Despite being quite old, the scout rifle concept—originally developed by Jeff Cooper—is still very hot. Ruger’s versions are reportedly still selling well on the retail shelves and now Savage Arms has joined in with its own Model 11 Scout Rifle offering. Like all Savage rifles, the already frequently backordered Model 11 Scout Rifle delivers a lot of value and accuracy for customers—thanks in no small part to it being paired with Savage’s magazine compatibility and a design with proven durability and accuracy. For an $818 MSRP, customers now have available a very affordable, scout-focused rifle which is about $300 less than the competing Ruger model.
The Cooper Scout Rifle Concept
The late great Jeff Cooper was quoted as saying, “The natural habitat of the general-purpose rifle is the field, forest, desert, and mountain—not the shooting shed with its bench rest. To be really useful, a rifle must be as short, light, and quick to use as is technically compatible with adequate power and useful accuracy. What matters is not what the equipment can do, but rather what it will do in the hands of its operator under field, rather than laboratory conditions.”
The Cooper-influenced Steyr Scout Rifle was offered in .223/5.56, .243, 7mm-08, .376 Steyr, and obviously .308/7.62×51 NATO. The rifle weighed in at only 6.6 pounds without an optic and was only 38.6 inches in length. By today’s standards, it was very light and still had a number of forward thinking features such as spare magazine in the buttstock, forward mounted optic, and integrated bipod. Most people have netted down Cooper’s concept to a magazine fed .308 Winchester-based bolt-action rifle with a length around 40-inches and a weight under 8 pounds which allows for a forward mounted optic and can support iron backup sights. That noted, any Scout Rifle student knows that an individual’s “scout rifle” can look much different depending on the shooter’s needs.
Savage’s Take On Scout Rifles
I am going to jump in with both feet and make many comparisons between the Savage and Ruger offerings, because after all, buyers will on the showroom floor. The Savage Arms Model 11 Scout rifle follows closely to the original design intent of a scout rifle as outlined by Cooper, with a few welcome departures. The Savage Scout Rifle shared many great features with the Ruger including an adjustable stock pull length, magazine-fed action, free-floated barrel to maximize accuracy, dual sling studs to support a scout sling, a forward optic mounting rail, and iron sights. When customers are comparing the two competing rifles, that is where the similarities end and value starts to tip toward the Savage.
Out of the box, the Savage Scout rifle arrives with an exceptional peep sight system that is significantly higher quality than the included Ruger iron peep sight system. The same can be said for the Savage trigger system which is arguably as good as most entry level aftermarket match triggers. The Model 11 Scout includes an incredibly effective brake with recoil reduction that takes a huge bite out of the bolt-action .308 recoil—delivering a rifle that is extremely comfortable even during all-day range training. This effective brake is a huge plus on the Savage. The current line of Ruger Scout Rifles can start to pommel the shooter after a day at the range. Savage offered the initial Scout Rifle with a top-tier, billet-aluminum, pillar-bedded Hogue Polymer stock that is completely waterproof and allegedly stiffer than a wood stock.
On the Ruger, even after using the lowest rings possible for mounting an optic, the cheek rest height was still too low for a comfortable cheek weld. I solved the problem on my Ruger with a Hornady cheek rest bag. On the other hand, Savage solved the problem by including an adjustable cheek rest in the design. Notably, with the cheek rest in place, the factory peep sights are too low for regular use. If you plan on using the iron sights, owners will need to remove the cheek rest first.
The stock on the Savage is better equipped than the Ruger for those who want to add an optic. On top of the integrated cheek riser, I found it ergonomically more comfortable, as well with less felt recoil, than the Ruger. Overall, the Savage is one inch longer and about a half-pound heavier than the Ruger, though both felt nearly identical in weight.
Function & Accuracy
Feeding and functioning was perfect from the box-fed Savage magazines. My only real complaint with the proprietary Savage magazines is that they are proprietary versus being AICS magazine compatible like the Ruger Scout Rifle. For someone with a couple other bolt guns with AICS magazines, this may alone be a deal breaker.
The adjustable Savage AccuTrigger on the Model 11 is really very impressive. The trigger weight is adjustable from around 2 to 6 pounds. However, I would leave it set at the factory 2.25-pound weight (as measured by my Timney trigger gauge.) As is, the trigger is amazing when compared to the crunchy Ruger trigger.
