Thanks bowhunter and demoil for the responses.
I Think it may boil down to what I can get and price. I could borrow the scope off another gun to save a bit and get the Savage, and then a new scope next year perhaps. But havent ruled out the H&R either. After some more searching and reading here is what I have to compare...
Savage:
+slightly more accurate (though for deer hunting either seem great)
+accutrigger
+lighter (alot of my hunting is drives)
+2 more shots
+savage longer history of quality
-I think a ~$500 gun should have something avail other than plastic. Whatever happen to guns made out of nice walnut?
-a bit more pricey (but probably worth it)
H&R
+love the thumbhole laminate stock option!
+save a few bucks, maybe get a better scope
~nearly as good accuracy
~dont really need the extra shots
~extra weight might help with recoil?
Would there be much difference in recoil between the two with similar rounds?
Any other pluses or minuses anyone has for either?