Hi DB,
I have heard some horror stories about Remington quality from other forums (mostly BR types) but I haven't found this to be the case at all. I am a long time, hard-core, died in the wool Remmy fan. I have never purchased a rifle, or shotgun for that matter, from Rem. that had any flaws in it. Biased?
If I were to start shopping today for a M700 I would look for the pre-J lock. I don't have personal first-hand experience with this device but I do not see any need for it on any of my rifles. If I absolutely could not live without a rifle that had the lock I would buy it but change the bolt shroud and firing pin/spring at the first available opportunity. Johnny K.