How about an NEF Handi-Rifle? You can get them for around $200 and then have some $$ left over for a scope. I know that they come in .223 and .243, and maybe .22-250. If all you wanted was a varmit gun, that would save you a bit. Plus later on if you want you can send them in and have different barrels put on them.

That said, I wouldn't be disapointed with a Savage either.