I'm about to purchase a new rifle for deer, antelope and a bit of elk hunting, mostly in open country and to ranges of 300-350 yards maximum.

I've handled all the models in my price range, and based on fit and feel I've narrowed it to the Remington M700 SPS Stainless and the Ruger All-Weather...both in 7mm-08.

Whichever I buy, it will go to a top accuracy gunsmith to have the trigger worked, the barrel free-floated and crown touched-up and the action bedded.

Is there any reason to choose one over the other?

I honestly think I would be happy with either, but would like to know if I'm "missing something" that should be obvious.

Thanks!

I wouldn't purchase a 7mm-08 Rem.; I would go for a 7mm Rem. Mag. Good luck.

Both are great guns,7/08 is a great caliber for the first 2,but might have a rough time on elk over 200yds,but Im sure there are others here that might say im wrong.But on the same note I have wondered how a 308 would do on elk out to 300yds

I'd go with the Remy, however i've heard good things about the Ruger as well. As far as Hunting Elk with the 7mm-08, I agree w/GCW

The 300-350 yard maximum range is for antelope...I won't be shooting at elk past 250 yards with a 7mm-08, and it will only be used for the occasional cow, at that.

It will work fine. When considering such a whimpy cartridge as the 7mm-08, remember it is ballistically equal to the 7x57. Also remember that Karamojo Bell killed elephants with his whimpy 7x57. Remember the 7mm Remington Magnum has an amazing 200 fps advantage over the 7mm-08.

Now, the rifle. Which one fits you best? Thats the one you should buy.

Im not gonna tell ya which gun you should buy, however I own 6 Rugers and love them all. I would however caution you about buying a new Ruger and automatically free float the barrel just because. None of my Rugers are free floated and have heard stories from my gunsmith about guys who get it done to Rugers and the accuracy goes out the window. Do the trigger and shoot it, you may not need to float it!

I'm sure either brand rifle will serve you fine. I prefer the Remington 700, so that's what I would buy.

I would go with ruger and buy the .280 rem(just a big brother to the 7mm-08).If you don't like the .280,I would take the Remmy 700 in .308 when elk are on the menu.
But you are probaly dead set on the 7-08,if thats the case I would look at the Rem Modle 7.
BBJ

Good choice of caliber. I am more than happy with my 7-08...killed a doe at 320 yards last week with it. As far as the gun I am a 700 fan...but get the one that fits you best. You'll know it in your gut when you shoulder each of them.