I think you made a good choice in calibers and brands. The 270 is a great deer cartridge and the browning a-bolt is a fine rifle. I own a Browning Medallion A-bolt in a 270 and it has performed very well. I have heard lots about savage and know guys who have gone to the Tikka and been really happy(for a lower cost option, but do not give up much (other than finish or looks) to the others you mentioned. I agree you must pay attention to the scope or glass you chuck on the top. I would say spend as much as you can on the glass and then fit the rifle into the overall budget, instead of the otherway around. Some decent glass for not to much is Bushell or Nikon, if you want to go higher Leupold, Zeiss or Burris make some nice models and scopes. Either way make sure you look at it as a long term investment and relationship, if you buy what makes you happy today, you'll be happy tomorrow (in the end I bet you'll save money than swapping up when funds are easier to come by).