I agree with the Weatherby Vanguard. Wish they were still making them in Stainless.
Is there any real difference between the Vanguard and a stainless Howa 1500?
Not much. Finally, Howa (Legacy) is importing a SS model in walnut, but it’s just a bit heavy for my current tastes, so I bought a, M70, which ain’t under a grand, unfortunately. Never had an issue with any of maybe six 1500-based rifles. Simple, sound design, made with quality materials.
Only Tikkas I’ve seen are used ones. The machining looks stellar, but I wish they’d lose a bit more of the plastic.