Jac I replied over in the deer hunting forum to your post but you can also consider the 700SPS SS which is less than the XCR retail...no fancy grips built in but does have the R3 pad and 26" barrel.
the savage will be more accurate
I don't agree seen accurate and inaccurate in almost every make/model new or old. About the most constant OofB accurate rifle I have experienced is the Tikkas and I don't even own one. Buy what you like based on fit, feel and features..first and foremost. For most part spliting hairs comparing apple to apple factory/stock rifles...you'll find guys saying rem, win, tikka, savage, ruger is the most accurate so it just depends on the rifle, tweaking and more then most often how the gun feels to that individual. For the record absolutely nothing wrong with Savage Rifles, not my intent for saying I disagree. I'm considering one myself in the future just b/c it gives me what I need and want in southpaw action.