About to purchase a new 7mm rem magnum to serve as my all around rifle for when I am not sneaking around with a 30-30.
The only upgrades I would plan on would be stock and maybe a coating. Since super customization is not in the plan, aren't I better off with vanguard? I like the bolt and extractor better.

I'm a big fan of the Vanguard, but then I've never been able to warm up to the 700. I have a couple of the older versions as well as the new version. The coatings on the new S2 is much better in my opinion than on the Remington. And if you plan on replacing the stock, you might look at ordering the Vanguard as just the barreled action from Weatherby, they come with the bottom metal and trigger so all you have to do is drop them into the new stock of your choice.

I think its a matter of personal preference. My personal preference between those two would be Remington 700 CDL or SF all day long every day. he11, the 700 is the rifle the cartridge was originally introduced in. Just seems right.

I've got a Vanguard S2 Stainless in 7RM- shot it first time yesterday but not for groups. mostly to make brass and get it on paper. shot well but i wasn't using a bench. trigger on the S2's is phneomenal. I have not seen anything close to it from a non-tuned factory trigger.

can't go wrong with either but i'm just no the 700 fan I once was. that's just me though.

Should have bought the one that was recently in the classifieds

The Ed's are heavier. I have both(not in 7RM) ... for the most part like both.

If you like fries get fries .. if you like tots get tots.

I will only add that the M700 is made in the USA ... not so for the VS2. It matters to some.

I have a Rem 700 in 7mm RM and it is a real good shooter. I have a handful of Vanguards, but I have not shot my S2 yet. I have owned about 6 months. I need to get out and shoot it. It is in the .257 Weatherby. The 7mm RM that Tanner was selling was just the ticket for you, but I think it is gone now.

That is exactly why I like Vanguard. The reason I like M700 is the actions are lighter, therefore the rifles are lighter.

I have both and love them. The M700 is my favorite for walking around rifle. The vanguard for stand huntingwhen the extra weight helps settle the rifle for longer shots. My Vanguard has the McMillan Sako classic stock fitted to the Vanguard and both have fine Timney triggers.
Whichever you choose will be a winner.

Check the twist rate.

The Remington is tighter I think, and will give you more options with the long sleek bullets.

I'd choose the Remington.

remington and why do you want to change the stock? spend the money on a good scope.

TIghter?

Quicker. More turns in fewer inches. Shoots long bullets more stable.

9 1/2 twist vs 9 1/4 ....Give me the better build quality any day of the week

I love my old 1977 model 700 7 mag, but it the old Vanguards I have used were real shooters.

I personally would pick the one that feels better balanced
and fit me better.

jcc