The Savage 340 series uses a barrel nut to set the headspace, so it is easy to remove/replace and therefore easy to rechamber. You could probably get it rechambered from 222 to 223 for $100 and offset the cost from the lower priced 223 ammo.
The Savage 340 series uses a side-mounted scope due to the split rear receiver ring and the best mount for the 340 is made by B-Square. They are more expensive than the Weaver option, but worth the price IMO.
The downside to the 340 series is that the triggers tend to be rough, but they were designed to be an economy/entry level rifle, so they are rugged, reliable, and utilitarian, but not particularly smooth or refined.
Because of the cost of cutting a new chamber, $100+/-, and the higher price of the side-mount, $65 at MidwayUSA, I'd suggest saving a little more $$ and buying a Stevens 200 in 223. The Stevens 200s in 223 have 1-9" ROT barrels, so you can shoot heavier bullets, and a good set of bases/rings would be less than $65.
Jeff
