Out of the box it is hard to beat the accuracy of a Savage.

Reliability and dependability, I would rate the Savage rifle at the bottom. They have chronic magazine problems. And poor quality plastic stock material in general(I know you said wood model).

The Savage rifle is what it is. It is an inexpensive rifle for a beginner hunter, or a hunter that does not shoot their rifle more than 10 or 20 times a year, but yet wants an accurate rifle.

I know I am going to get flamed for this, but the truth is the truth. I sold firearms for years. The vast majority of my returns were Savage rifles, and I sold more Remington's than I sold Savage.

Just remember one thing. I have never met a hunter or shooter who aspires to own a Savage!!!

I believe the accolades that are being put on the Savage's today are for their Varmint and Target style rifles. And I believe they deserve a lot of those accolades. However you are not looking at a target style rifle, and the target style rifles are not cheap.

If you do not believe the things I am saying here then talk to your local gunsmith, and ask him which rifle he works on the most. Andalso look at how a rifle holds it's value. You can buy a 20 year old Savage for the same price it was 20 years ago. Try and buy a 700 Remington or a Winchester Model 70 for the same price.

I have a Savage targe rifle at the gunsmith right now having the magazine fixed, and I use a follower!!! Tom.