Knowing what I know now, I would;

Split my $1,500 budget closer to 50-50 (rifle-scope)

Rifle; All work done by qualified gunsmith
Buy new "drop-in" trigger
Barrel hand lapped & floated (if not already done by manufacturer)
Bed action
Follow "proper" break-in procedure


Take a look at these;

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/weatherby-vanguard-rifle-vgs270nr4o-winchester-griptonite-stock-stainless-finish-p-121954.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/marlin-bolt-action-rifle-xl7270-winchester-black-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-117249.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/ruger-hawkeye-bolt-action-rifle-hmk77rfp-7119-winchester-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-99578.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/tikka-lite-bolt-action-rifle-jrtb318-winchester-bolt-action-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-90826.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/remington-stainless-bolt-action-rifle-7267-winchester-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-86358.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/howa-1500-rifle-whogue-stock-hgr62612-winchester-bolt-action-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-99595.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/savage-116fcss-weather-warrior-rifle-17799-bolt-action-black-stock-stain-steel-finish-wdbm-p-86703.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/thompson-center-icon-weathershield-rifle-5547-winchester-synthetic-stock-weathershield-finish-p-112298.html


Scope
Lifetime Warranty
Side adjustable objective
Fog proof & rain guard
BDC reticle or target turrets

A friends grandson just got a Tikka T3 SS Lite in 30-06. I really liked the weight and balance. I thought it was very nice for the price.

I've had my Remington 700 for 12 years now. I wouldn't trade it for anything else. I just recently took down 2 hogs with it. I use a Nikon prostaff with mine. 30-06 is the way to go. Just my 3 cents.

Thank you for the excellent input. I appreciate the help,
Dave

Take a look at the Thompson/Center Icon Classic. It uses a bedding block system, 5R match grade barrel, scope bases are machined into the receiver, and a 3 lug 60* bolt.

http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/icon_classic.php

...............sounds like a darn good place to "start" too me !!!

That's a real nice looking gun.

My buddy has one that he's real happy with.

Thanks,
Dave

It's been a long time since i saw that range.
I have a Tikka in a 300WSM wish I would have got it it a different caliber though. it's a great rifle mine has a leopold VXII on it. that should be under your $1500 budget.

What caliber do you wish you would have gotten in your Tikka?

Here's another photo for you.


How about this view? Recognize it?

I shoot a Remington 700 with a Bushnell 3 x9 x 50 scope on it. If you will be hunting the Scope is as important as the rifle.Here in South Ga. the game moves better in low light or in the thick brush which also limits the light. Go to the gun range on a Saturday and shoot a couple od shots with other peoples rifles to see which one feels the best.
Nice pictures