Savage made a name for itself in the accuracy department and this scout rifle format delivered good accuracy for the $800 price tag. I think it would be an epic head-to-head battle between the Ruger Scout Rifle and the Savage Model 11 Scout to determine which could deliver better accuracy out of the box. I spent the better part of an afternoon attempting to show a clear winner, but I was unsuccessful. Both of these guns will easily deliver 1.25-inch 100-yard groups. Likewise, I have personally seen both of these guns deliver touching five-shot .5-inch groups. I would really not say that either has the advantage from an accuracy perspective, but I do feel confident the Savage Model 11 will deliver consistent 1 – 1.25-inch 100-yard groups with good ammo.
Final Thoughts
With a better factory trigger, stock, sights, brake, included adjustable cheek rest, and lower price, the Savage Arms Model 11 Scout Rifle is sure to please Savage loyalist and potentially convert many Ruger customers. Out of the box, it is easier to shoot and better equipped.
Notably, the Savage AccuTrigger is leagues better than the factory Ruger Scout trigger. My only significant complaint with the Savage Model 11 Scout Rifle is the proprietary Savage magazines. As a guy that has a bunch of rifles that accept AICS compatible .308 magazines, it makes my eyes roll that I need to go out and buy more mags for the Savage. Many will note that you can buy a lot of ammo and spare magazines for the $300 price difference between the two rifles.
| Savage Model 11 Scout – .308 Winchester | |
|---|---|
| AccuTrigger | Yes |
| AccuStock | Yes |
| Magazine | Detachable box |
| Stock material | Synthetic |
| Barrel material | Carbon Steel |
| Stock finish | Matte |
| Barrel finish | Matte |
| Stock color | Natural |
| Barrel color | Black |
| Sights | Adjustable iron sights |
| Features | Includes a one-piece rail |
| Caliber | .308 Win. (Other Calibers reportedly planned) |
| Handed | Right |
| Rate of Twist | 10 |
| Weight | 7.8 pounds |
| Overall Length | 40.5 inches |
| Barrel Length | 18 inches |
| Ammo Capacity | 10 |
| MSRP | $818.00 |
Since many will wonder whether the Model 11 can be a good suppressor host—it is. After attaching my Asymmetric LYNX suppressor, the Savage Model 11 Scout Rifle was a quiet and tame beast which delivered easy .75-inch 100-yard groups with the pictured Federal Gold Match ammo. Actually, it was “lovely to shoot.”
The Cooper Scout Rifle concept notates useable accuracy sufficient for the application and the Savage Model 11 Scout delivers easily on that concept. The Model 11 is a rifle that can do everything and serve as that single rifle for everything that can hunt any North American game. I think Savage nailed the concept with the Model 11 Scout Rifle.
Ruger, Savage, or Steyr, which one is your favorite scout rifle? Share your answer and why in the comment section.
Major Pandemic is an editor at large who loves everything about shooting, hunting, the outdoors, and all those lifesaving little survival related products. His goal is simple, tell a good story in the form of a truthful review all while having fun. He contributes content to a wide variety of print and digital magazines and newsletters for companies and manufacturers throughout the industry with content exposure to over 2M readers monthly. www.MajorPandemic.com
“Don’t blame the weapon unless the bolt and trigger assemble fracture when the rifle is fired as is “My Experience with Savage Rifles”
Third time norm, you’re boring me Norm, I already told you you just don’t read well. ITS NOT THE ANSWER YOU WANT i DONT CARE!!!!!!!!!!!
You are boring, Lord and (god) of everything shooting Norm remember you contacted me with your petty attempts to be the all knowing authority of the forum.
The fact that you keep crying about me disagreeing with your omnipotent knowledge and as you put it “expertise”. Is solid evidence that you don’t even believe your own spew. That’s why you’re still here Norm, it’s not me you’re trying to sway; it’s yourself you’re trying to convince.
Uh, who are you talking to Bob? Yourself it looks like, because I disengaged after your last gibberish-laden bragging screed, shutting down the flow of nonsense from the Foy fantasy camp.
Or didn’t you read that either?
Buh bye!
