Several weeks ago I bought the Savage 111 package in .30-06 at "Richards" Sporting Goods that DannyD mentioned, same price. Replaced the bases/rings immediately (the clerk actually broke a base screw & ring screw trying to put them on, and he wasn't overtorquing) with steel ones that use the torx head screws. Will probably replace the scope as well before '09 deer season. Clarity of the package scope actually ain't too bad, but I don't trust that it will hold up long-term. No real loss, as the package deal was cheaper than the rifle alone.

First brand new rifle I've ever bought (could very well be the last, hence the versatile .30-06 chambering), quite pleased with it so far. Compared with a bunch of other rifles at various retailers & gun shops, and really felt it was the best value. Action is very smooth & locks up tight, good fit & finish, decent trigger (Tip- bring a snap cap in the caliber you want, so they'll let you try the triggers). Really liked the Marlin 336 as well, but wanted a bit more punch than the .30-30 in case I ever get a crack at bears or elk. The mid- to high-range Remingtons sure seem like great rifles as well, though they come with a mid- to high-range price. Shouldered a couple Rugers (77, I think?) that were nice. Weatherby rifles seem like a really good deal, but the proprietary ammo bothered me a bit. Couldn't find much wrong with the Mossberg ATR I handled either, though the action didnt' seem quite as smooth. Had a nice trigger though. Didn't get a chance to handle an NEF Handi-Rifle, but I owned an NEF Sidekick (muzzleloader) that was a really solid gun for what I paid, had an excellent trigger. If you don't mind single-shots & have a local dealer, they'd be worth checking out.

Actually, I think I'd be perfectly happy with any of above. The only model I immediately crossed off the list after checking out was the Remington 770- sticky action & dreadful trigger.

Milsurps are always a possibility, I've had several myself. Before buying one as a dedicated hunting rifle, I'd want to actually shoot it though. Back when I was 18 I bought two Enfield .303's at Swallens for $59 apiece. One was a pretty good shooter & took a number of deer before it developed a crack in the receiver & was retired. The other would literally not stay on an 8" pie plate at 50 paces, regardless of ammo brand/type.

For what it's worth, my 111 isn't very particular about ammo. Shoots the cheap stuff (Coreloct, Powershok, etc.) as tight as the expensive stuff (Hornady custom, Ballistic Silvertips).