Hey neighbor I live in Glenwood. Here is my .02 on the Remington 700 SPS. Not .243 but this may help. I found all kinds of reviews on the .308 and .223 SPS. Overall from what I remember and have experienced with my SPS .223 20". Trigger takes some getting used too, I put a Trigger Tech on mine. Surface rust was a common complaint, barrel on mine started to rust first week. First week it was in the cleaning/maintenance rest thingy while I cleaned it, prepped brass, and determined OAL for several different bullet weights and type. I wipe it down everytime I use it, store it in a gunsock in safe with Golden Rod, no problem since. Do not really care for the stock. Common complaint with the stock is the barrel can make contact with forend when firing off rest. I make sure the rifle rest is just in front of the magazine well, no bounce/contact on firing. Another common complaint feeding issues, seems alot of the rifles had an issue feeding the third and fourth round. I also had this issue. I fiddled with the spring and follower and it now feeds fine.
I contacted Remington about the rust, they wanted me to send the rifle back at their expense for possible re finishing, re barreling, or new rifle. I have decided to keep it, because the thing shoots so well. Consistent 100 yard sub MOA and when I am on my game I have shot several sub .5 MOA 5 shot groups, with the stock trigger. I have shot several sub .5 10 shot groups with the Trigger Tech installed. This rifle shoots as well as some of my custom match rifles.
So that is my .02 on the Remington 700 SPS
Hope this helps