LOL! What a pile of gibberish non-responsiveness! And twice to boot. So, heavy triggers aren’t any less effective than a light one and won’t stop an “expert” from shooting expertly, and muzzle brakes are all that, which is why neither the “corps” or the RGSS uses them.
I wrote a lot more, but you’re not reading or responding to my points anyway, which is understandable as you really can’t.
Talk about not paying attention! No one is _deciding_ anything for you Robbie. So, it’s your opinion that the Savage is inferior. Exactly. Your subjective opinion based on your experience. My experience is different, and my expertise just as valid, if not more do. You would have saved time saying that to begin with, rather than throwing in all that unrelated crap trying to somehow give your opinion more weight: bla bla, the Corps, bla bla, Schmidt-Rubin, bla bla bla “I shot Expert and have an old flinter so that means all Savages are plastic junk bla bla bla squeak squeak.”
Well, I own a Dakota and a Kimber so guess that means my ‘pinion is worth more? Right. Sure, owning a certain product makes me an expert on all things firearms and shooting.. Bla bla.
Hot air rises, and crap floats Bob. Next time try saying you can’t really back it up with specific facts (like I specifically asked you to do in the very first post) but that for what it’s worth it’s your impression, say good things about the Ruger, and leave it at that.
Where is it manufactured?
Ok norm being it is still over your head I,ll break it down for you. My original point that left you in the deep end of the english language is that the savage offers nothing to a market already flooded with cheap rifles. To compare it to Rugers rifle is old hat worn out by every gun rag writer since the rifle debut. Its like shoot I got nothing I know I’ll write review comparing this that or some other market fodder pushed in your face buy me cheap plastic crap! To a “real winner” like the RGSS which earned the right to wear its title GSS as well as rifle of the year at its debut. I have listened to some of the best gun review people dust the rifle simple because the lack knowledge of the firearm and its bullcrap. Don’t blame the weapon unless the bolt and trigger assemble fracture when the rifle is fired as is “My Experience with Savage Rifles” My First rifle was a Schmidt Rubin ( ) can you fill in the rest. I cut my teeth on K98 and have fired the finest weapon my beloved Marine corps had to offer me. I have owned everything from the sthein to Ruger #1 in 300 mag and love shooting my custom hand made GR Douglass Pennsylvania long rifle flint lock. Its the tube you boob; not how you trip dip. You’re not a good reader Norm or I would not have to point out that Bill Ruger’s Young company has done more for freedom than any other company for the last two years, ya get it know Norm or should I write like I’m writing Dick and Jane so you can keep up Norm. My expert rifle badge from the United States Marine Corps is more significant to me than all your paper credential from who ever bla bla bla norm bal bla bla. I am only responding because it is after midnight I”m bored and you as most do most paperback critics amuse me. I do not have to give you a reason “Norm Lord of the Form”. I can not like Savage just because Savage exist; get it. Oh and as for muzzle breaks worth ever penny recoil is for fools who think it some how tough or manly. so while you’re trying to get back on target I’ll already have three on target. See I read your spew, no experience ha Norm.
Got it, thanks Robert; just as I suspected and what I expected: more bragging and posturing, followed by another non-response, except now this one is filled with ad hominem attacks and name calling, so I must be getting close to a nerve.
My theory is that you’re probably in your mid 20’s, a self described expert and camo commando with a couple of rifles who posts on these reviews to show off your “expertise.” Seen it a million times.
Yep, “muzzle brakes,” you bet Vern! The “Corps” just loves that huge flash to easily identify the Marine, not to mention the side blast to the shooters on each side, and the destructive fireball and decrease in muzzle velocity is just a plus. And the 5.56 and .308 are just such monsters of recoil a real “operator” like you has got to have one, along with your “can,” right? Don’t forget the light, laser, bayonet, And keymod rail.
FYI, I’m not in the “Corps” or have all your “tactical” experience, just been shooting and handloading for 53 years, starting with a Milsurp K98 and SMLE, and stopped counting at 50 firearms; I just don’t own either a Savage bolt rifle (a Model 99 only) or a Scout, so was looking for a more concrete assessment of why the Savage here is the junk you say it is.
That you can’t give that assessment, and keep falling back to what a super-corps Gunny you are, not to mention have to resort to name-calling now, tells me all I need to know.
