AZ, here's my take on Savage bolt-action rifles. They will not win many awards based on the way they look. If you want a bolt-action that is pretty to look at, buy a Winchester Model 70 or a Sako, or if you have $$$$, buy a Kimber, Dakota or one of several other semi-custom guns.

But, if you consider functionability and reliability as things of beauty (as I do), take a good look at Savage's bolt-actions. To some, they are horrible to look at. The barrel nut that mates the barrel to the action is in a class by itself-no other manufacturer uses such a device to attach barrels to receivers. However, Savage can cut chambers precisely and measure headspace exactly, then set it perfectly by tightening that barrel nut, versus threading the barrel into the receiver and then trying to cut the chamber to the correct headspace. Looks funny-works great.

The bolt looks weird, too. It looks like it has two sets of twin locking lugs. Only the forward set are true lugs; the rear set work as guides for smooth bolt operation and, as a additional benefit, work to block gasses from blowing back into the action due to ruptured primers or cases. Looks funny-works great.

Button-rifled barrels, three-position safeties (on the tang, no less, where all rifle safeties should be, IMHO), now the Accu-Trigger, and all at prices less than most other rifles....what's NOT to like?

Brian