RE: best semi auto rifle
prime there is NO comparison. The BAR/Long-Short Trac guns are LIGHTYEARS ahead of the 7400. Do yourself a favor and hold and scrutinize both. As much difference as you will see and feel while at the counter, you will only see that gap widen that much more when you shoot both of them!
BTW those prices you quoted are SKYHIGH. On our shelves right now are a BAR Lightweight Stalker 300WSM for $749.99 and we have the new LongTrac in 7mm and 270 for $799.99 each! Look or call around, you can get much cheaper prices than you quoted.
Good luck,
RA