Your last “tactical” comment about the brake is just more proof you’ve never used one. (To be fair, you probably did read about one in Soldier of Fortune though?)
So, in light of both your inability to respond, and most especially your last response, I think we’re done (unless you’d like to name-call some more? Go for it. Plenty of impressionable newbs out there and maybe you’ll get a hit.)
Have a nice day.
You don’t get to pick my answer for me “Norm lord and protector of all internet forum readers”; even if you don’t like my answer lord Norm, 20 god I wish; hell I wish I was only 40 but my age is irrelevant lord Norm accuser of insufficient answers. It’s a (K31) lord of no answer; A Schmidt Rubin K31 A marvelous piece of engineering by the swiss worthy of recognition to be ahead of it’s time. A Lot like myself your eminence!
But hear you are, I did a copy and paste from my last response. You still won’t like it but read it this time; you don’t get to pick my answer nor my preferred choice in a fire arm; Norm omnigrandbalsticgod.
“Don’t blame the weapon unless the bolt and trigger assemble fracture when the rifle is fired as is “My Experience with Savage Rifles” My First rifle was a Schmidt Rubin ( ) can you fill in the rest. I cut my teeth on K98 and have fired the finest weapon my beloved Marine corps had to offer me. I have owned everything from the sthein to Ruger #1 in 300 mag and love shooting my custom hand made GR Douglass Pennsylvania long rifle flint lock. Its the tube you boob; not how you trip dip. You’re not a good reader Norm or I would not have to point out that Bill Ruger’s Young company has done more for freedom than any other company for the last two years, ya get it know Norm or should I write like I’m writing Dick and Jane so you can keep up Norm. My expert rifle badge from the United States Marine Corps is more significant to me than all your paper credential from who ever bla bla bla norm bal bla bla.” I can not like Savage just because Savage exist; get it.
Oh and as for muzzle breaks worth ever penny recoil is for fools who think it some how tough or manly. so while you’re trying to get back on target I’ll already have three on target. See I read your spew, no experience ha Norm. Ok I,m board with you now Bla Bla Bla, Bla Bla Bla
By the way Lord Norm, no nerve. I’m a psyche major as I stated you amuse me like all paperback novels a cheep easy read that externalizes all it’s internal disonancence. Look it up. Nerve??? Ha ha ha ha Ha ha ha quit now before I pee myself. I hope you can shoot even remotely better than you think you can profile human character traits twit, that all hollywood script bull spit and you suck at it.
Exactly Norm, so be it also with experience. Though the subject be simular experience is just as individual as opinion. Happy for you Norm but my experience with savage has not been as pleasant. Try reading the entire comment before you judge and critique. Little of my post was about the savage. If you were not so closed to critical thinking you would see that my comments were directed to more awareness that other rifles like the Ruger American and the Mossberg MVP would be less of an Apple to orange comparison. As well as to the fact that the market is flooded with made to sell rather than perform cheap rifles. Right down to the famed Rem700 that is cheap junk from only a few decades ago. As for triggers, I can pick up any firearm and shoot it just as well with a factory trigger as a custom aftermarket. If a person cannot shoot with any trigger they encounter, they probably cannot shoot any better with a custom trigger. My accuracy comes from trigger time not trigger modification or fancy gimmicks added to it to make me think I have something special. like a little taco shaped piece of plastic I want you to think is an adjustable cheek piece. For that matter we have to also consider the different models offered by Thompson Center from the Compass to the Dimension. No norm the Savage is just not in the same class as the RGSS. As for Winchester’s model you better look again Norm, they are still sold as a controlled feed mouser action.
