Dogcatcher, thanks. The M7 would be a bit of a wild hair. I think I'd go DBM style there, which would allow lots of COAL. However, stock options are greatly limited with the M7 compared to a regular short action M700 and that's especially true with a DBM setup.
Kimber7, thanks. I'll put on my tacticool filter and go check it out <grins>.
Ackley, thanks. I will doing the barreling and action work myself and I'd rather true up a cheap M700 action and mill it for an extended box... but I have a buddy who just got a Defiance and raves about it. I'm sure it's awesome. I'm equally sure I am not an awesome rifleman <g> and a good trued M700 will suffice for my needs.
Really appreciate the input guys. Just fired of a message to GAP inquiring about brass. If it's a go I'll order up a barrel when I get back from this damn vacation I'm on (getting bored by perfect weather, beaches, bikinis... WTF?!).........
