Ok I've done some research, but need some hands on feedback.

I'm looking for a paper puncher for the range, but also something that can be hunted with.

I've looked at the Remington VTR, but the cheap stock turned me off.
Remington 700 VL SS but still needed to be free floated and trigger job.
Remington XR-100 with adjustable trigger, but heavy!

I've also read up on some savages and CV's. Is there anything I'm missing?

Yes your missing the point that a .204 is useless. A 22 mag is more deadly.
Its too fast and to light.
Good for long range rabbitts.

Not sure I agree with the above. I have seen (ok only internet) the .204 shoot out to 500 yards. "Armed In Utah" on Savageshooters.com loves his to death and is the one with the pictures. I don't think a .22 Mag will do that.

If all that you are looking for is a paper puncher, why not the .223. More variety of off the shelf ammo if you don't reload, and cheap if you do.

For what you want i would go with a 223. Not that i dont love my 204. I have a CZ 527 American in 204. I lvoe that gun. I use it for Turkey, Coyote, and any other varmints i can. I love the trigger on it. It has a set trigger that i have set at 1.5#. Here is a normal group at 100 yards. This si 5 shots.

Here is another group i shot right after the 5 shots a 100 yards with no cool down time. This is the alst 10 rounds i had and in a rush to get out of there. This is at 200 yards.

So doesn't the 204 have a better trajectory and better range than the 223?
And as far as price of shells don't think $1-2 a box will make or break the deal.
Lastly for small game, squirrels and foxes...wont the 223 be overkill?

I'm open either way. I just do not have a tack driver in a small bore and I'm ready to add a nice one.
Was looking at the Rem 700 vl ss and XR-100 but they seem very heavy to pack around all day for hunting. The VTR is...."interesting" looking, but that cheap stock and funky barrell kind of turn me off.

Also looked at the Savage 11, 12, and 25 models, Ruger M77, CV.

Now I'm at a point where I need help.

I'm down to the Rem VTR (because of lightweight), Rem XR-100 (Accuracy), and the Savage 12 LPV (I hear nice things).

The XR and LPV run pretty close and both have fine adjustable triggers. The Savage has a free floated barrel where the remington may need a trip to the gunsmith. But the problem is both are over 9lbs and make them unfriendley hunting guns to pack around.

The VTR is light, but needs a new stock to replace that cheap plastic and a trigger job to lighten it up. Comes with a muzzle brake for reduced jump which should make it a dream to see impact but that triangle barrel is funky and with it at only 22" I'm not real sure if it would be a shooter. But at around 7lbs it would be more fun to carry.

Any hands on advice?