I picked up a used R700 SPS .223. My boys shoot the fuck out of it. When they get bigger I'll rebarrel or remage for them. Howa is good shit, but it's easier and cheaper to rebarrel a Savage in your garage with gauges when the time comes.
Or get something used and drop that bitch in a XLR or...
I have used Leupold's warranty exclusively, and I will have to say that in my experiences it is as good as Vortex's. That being said, without even seeing one, I would tend to believe that the new PST Gen 2 will be twice the scope of the LRP. This game we play is just not the game that Leupold...
Chassis - RPR, Traditional style stock - remage (although you can remage in a chassis). I have 2 remage's, my buddy has RPR, I prefer the remage. The Tikka T3x TAC looks very promising.
Basically what FUNCTIONAL said.