Get the Vanguard. You'll love it. Wal Mart has 'em for $388. I recently bought a used one in 300 WBY. I mounted a cheap scope on it (I had to use what I already had) and headed to the range with a box of Federal Premium with 180 grain Nosler Solid Base bullets. I did a poor man's bore sight and started shooting. 10 rounds later I had a tiny little 3 shot group perfectly centered and 1.5" high. It measured less than 1 inch! This is the most accurate gun I have ever owned. It is also the first one wearing a synthetic stock that I have ever enjoyed holding. Most synthetic stocks (to me) feel, well, fake. They just don't feel good. This one is a whole different animal though. IMO they are one of the best values on the market. They feel more solid than a Remington. They look better than Savage. They are more readily available than CZ. And best of all, if buying new, they are less expensive than all of them. Only drawback is, if you shoot the Weatherby Mags ammo is EXPENSIVE. $45-$50/box. If you reload like I do it's not that big of a deal but something to consider if you shoot factory ammo regularly.

Vanguard(Howa) is a good value, also look at Savage in the price range which will also have free-floated barrels and the AccuTrigger. A definite advantage (to me) of the Vanguard is weight though, since it weighs more it helps with recoil. Good luck!

Thanks to everyones posts I bought this gun today. Now my next step is buying a scope.

If you are like me that will prove the hardest part of the deal...lol. Too many decisions.

Congrats! Check www.opticstalk.com for good info on scopes, etc.