (hence, someone bought a 710) was when they absolutely demanded to have it simply because it was a Remington, or it was a brand new hunter that had never hunted before. Then I would push it. I would tell newbies that it was satisfactory for them to use just to make sure they really wanted to hunt deer. But I also told them that once they made up their mind that they liked it, and continued to do it, they could trash the thing and upgrade very easily.

I also sold alot more Howa' s to people that came in wanting the 710. Why? Because when they got the thing in their hands, they realized that it wasn' t what Remington had been advertising. The minute they handled the Howa (which is the same gun as a Weatherby Vanguard because they make it for Weatherby) they went with the Howa. Cost? Gun and " decent" scope would cost them $100.00 more than the 710.

For an entry level gun, I agree that the 710 is just fine and that' s what I believe is it' s only purpose. But once you decide that stepping out on a frosty morning; sitting all day shivering in snow or rain; taking a bead on a living, breathing creature and pulling the trigger; taking your knife and opening up it' s belly to gut it; and finally getting to taste some of it' s delicious meat; is really what you want to do more than anything else, it' s time to get a real rifle.

I' m glad you like yours. But I bet in 5 years you won' t even remember who you pawned it off on. And if a Vanguard costs 499.00 where you live, I' d hate to see what a Coke or a gallon of gasoline runs there.