Remmy, or Savage
Howa or Tikka are excellent choices.
Personally, I've seen problem rifles from both companies and I've seen examples from both that run great (which I have two of from Remington, despite one of them being 35 years old). I prefer Remington, but if a Savage suits you better I doubt one is really better than the other.
There are other great rifle companies out there also like Howa or Tikka. I wouldn't hesitate to buy either one.
Their barrels are not free floated as the Savage is, and a lot of times you will get a stock that has some play in it.
I would go with the Savage 10BA Stealth as well. It has a nice Chassis system, and is on rebate right now. Out of the box Savage shoots better.
I would never buy a salvage .....
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OP if your just wanting a fun plinker in 308 that can support your can out of the box. It really would be tough to beat the Savage Hog Hunter. Great accuracy out of the box plus a number of other nice features like Accutrigger and oversized bolt handle. The other choice would be the FCP-SR this gives you a bit heavier barrel contour along with fluting and the addition of a better stock by way of the Accustock and the added benefit of a 10rd DBM setup (all be it not the greatest setup, but does work). Here are a few reviews I did of them if you'd like to take a look!
That is why I am looking at getting one. To me it is one of the best out of box rifles for the price. Seen them for 600-800 depending on attachments. I also really like that the barrel is threaded from the factory. Muzzle brakes are always nice when shooting at the range to decrease some of the punch..... Now I really have the itch to pick one up.
I wish I had your fun money
I wish I had your fun money
I'm a poor broke guy as well, but, I buy only the rifle's I will never fall out love with, plus I demand great accuracy, so I save my cash and buy that ONE rifle
A guy at work has me double thinking the whole bolt action thing. Maybe going with a semi auto since I am not trying to shoot groups.