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

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.

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

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?