well im on my way to dicks to pick up my savage 116fxp3. http://www.savagearms.com/116fxp3.htm

i found 3-4 places that had it for just over $500 but dicks sporting goods has one left in the 30 06 so i told them to hold it for me. its on clerance for $439.97

thanks for all the info and advice. cheers to dead deer.