Trying to determine if it makes more sense to purchase a lefty Model 700 laminate stainless and upgrade instead of sinking $1600 to $2000 into a Custom KS Mtn rifle or HS Precision. I can pick up the 700 LSS for around $700. Changes include a Mcmillan or HS stock, pillar bedding job, float the barrel and a trigger job. Am I missing anything?

I have 'box stock', customized, and full custom LH 700s, as well a custom LH H-S Precision-built Model 70 (7mmSTW). The H-S Precision is the second most accurate gun I own (after my LH Cooper .17 Mach IV).

Your decision should be based on needs/purposes for the rifle, as well as personal preferences.

Some customized/tweaked factory guns will show tremendous improvement, others, only incremental accuracy gains.

Starting with the factory LSS (what chambering?), I would agree with the new stock, and trigger job. I've found 'glass-bedding adequate, and the only pillar-bedded gun I own came that way from the factory.

Have the barrel/action checked for trueness; fix what's out of square; have the bolt-lugs checked for engagement; have the barrel re-crowned. If you want to be meticulous, have the chamber and throat checked.
(Or if you want to save some time and future expense, send the gun to PacNor for re-barreling; their service includes the above work.)

BTW, some barrels prefer that pressure pad in the fore-end.

Have the 'smith ascertain that the scope mounting holes were drilled in line with the axis of the bore.

George

George...thanks for the reply. This rifle (.270)will be used soley for whitetail deerhunting maybe 20 hunts a season. I have been shooting a DBL 3006 for 28 seasons and I'm ready to upgrade to a stainless synthetic. Unfortunately, choices are few.