The savage tacticals and varmints are awesome rifles for the money!!!!! Out of the box they group as good and usually better than any other rifle out there, even customs.
My model 12 is much more accurate than i am right now. First time out i was sighting it in. Spotted a big ole fat wasp fooling around the target. It lighted and i sqeezed off.........I crap you not but i hit the thing!!!!! I have pics somewere. I admit, it was probably more luck than skill but i did it anyway! Itwas cool!
If your going to use it for long range shooting then i do have a recommendation. DUMP THE CRAPPY STOCK ON IT!!!!!! Ever wonder why savages are so cheap? One BIG reason is the stock. The synthetic stock is absolute TRASH!!!! Mine will wear either a Bell and Carlson Medalist or SharpShooter Supply VarTac eventually. Leaning toward the B&C because its a bit cheaper.Mcmilian also will inlet you a stock but look to pay BIG dollars for it and wait a loooong time to get it.
As good as the accutrigger is alot of serious long range guys replace it with a SharpShooterSupply trigger. I personally don't see the need it replacing the accutrigger. It's one of the best factory triggers i've ever snapped.
check out
http://www.savageshooters.com for all the information you'd ever care to know about savage rifles. those guys eat, sleep and breathe Savage.
good luck
cart
oh almost forgot. Optics!!! In this area you almost always get what you pay for. That being said there are some fantstic scopes out there for not alot of money. This comment is going to ruffle alot of feathers out there but i'm going to say it anyway. I think Leupolds are overpriced, period. I prefer Weaver or the upper end of Simmons (Master series)to Loopys. This is just my opinion so take it for what its worth. Leupolds are fine, functional scopes but i don't see them being worth the money they command.
My model 12 bvss in .270WSM wears a Weaver classic V 6.5x24 with MilDot reticle.
I've never played with Barska scopes but i'd be leary of a 10-40 for three hundred. If your wanting a nice scope for a little less money check out Mueller optics. They get excellent reviews.