So I've talked the wife into an allowance of about $450; I know this isn't much but we just moved and had a baby and this is also my first northern deer hunting rifle (got a couple shotguns and a .22 from my younger years). Anyway, I've narrowed it to these two finds:

Factory New & unfired Savage MODEL 11FXP3 HUNTER PACKAGE SERIES rifle/scope in .243 Winchester cal. w/ AccuTrigger. Includes a matching, mounted & bore-sighted Simmons 3-9X40mm Variable Power scope. $449

or:

Remington 700 Used like new chambered in .270 complete with sling and 3x9 Tasco scope in black synthetic. $425

My first cartridge choice was a .243 but .260 and .270 are a close second and third. On the other hand my first rifle choice is the Remington 700 (I was all hot about this rifle when I was still in Iraq shopping online because it is the M24 Sniper Rifle) but I have heard some pretty good things about the Savages. Just need some opinions.

Thanks guys

-SGT Paavo

Welcome to the forum sincebeen. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

Both are good guns. If your planning on doing any coyote hunting the 243 makes for a better varmint rifle and still whacks deer well.

I'm a Remington fan, but my old hunting partner shoots Savages and just bought a package like your talking about in 7mm rem mag. He did end up putting a better scope on his and put the inexpensive Simmons on his 22 rifle. Nothing wrong with the Simmons, but it was not as bright as he wanted.

I'd go with the one that feels the best when you put it ups to your shoulder.

Here's a place to check out prices back in that country. $449 seems a little high for the Savage package.

http://www.whittakerguns.com/

This fella has both new and used guns for sale and his prices are good.

Glad you made it back from Iraq safely, good job! As to the rifle, it really is a matter of personal choice. Both make fine hunting rifles but maybe we can apply common sense.
Assume you like them both equally:

The Savage is new, will have a warranty, should shoot fine and has not been shadetreegunsmithed.
The Remington is used, why did the original owner not keep it? It could be fine but.....?
The Savage is .243, your first choice, right?
The Remington is .270, not your first choice.
Both have scopes, can't see much difference here.

Looks kinda like the Savage might be your best buy. If you have long term plans to build the rifle into something else, accurize the receiver, change barrel etc, then the Remington is the better action.

BTW, I strongly suspect the quality control is tighter on Remington's rifles such as the M24, 700P and LTR. No doubt these are some of the most accurate rifles you can buy but they're not 400 bucks with a scope.

so you are hunting.. out about 150yds steps the biggest buck you ever saw.would you rather the gun was 243 or 270.. now for real,, with good shot placement both will do the job..i also have the rem700,,243 with
a good scope..i like fusion 95s in it and believe it will get the job done..
but i opted for an savage 30 06.. reason,, mabe the 165-200 grn round,also fusion.. will make the kill just a little surer..
both guns are equeally accurate...just my thinking on the subject.good luck

Go with the Savage you will love it... I know I love mine in .30-06

Thank you for serving our country....glad you made it back o.k

I'd go with savage, I have only heard 1 person whose savage didn't shoot well, and I have talked to plenty of people about savages (contrary to public opinion, I don't work for them :D ) Plus, 243 is my favorite caliber

Thanks for another great resource Faucettb, I’m gonna give them a call shortly. I stopped at a Dick’s Sporting Goods (they had the package for $336.00) on the way home from work yesterday to compare the feel of the 11FXP3 and 700; they’re very comparable but I think the Savage is going to be my next rifle. Seems like all the “behind the counter” guys I’ve talked to love the Savage out of the box. I heard somewhere that it’s a Ford vs. Chevy thing and I’ve kept that idea in mind.

And you’re right Lumberjack, .243 it is.

Thanks to everyone for your opinions and advice and for the kind words about the desert. I was in Afghanistan in 2003-04 and Iraq in 2005-06 and I’ll tell you, the only better feeling than coming home is hearing “welcome home” from good, real, honest Americans.

I think we’d all agree that one place you’re sure to find real American’s is here.

Good luck in the brush guys! :D

-SGT Paavo

Hey sincebeen. I was in Afghanistan in 2004 myself. Lovely place huh? Makes you realize what Thanksgiving here at home is really about. They are shipping me across the pond again in 08. The Balkans this time...Club Med (I hope).

Will they let you shoot the .270? Sometimes on used rifles you get that luxury. Either way, your getting a pretty cheap scope. Maybe the wife will let you upgrade next year. I have a Savage in .30-06 and it shoots great. Still the Remington is a smoother and more reliable action IMO. Plus I like the .270 over the .243 - more vesatile on bigger game. Tough choice if you really like the .243 though. Good luck.

I am serious about those scopes. Package deals come with pretty cheap scopes and Tascos are, well....Tascos. I have a couple and have had a couple Simmons and killed significant game with both. But if this is going to be your main hunting rig, you should (when you can) spend bit more on a scope in the $200 - $400 dollar range. Burris, Nikon, Leupold, and the better Bushnells can be found in that price range. Decent scopes all. Maybe you can get a more affordable sporter with no scope from faucettb's source and afford a better scope.

Good luck!

I would offer $375 cash on the Remington and not even glance at the Savage... but thats me...

Ditto Birddog on the glass