I would go with the Savage also. I have a Model 11 in .243 with a 3-9X40 Simmons scope, and it is unreal how awesome the gun is. It is very accurate, and I love it. I shoot 58 grain Hornady V-Max through it, and it is a good combo. Nothing wrong with Remington, but it is just a name, I'm sure it will shoot great, but the extra $100 is for the name. My gun doesn't have the heavy barrel, but I don't know if it really needs it.