I would go with Field, a CZ.. Savages maybe fine, but I cannot stand their looks.. But that doesn't make them bad, just ugly..
I would also go with a wood stock, but this again is personal preference.. For what you describe, the .223 would be perfect.. I have had a long time love affair with the big cased .22's, but for punching paper, gophers, and an occasional coyote, the .223 is the way to go..
Ya know WCH,,,,, 99% of the time I'd agree with you about wood stocks (that's all I own) but for some reason I like the CZ Varmint with the Kevlar stock better. I actually bought a wood stocked Varminter but I prefer my buddy's Kevlar.
For a sporter I'll take the wood stocked American every time hands down but the OP indicated that the main duty would be paper and Gofers so the heavier barrel's not a bad idea IMO.
Either way the CZ with it's set trigger and reputation for accuracy's hard to beat for the price. Next choice would be a Sako or Kimber but they're near twice the price.