I am very thankful for all the experiences y'all are sharing. It really helps in making a decision. The CZ crowd is all about reliability, and accuracy, even though by their own admission, not so much on aesthetics. Hey, I can associate, at my age, I'm not aesthetic any more either (fat, old, and bald). Plus, the CZ's seem to be quite well built.
The M70 crowd seems stuck on the pre '64's. I, too, have had very good luck with the M70's, albeit post 64's. Beautiful rifles and good shooters, mostly, (except for the feather-weight).
M700 crowd are very loyal to their chosen rifle. They've not experienced the difficulties others have, obviously, and I'm sure their rifles are very accurate.
The Savage group is all about accuracy and price. I agree.
I've had all of the above rifles, except centerfire CZ's, at one time or another (and more). Two of the most accurate rifles I've ever owned were a post '64 M70 in .308 with a standard barrel and a (post '64) M70 Safari in .375 H&H. I've not been impressed with Ruger M77's because of a hit or miss (no pun intended) accuracy problem. If you get one that is accurate, your fortunate, if not, oh, well. No one can doubt the toughness of Ruger built guns. I also believe that no one can doubt the reliability of a Ruger. But my contention is in the consistency of rifle to rifle accuracy.
I know that all of these discussions greatly boil down to individual preferences and taste. However, I really believe that give my criteria, there are winners.
Thank you for your help. Please chime in some more.
