I have bought some fantastic Rem 700 sps stainless sporters in the last couple of years, 223, 243, 7 Mag, and 30/06.
I have heard of lemons, but I keep buying the CDL and the Stainless sps, and they keep shooting incredibly. I put a boyd's stock on them and Bed/freefloat or a Hogue with the full length bedding block( Just bolt them on), tune trigger, add muzzle break. Tiny groups abound.
Tikka's that I have shot were awesome, but I do not like the long freebore which I equate to short barrel life. The Sako 75 in 270 short mag I had was an impressive piece of machinery, top drawer, but the price is up there over $1200.
Bergara is coming on pretty strong, but I have not bought one.
The unsung hero I have seen is the Remington 783. The actions are machined very, very true. The trigger can be taken apart and re sprung making for a dream trigger. Steel mag box, free floated barrel, very fast lock time. I scoped two 783 barrels, they are impressive for the cost and they are head and shoulders ahead of the Savage barrels I have looked at....shocked at the quality is an understatement. If Remington gets rid of that ugly bolt handle, I think that you will see sales sky rocket on this model rifle. I put a tactical bolt handle on mine. The 783 also has a top drawer recoil pad, feels like a Air Tec, but I can not swear to that.
TC Venture is a shock in rifle for the cost, and they do not make them anymore, the 280 I had was a tack driver, wish I had half a dozen, however the Rem 783 is a better gun, in my opinion.
People are very different in how they are either practical or emotional on their gun wants. Pride of ownership, Practical value(form fits function), or price point to fit the family budget.
For sure, some of the best guns ever made in history are being made today. The best of Steel alloy, CNC machined make for some very good guns.