If you were building a custom gun, would you go with a Howa, or a Remington 700 action. Thanks

I would go with the Rem 700 action.

No question, Remmy 700 between those two.

rem700 of those 2.

you know there are other actions....also depending on the rifle/game etc....could change what I want, ie dangerous game, big bore, I'd want something like a mauser98 or winchester model 70

Why is the 700 action so desireable to build on ?

Quality, Affordable, a lot of available parts, great replacement triggers, strength, and thats just what a lot of guys use. Gunsmiths like to work on them.

All that being said, until you get a Remmy trued, lugs lapped, tuned, Sako Extractor, square the bolt face, and all the other little things that you can have done you can buy a good custom action, screw on a barrel and end up with about the same amount of money when it's all said and done. The key word is "About", you can get custom actions ranging from $800 to over $1300 if you want. You can easy get $800 wrapped up in doing a Remmy action. I have a worked over Remmy action and it shoots just as good as a BAT, not as smooth but it is a shooter.

I understand the savage action is easier to install a barrel on by yourself,than a remington etc.. am I wrong in thinking this?

Remington 700

Rem 700 from the gunsmiths I've talked too.

The model 700, without a doubt! That is a no brainer, In my opinion anyway.