If I was in the business I would go for a Remington 700 heavy barrel in 7.62 nato (.308 win) and put a good 3x9 scope on it. That way you could cover both close work and reach out for a long shot. In my USMC days in the early 70's our snipers dropped VC at 900 yards no problem. You can certainly set up more powerful and longer range rigs; you are also looking at really expensive stuff, though. That is why the range question. I had a .222 Remington with a low report that would be fine for in town police work. I guess people use 223's now.

I continue to hear issues concerning late model Remingtons, though. Not meaning to stir up the board, but if I was buying new, I would take a careful look at it.