I have read every reply and appreciate all of your thoughts. I did look at a
Ruger .308 but the wooden stock around the barrel looked like it was touching the barrel in several places, so I ruled that one out. I am heading to Michigan tomorrow and there just happens to be a Cabelas about 20 minutes from my mother-in-laws place, so I am going to look at every rifle that they have. I have also looked at the new Marlin 30-30 XLR with laminate stock and stainless steel, that is one sweet looking gun, so that maybe the next addition to the collection. I also want to look at a Marlin .308. Does anyone out there own either of these, if so what is your opion of them?