Multiple choice, some hardware may cost more than a used car and cost an arm and a leg to modify...

Oh well, here we go.

 

I voted based on bang for the buck. And you can get them in matching calibers to save one ammo.

 

I'm holding off on voting since the idea is for me to figure out what it is I want to get.
~But I have been thinking Remington for a long time, and I have heard the barrels can be changed on them (unless I'm thinking of something else)

 

To be absolutely honest, if I was going to be a "1" rifle person and I absolutely had to pick just one.....it would be a toss up between the Rem M700 or the Win M70 and it would be a .30-06. I have both of those in 270, 30-06 and 300 Win Mag. Those models are outstanding bolt action sporting rifles that can handle heavier loads with no problems and have pretty good value holding / resale values.
Both of them have numerous customization options up to and including SOG Sniper profiles. Your customizations would just depend on how much you want to spend and how much weight you want to pack around. Between those two models it would come down to price, but as a personal preference I would lean more towards the Winchester. Being restricted to just one, there would be no compromise on the caliber, firmly set to .30-06.

In the Pacific Northwest, if you are really into hunting you have your choices of deer, elk, bear, moose, pigs-boar, coyotes, antelope, varmints at any range you have rifle and shooting competency for.

If you are going to be a one rifle person, the .30-06 is going to be the most versatile of anything around and there won't be anything around here that you can't hunt with it. In fact, depending on the species of animals, there are some guides that will not allow anything less than a 30 cal belted case mag. The M700 or the M70 will be the best platform. If you want to collect firearms and have some "play toys" around, you can work on those later.

 

Exactly my thoughts, Seabiscuit!

 

It seems like the Remington is the first choice for now with Winchester close behind.

I think they both speak well as far as quality and longevity, also availability.

How do they compare in terms of price?

*Not just base model, but relative cost and availability of upgrades. Are 'Smiths' more comfortable modifying one or the other? Or is it about par.

 

Talk to your local gunsmiths. Go to the Winchester and Remington web sites and look at the warranty and the warranty repair / authorized repair centers and see if there might be one close to you.


Upgrades and customizations prices are user specific. Either next months pension check or handing over the title to your property in addition to a years worth of pension checks. The choice is yours.
Price of the bare rifle is comparable with negligible differences. There are different models, "factory mods", that can make differences, but usually, both rifles outfitted "off the shelf" with similar options will cost a similar price. Where you get into some real price busters are included scopes, slings etc. Leopold, Nikon, Bushnell, BSA and on and on and on. Optical sights vary so much in price it is ridiculous.
Find someone you know that knows a little and take them with you when you are ready to buy.