RE: need help justifying my decision-1st gun...
I have used my dads savage .270 that he got about 5 years ago, it came with scope, rings, bases, sling, and case.
After we got it sighted in, at has been an outstanding rifle, the scope is not the best, but it holds its zero like any scope that i have ever used,
I dont think you can go wrong with the package deal from Savage and i have to reccomend it, the Savage has been an outstanding rifle for the both of us and they are great rifles,
good luck with your decision