if you had to choose a rifle out of these choices

-remington 700
-weatherby vanguard
-browning (the $700 one)

-which would you choose?

Remington

+1

Browning.

Vangaurd is their low end model.
Remington 700 new? No thanks. 20 years ago, not bad.
Browning. Underappreciated. Well made guns.

I own two Remington 700's and love them both. I also own a Browning Gold Stalker shotgun that I just got, so far, so good!

don't down play the vanguard as a cheap model. it is a great gun. manufactured by Howa. the same receiver is used on a few different rifles. honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. so, i would pick on asthetics.

browning head and shoulders above the others in design/engineering.

Tikka T3

Ruger 77 MKII would be a better option.[8D]

I own 2 Rem 700's and an A-bolt. All 3 are quite acceptable for hunting, all 3 shoot small groups on paper. The Browning has better fit and finish. Of the three you mentioned, I would focus on the Remington and Browning, fondle both, choose the one that naturally fits you and never look back.