Sorry Robert, too much posturing and gibberish here for me to take most of your comments seriously; you dissed the Savage in general, that was your post. Now you have another explanation for your comments. I did read all of it, asked you to give concrete reasons why you don’t like the Savage beyond the push feed excuse, and it’s a non-reply with just more bragging about your expertise. Fine, ok, whatever you say, and whatever you like. I actually am partial to Rugers as my buying habits show, so can you stop the posturing and tell us specifically what’s wrong with the Savage, which is what I asked initially? The ones I’ve shot were all MOA or sub-MOA rifles, with tight chambers, recessed crowns and good stock fitment, for a great price. So the problem is? I’d like to have a better reason for going with the Ruger rather than your feeling, and amazing assertion that trigger pull doesn’t matter to a true rifleman! (Snort…)
Sorry, but your blanket statement about the trigger just doesn’t fly. I’m tempted not to just because of that statement, and am tempted to guess you own just the one rifle and all your experience is with the same, but will give you the benefit of the doubt, so why not state your case? I’vr got NRA and CA DOJ Instructor certifications and even the rankest amateurs and most experienced professionals shoot better with a crisp fine trigger. I don’t care how much “trigger time” you say you have, I’ve had factory triggers with 9 and 10 lb pulls, and if you are shooting one of those I will do far better than you with a nice 26 oz. crisp custom or (in the case of Savage) factory trigger.
And the taco shaped piece of plastic works Robert, with the added benefit of being low profile, easily and quickly adjustable, and efficient. Funny, I have to believe that if the Ruger had a similar trigger as the Savage you’d be touting it…!
And since we’re both “clarifying,” the Winchester did go to a push feed post 1964, which was the point I was making. It saves costs and doesn’t generally introduce problems, but I’d much rather have the old style if given the choice, if running the bolt quickly. They sold it that way for nearly 30 years; yes, they eventually went back to the controlled feed in the ’90’s, but that wasn’t my point.
Here’s the irony, given the choice I would probably take the Ruger, just for the mags and lack of a brake, but solely based on your stated “expertise” versus my experience, I’m not buying it that the Savage is junk. I think your opinion is certainly valid, but incorrect, and that you condemned the rifle too quickly for trivial reasons, and then were committed to your argument so have doubled down in your last post.
I have three Mossbergs, but they’re all shotguns, and having not read anything yet about the MVP don’t have an opinion, but since Savage has been around nearly 60 years longer than Ruger, I think they might know something about making rifles, whether they have junk plastic on them or not (unlike the Ruger?)
If you have more concrete objections my question is still open. (?)
Robert, each to his own, but the 3 .308 Savages I’ve shot have been superb shooters, with great triggers, adjustable combs on the stock, match chambers, and one had a nicely fluted barrel; not to mention Savages customer service is superb. Seems to me that Winchester switched from a controlled feed to a push feed way back when with the Model 70. Bottom line, I don’t know quite what you’re disparaging about the Savage? Ok, the Ruger has a better feed, for $300 more, got it. Well the Savage has a far better trigger for $300 less. I’ve never had an issue with the push feed chambering rounds, and on any rifle a good trigger is huge. My only other decision in choosing between the two is the mag availability, plus the fact that the Ruger has a sensible flash suppressor while the Savage has a loud muzzle brake which I don’t care for. If the Savage didn’t have the brake it would be a no brainer choice for me.
Can you come up with any other reason not to buy the Savage, other than the negatives of the push feed and that it costs less? I don’t see any other “shiny trinkets” added to the Savage you’re talking about. By the way, I own zero Savage products, just have been impressed with their “pumped out fodder.” I currently own 9 Rugers, so I’m a fan, but not blind to excellent rifles from other builders.
I own the RGSS, other than Rock Island 1911’s My money is on ruger . I evaluate a purchase according to quality. It is near sacrilege to compare a true controlled feed action like the Ruger to a sloppy push bolt savage. I do not purchase anything because of the shiny trinkets attached to the primary object of interest. In all honesty this article should have compared the Savage with Mossberg’s MPV. Even in this comparison, I would buy the Mossburg. Fact is the Mossberg is on my list of rifles to consider next. Savage just does not tug at my interest with anything they offer. I do not even look at them when considering a gift purchase. Even owning the Ruger GSS, the MPV offers everything savage can save the trigger that in my opinion is the the one feature that kept Savage from going under. There is much more to consider than just trigger pull and that is all savage has going for them when it comes to bargain priced firearm market fodder pumped out to get in on the market action. That is all this new Savage is, take your existing model 11 drop in on an Archangel stock and call it a day. If you don’t have a model 11 and you cannot afford the pricier Ruger or exuberantly priced Styer. Go with the Mosburg. If money is the real issue for you than Buy the Ruger American offered is several calibers including 6.5 Cred. polly pillared stock, bow mag, threaded barrel for a break of a can. I added the SC trifecta brake to my RGSS recoils about like and AR with no break, slightly more than a 22 hornet. I have to believe that the writer of this article is as much a Savage Fan Boy as I personally am a Ruger Fan Boy. But at the end of the day the choice has to be made by you and where your personal values lie. You could say that it has been nothing more than a sales gimmick but for 2015 Ruger sent 1 dollar to the NRA for every firearm they sold. 2016 Ruger sent 2 dollars to the NRA for every firearm they sold. NO Other Firearm Maker Offered A Dime to Help The NRA Fight for Freedom period…..
