Re: remington 700 or savage10
Get the Remington 700. Is it better out of the box than the Savage? Probably not. However, there is a reason that when you look at national level shooting matches like the 2012 NorCal TBRC 76 out of 77 rifles are either Remingtons or Remington clones.
The Remington 700 short action is to the gun world what the Chevy small block 350 is to the car world. Everyone makes TONS of parts for them, and all smiths not only know how to work on them but doubtless have 2000% more experience working on them than any other brand.
Buy a Remington 700 SPS tactical in 308. Shoot a lot, upgrade stock, trigger, base, rings, scope, and finally barrel one at a time as your ability and cash increases. Ultimately if you choose parts wisely, you will end up with a full custom rifle, and never have wasted a dollar.
If you choose Savage, and rise in this sport. Eventually you will end up selling it at a lower price, and buying a Remington, or Remington clone. You simply can't compete with all of the choices and competition of brands that support the 700.
To the Savage lovers, sorry.....it's unfair, but the way it is.
Ty