Well happily took the plunge
After reading posts here, doing some additional research, and hefting a bunch of different rifles at gun shops, I ended up finding a Remington 700 sps varmint on sale with the factory $75 rebate and thought, "Why not?"
Took it apart, cleaned and lubed, mounted a 4-12 scope and bi-pod and hit the great outdoors for a trial run. Only shot a total of thirty six rounds and all of it PMC Bronze 55 grain; I did bring a bunch of different weights and brands of factory ammo, the PMC was working and I only had a small bit of time to shoot today so I just stayed with it. (My thinking is to find out which weight works best and then start loading for it in the future.)
Well, only five shots total to get the scope hitting center at 100 yards; fastest I have ever gotten a scope on. Took my first three shot group and .403" center to center. Total of 10 three shot groups with the best being .301" and the worst being .810" and I called the flyer. Did some minor adjusting on the scope between a few of the groups, and cleaned the barrel a few times.
The scope is still not quite "dialed in" as noticeable in the clay 225 yard shot, which was my last shot of the day; and the other targets. Next time out I will get it right on the money.
Adjusted the trigger down to the lowest setting, right at about 3 pounds, which is still heavier than I like; but, it does break very cleanly.
I did transfer the targets to one piece of cardboard, so the .301" is really hard to see the three holes, target kind of folded/closed up on itself a bit; however, even on the original cardboard it was almost just two holes that three went through.
I am excited to try out some different weights and then load for this rifle and see exactly where the limits are.
Thanks to all for the great info and advise! I held a great many rifles in the last few days, and this one just wanted to come home with me... and I am not disappointed in a sub .5 moa capable factory rifle with factory ammo that has not even had 40 rounds down the barrel!
Now we will see if I can refrain from a little "tinkering"... I have already been eyeing a Timney trigger...