I'd have to agree that you can't beat the Savage out of the box. My preferences lie in other directions right now, i.e. I prefer a hinged floorplate over a blind magazine, s/s over blued, synthetic over wood that sort of stuff. That's not to say I don't own any wood stocked blued guns, most of what I own is. The 270 is a great cartridge, manageable recoil, flat shooter and IMO capable of taking most game in NA with the exception of the big bears. I personally would go for the 06, much better selection of factory loads that can be found at the most remote of locations. Not to mention that the 06 will do anything the 7mm mag or 3.. winmag will do just a couple hundred fps slower. I'd suggest checking pawn shops and the used racks, with the money you save buy a better scope.