Tikkas aren’t the only option, but they are the most reliable and smoothest option under a grand. Tikka triggers and barrels are also generally better than anything else in their price range. But I hear you on having to cut and thread. My local smith’s charge for that work went up 30% over the last couple of years. A factory 18” threaded barrel for suppressors would make my day.
PNWG’s intent was in the right place with his comments to you on R700s, even if the delivery was coarse. They can be accurate guns, but they have design issues with the trigger that can make them less reliable and less safe in the field. And changing the trigger to a aftermarket model doesn’t fix those issues. If you hunt with one of these guns, it’s best to carry them with an empty chamber and to try your best to keep dirt, debris, water and ice from getting into the action. You can search for this info here on Rokslide and another places. Not saying it’s a bad gun, but R700s and their clones definitely have their limitations.