No JB but french/euro guy:
The Rem 700 in it's fifty's this year, always sold well in Europe, not in millions because Remington made a bit more of 5 millions including military models, but in good quantities.
On the french market they even made some 7x64 models standard or DM but with not so good barrels. For two years they came back with new 7x64 with Rem barrel. They are good shooters, relatively inexpensive (the french distributor likes money!!)but on our market trend is to Blaser, Helix, doubles or single break open and semi auto or pump. The SPS sell well, gunsmith who prepare LR rig keep only the receiver, throw away barrel and stock and transform them for target.
The Titanium as a loyal following but was too expensive.
In Norway Remington sell very well because of quality (too bad it's down grading yet)and prices.
Again about Ilion, most of US shooters/hunters who brag about 35 Whelen don't know that it was maintained in production because of french and greek orders of 7600 and 7400 in this caliber. For years they were not in general Remington catalog, but sold here by thousands for driven hunts. Was not the classic 700 who keep the cartridge so well distributed.
The 750 and 7600 carbines are always used here and sell well because of real good (french wise) price. Not an US hunter would pay the price we do for it...But that's another story.
About the 9,3x62, every where in Europe from Spain to Russia, it's popularity is increasing, mostly because of explosion of wild boars populations, driven hunting and real efficient and reliable hunting semi auto rifles (no military assault rifle clones).
About the 308 and 270, just to throw oil on fire: a good 7-08 with 130grs bullet is not too far from them with same weight...
Dom
