Based on what I've been reading, Remington is definitely one to stay away from for customizing-they tend to need too much work done to make them a "good" custom rifle. As far as the others, I know people who are pleased with Savage rifles out of the box, that might be the action to use if you want to save money-I know I've been impressed with what you get for the money in a Savage, don't know too much about the others.