Which of these rifles would be a better choice for smallbore? I do also enjoy shooting benchrest sporter class(local shoots) to if that could be worked in somehow

I have a Leupold scoped 1710 HB in a fiberglass stock that just makes hunter class weight. Not sure what the weight categories are for bench rest, but keep in mind you'll be bumping up against 8-1/2#. A 1712 would be lighter which might increase its dual purpose usefulness.

Out of the box stocks are very different so it's whatever you prefer. 1710 no problem with Silhouette rifle class. Hunter it has to make Hunter rules. 8 1/12 total weight 2 lb trigger and the hunter class barrel rule. Has to have taper no straight barrels.

Boats