That's not a bad price on the savage. The stainless ones around here go for around $560, and the nicer they get the more expensive they get. Or you could get a Stevens, which is basically a Savage 110 for around $300.

I have owned several savages and never had a problem with any of them, and they keep getting better as far as quality and fit and finish goes. And they have a good reputation of being pretty accurate right out of the box.

Nothing wrong with a 700 either if that is what you want. I would also look at the Howa guns while your at it.

Paul