When price is an issue (and isn't it always?) I recommend that people check out the used gun market, too. Sometimes you can find some great deals. Savages have a great reputation among their owners, but their resale value isn't high; I've seen like-new rifles, scoped, for under $250. (Unfortunately for me, they've been right-handed models, and I'm left-handed.)

I got a killer deal on a used Remington 742 carbine, including a Leupold VX-II scope, sling, and hard case--for less than the retail price of the scope and case alone.

As it gets closer to opening day the deals get scarcer, but they're out there...

You might also try www.gunbroker.com or www.auctionarms.com for online auctions. Some nice values there, too.

Good luck!