First off the 700 trigger is stiff OofB but that doesn't mean it requires a comp trigger like a timney for most hunters! If your at all enclined with guns it can be adjusted downward to a very crisp hunting trigger within a few minutes. If you would rather not tackle this job a good gunsmith will do it quickly and inexpensively for a simple adjustment of sheer, pull and travel. If you want it polished then it will cost you a bit more. By the way I haven't found a of the shelf rifle that didn't require trigger adjustment to my liking, some can be done by myself easily and others require a professional. All I am saying is don't let the trigger adjusting bother you to much, you'll find guys with every brand paying for this to be done on a daily basis.
As to which rifle only the man or woman holding it can make that choice. Buy fit, features and what you want. Cartridge chambering same thing many will do the job, so buy what fits your situation, you can handle and really want.
Scope and rings to me are a part of the equation few consider when laying out a budget. Simply put don't spend the farm on the gun and skimp on what often makes a difference in the field..buy as much scope as you can. Personally after much comparing and research I bought my first Zeiss Conquest. I am so impressed I just mounted my second one in lieu of my 4200 elite.
Anyway for the scope I would not suggest the VX-II, it doesn't have fully multi-coated lenses
Newguy - the 04 VX II has the same coatings as the previous Vari X III, so yes it is now fully multi coated. Not an endorsement for this product in anyway just FYI.
Get out do some touching and pick the one that just won't let you put it down.
Good luck.