If you can stomach the crappy metal finish of the 700 SPS stainless, I'd go that direction. Matter of fact I did, but I personally despise it's porous, gravel beaded like finish. It was bought sight unseen. (lesson learned)
If you're truly looking for/wanting a "sporter" weight rifle, be aware that every Ruger M77 I've ever seen has had a mag countour barrel on it. Can't say I've personally seen or laid hands on the newer H'eye model in 25-06, but I'd be surprised if Ruger changed gears and put sporter barrels on them. Just FWIW/FYI...
My thoughts exactly, I bought a 700 SPS Youth rifle in .243 Winchester and it absolutely has the worst factory finish I've ever seen on a rifle. 30m in wet conditions last year and it started to rust. Since it shot very well with the factory tube, I've sent it off to Walter Birdsong to have it coated in BlackT.
I also totally agree with you on the M77 in .25-06. I am a fan of the M77, but the .25-06 uses a magnum contour barrel and it's extremely heavy.
