Mykey,
Take a look at the Browning a-Bolt II. The newest ones have 24" barrels in 25-06. My best friend has had one about three years and loves it. He gets honest .5 inch groups and the fit and finish are very good. I have one in 270 that shoots lights out with 140 gr Bt handloads. With the newst A-Bolts in 25-06 having 24" inch barrels I think that you will be pleased plus save enough money to put it towards a quality scope such as Bushnell Elite 4200, Leupold Vari-X III, or Zeiss Conquest.