Personally the optics will be the only difference in the guns.. I bought a Stevens in 243 for my nephew and it shoots just fine.. I would say if you can find the stevens in the caliber you want without a scope buy it and put on a Nikon Prostaff.. You will still be under the cost of the Remington and have a better optic. Caliber wise I would go with the 308.. I just like the short action better.