I have one in .30-06. It drives nails.

I've done a lot of research on the model 110 and its variants like the 111. The consensus is that they are extremely accurate and great value. Their reduced expense has to do with the way it's designed.

Do a google search with a string of key words like "Model 110," "Savage," and "Nicholas Brewer" (it's designer). You'll find a number of articles. I've got 5-10 printed off and haven't found a negative one yet.

If you read the various articles on the gun's history, you'll discover that Brewer was quite innovative in finding less expensive production techniques like lathing instead of more expensive milling. Many of these happen to lend themselves to accuracy. What resulted was a plain jane-even ugly-- gun that worked like a charm and was affordable.

By the way, does the gun have the Accutrigger? $289 sounds like a good buy, and it is absolutely a steal with the Accutrigger.