I think all this clowning around arguing rifle makes is pretty funny.
There isn't a factory rifle made that is without its problems out of the box. The biggest joke of an over-priced rifle I've seen lately is a super grade Winchester model 70. Action was crap, slop everywhere, 26" worthless barrel, heavy, marginal bluing, and a mid-grade piece of wood. Not anywhere near the quality of a pre-64. But, I'm sure it would have shot fine, but not what I would pick for a hunting rifle and in particular with the price tag.
Any of the standard production rifles, no matter the make, is going to take some work to maximize performance. Just a fact.
I own various rugers, Winchester, remingtons, and every one has shot good enough to hunt big-game. Put some work into the right places on any of them, they became damn fine rifles that are typically more capable than the average nut behind the trigger.
As to Howa and Vanguards, I've dealt with a few of them as well, and they all shot excellent. IME, bed, float, and maybe a timney or rifle basics trigger and you're there.