First, of your three options I've only handled and shot the RAR. I'll probably try one eventually in 223 due to the twist rate. The actions on the ones I've handled were kinda rough and I'm not wild about the forearm either. I had a Rem 710, one of the predecessors to the 783. Horrible rifle - heavy, bulky, and the action felt like it had sandpaper in it. I don't think I've ever seen the Mossberg in person.

Of the others mentioned in the thread, the Tikka is fantastic but pricier than the ones you listed. I have a couple of the Marlin X guns and that route would be my absolute first choice in the base level rifles. If your SILs aren't dead-set on a 30-06, Whitaker Guns had stainless 7mm-08s on clearance for about $270 as of last month. I picked up one and couldn't be happier.

Last edited by TATELAW; 08/29/15.
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