If you are talking synthetic stainless versions of each I don't think you will notice a big difference between the two in fit and finnish. The ruger might have a smoother action though. I haven't looked at either side by side so I couldn't say for sure. Usually they don't put a whole lot of effort into those models since they know what they will be used for. Guys that buy weapons like that intend on using them generally, not admiring them. Not always though.

If you were talking wood high grade versions then I would say ruger would be the more pretty gun. Although savage is getting better, I like some of their laminated varmint guns. But as far as pretty wood and nice blue jobs ruger would most likely have the better finnish. Of course it might cost twice as much as well.

As far accuracy goes I don't know much about the centerfires. However with the 17 HMR's a savage will normally out shoot a ruger out of the box, and they cost almost half what the ruger version does. The ruger is the nicer rifle for sure as far as finnish and size. Feels much more like a centerfire. However they seem to be hit and miss on accuracy. Where almost every savage or marlin will shoot great out of the box, even with the crappy triggers they used to have. I can't imagine what they are like now that they have the accu trigger on them.

If it were my choice I would get the savage. Just because I like them and they work. When I think if ruger I always think of the crappy carbine autos and how innacurate they are. Just can't get it out of my head for some reason. I can think of other brands of rifles I would get before a ruger. Like a reminton 700 for example, or a browning.

Now if I was looking at a handgun I wouldn't think twice about a ruger single action. I love those guns.

Just my opinions though, and I will admit I'm not a hardcore centerfire guy since I can't really use them for much where I live.

Good luck,
Paul