I've handled these all at stores, although have not shot any of them myself. After reading, handling and looking at them I would buy the Ruger if I was buying for myself. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them for a "budget rifle" though. Another idea is watch the used classified websites and pick up an older used savage 110 or 111. There's lots of those around.
-Jake

Also if you are going to sell you valmet put an ad in the local valley trader i am shore you will not have a problem selling it. Me personally I don't like savages. Seen the target of a ruger american in 223 with nothing done but trigger work and barrel laped. Very impressive with standard factor loads. Have a ruger american ringside in 22 mag getting trigger worked on now and should get it back next weekend. Seen targets of 3 or 4 of them all shoot better then a 77/22 magnum I seen targets for for way less money. And the ruger has the ending blocks in the stock and 3 lugs compare to the savage axis 2.

Ruger. But if it was me I would save my money a little and go with a Weatherby or a Tikka.

I am not a gun expert or understand a lot about guns, I just hunt. With that said, I am looking at the TikkaT3's and find the rate of twist to be 1-14. Will that bode well with factory ammo that is readily available? Right now my Valmet shoots Remington PSP 50gr. very well. Still looking at the other guns also, but I have a friend that can shave cost off the Tikkas.

Thanks

Tikka
 

Redmag, you answerd your own question, If you can get a Tikka for a good price, then I would pass up all the starter rifles.Tikka is a great rifle, Every one I know that has one , loves it. I think Tikka builds the rifles for Beretta also, I could be wrong about that. Do it.:groupwave:

Troutbum, Thanks for the advice. I can get the gun through a Beretta employee for what I think would be a great price. I see a lot of talk about the twist rate and a lot prefer something under 10. Is it really that critical, I just want to whack birds say maybe 50-60 yds if he stops there,

Thanks

From the tikka webpage the twist is 1:12. For the 223'the varmint is 1:8. For 1:12 55 gr or lighter bullets. My 1:12 Handi rifle and valmet 223 like the rem 55gr psp

I'd go with the 8 twist, unless you wanna shoot bullets lighter than 50 gr.
RR

1-8 twist
 

redmag, Go with the Tikka in 223, if that's the cal you want. you will be alright. And yes you will whack them hard at 50-60-yds, just make sure you use the right bullet. When you get it , When you sight her in, try different ammo by different manufacturer to see what your rifle likes and holds a tighter group. then try different bullet weights . You will find what work's best for you rifle. good luck.

OK gonna go out on a limb. Why a 223 to kill a turkey at 50 yds?