If it's to be a hunting rifle, why spend the $$$$ on a fancy finish on the stock and metal of a Weatherby? I'd think a nicer quality would be more important than shiny and flashy.
You mention a rifle but what about the optics? Not gonna forget that and have buying suitable optics fall on your father are you?
I'd not be bothered by a Savage with a decent quality scope and nor should an old timer.