In my opinion the Howa M1500 is one of the most underrated bolt action rifles on the market. The action is a Japanese copy of an old Sako action and it shoots well. Legacy Sports International, the Howa importer, claim MOA or better accuracy for the Howa Ranchland Combo Package (pictured below). Weatherby use the M1500 action for their Vanguard line and S&W used it for their Model 1500 line.

Howa/Hogue Ranchland Compact Rifles (rifle, houge stock, color matched scope, rings + one-piece base): $625

They have now added the option of getting a fluted barrel.

The Howa Fluted barrels will be available in six popular calibers: .270 Win. and 30-06 Spfd. in standard blued barrel, .300 Win. Mag. and 7mm Rem. Mag. in blued magnum barrel and .223 Rem. and .308 Win. in heavy barrel. These Fluted Barreled actions are being pared with the ever-popular Hogue Overmolded™ Stock, as well as the new Talon thumbhole stock from BLACKHAWK! Industries. Pricing is set at between $599.00 to $865.00 MSRP.