I would take a savage over a Remington in any Caliber any day !!!!
As far as the question about combo packages.....just buy the savage 30-06 and put a decent scope on it. There is nothing wrong with a Simmons scope as long as you buy the Aetec. I have the 3.8X12X44mm on my 30-06 and it works great. Good scope for the $$$. It isn't the top of the line but gets the job done and is alot easier on the pocket book.

Just my 2 cents worth.