I've owned and shot quite a few savage rifles and they all shot as well as much higher priced rifles. The problem I see with savage rifles though is they are butt ugly and no longer cheap.
Well made field rifle by Savage...no frills...260 Rem w/8 twist
Lots of aftermarket barrels & parts & stocks...
Get tired of the 260......screw something else on in 30 minutes
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/ Both of those pretty much said it all.
They're crazy accurate for the cost and if you
A) are fine with "just" a hunting rifle
Or
B) like to tinker w/ different cartridges
They ROCK.