Stainless Synthetic is the way to go if you want a truly rugged rifle. In my humble opinion, I think it's stupid to fight over the cosmetics of a rifle, geesh. Honestly, I like the design of the Savages. What's to say they will fall apart any faster then my Ruger I really don't know. All I know is you can get both for about the same price and have a truly rugged rifle that can get the job done. The people who spend 1k or more for a rifle are fanatics, do a lot of hunting with different species all over the place, or just have the money to throw around. Comparing rifles to trucks is not apples to oranges but instead, lets use a Ford Fusion as apposed to a Mercedes. Those who purchase a Mercedes obviously have a lot of money to throw around and what does that tell the guy who's driving a Ford Fusion (although it might handle better). Yeah, it tells him that he doesn't have as much money and prestige. So if two hunters go out on a hunting trip together, one with a Sako and the other with a Savage 110 are they in different social class? Maybe outside of hunting but not out in the woods.