I purchased the Scout about a year ago, and it took me almost 10 months to finally find spare magazines for it at a “reasonable” price. CD has them for about $55. Savage charges $130 for them, and the next best price I was able to find was $86.
My advice, for what it is worth, is to look at the availability of the magazines for any rifle before you buy it.
Having said that, the Scout does shoot very nicely. The sights are excellent, and as noted in the article, you do need to remove the cheek rest to use them.
The muzzle break definitely does make this a loud shooting rifle for those around you.
As for optics, if you are looking at a scope, they are a bit more difficult to find. remember, you need a long view scope because the optics mount in front of the bolt, not over it as many other do. Look for something with about an 11 inch length of view
No doubt Edward, out of this world on the price for extra mags. I bought two of the 10 rnd poly mags from Ruger but I like the acumag better even though it has a hollow can sound as it empties. The Ruger poly mags were about half the price.
Drop an EoTech or a Halosun on top, that is what is on my RGSS good for quick snap shooting.
How about a comparison with the Mossberg MVP Scout?
Looks nice. I have a model 111 in 7 mm Remington Mag. and love it! Shoots great with my Handloads 150 grain. Hornady ballistic tips for deer and my 130 soft points for self defense!!! Gives me half inch groups at 100 yards, more than acceptable. Savage…. a fine built rifle.
That is 139 grain soft points for self defense.
Wish we had an “edit” button. Hint, hint, hint.
One big point that must not be overlooked. The Ruger Scout has left-handed models available. This is an overwhelming issue for many left-handed and left-eyed shooters. As far as my research has shown, no Savage Scout in available with a left-handed action.
Thanks very much for the great overview; I was looking at the Savage 110 (I believe that’s the correct Model #), but really like the scout rifle concept so will consider this new model.
Frankly, my only concern is that loud muzzle brake; after having one destroy a range bag I was foolish enough to have within 4″ of the muzzle, I really don’t like the extra noise and flash, but also have never fired a rifle enough in a day at the range to think I needed one. And I don’t believe the original Steyr had a brake, did it?
Obviously, you and many others disagree, so I’ll have to reconsider that I guess. Would you have any idea how much muzzle velocity is lost off the top end because of the brake? Honestly, when I saw guys screwing them onto an AR I put them down as a noisy fad, as saying you need a brake on a .223 is pretty ridiculous for such a soft shooting round.
Thanks again for a great article, and any follow up thoughts on the brake for this new Scout.
Norm,
Believe it or not, it does make sense to put a muzzle bread on an AR. In fact, in the DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Kalifornia) the flash suppressor/hider is considered evil. To make an AR style rifle state compliant and not have to register it as an “Assault Weapon” after the new year, you have to remove the flash suppressor and replace it with a muzzle break. Same with the collapsing stock and the pistol grip.
Thanks Edward, but my AR is already registered, and I just can’t get behind the muzzle brake fad. They’re loud, increase the muzzle flash to insane levels, mean that you can’t rest the muzzle on a range bag or barricade, disturb shooters on either side of you, and decrease muzzle velocity.
I can see one if you’re shooting a .308 like this a couple hundred rounds per day, after a while you’d want a break from the recoil, but on an AR they’re totally unneccessary. You see the same fad now with everyone buying “cans” now for their threaded barrelled pistols and rifles, with no concept of how the silencers will affect ballistics or operation of the firearms, or understanding of the maintenance involved, and only a Hollywood concept of how they sound. One guy I know who bought one wanted his money back because he could still hear a “bang” when the pistol fired. Camo Commandos!
I can see adding the brake if you have to for CA law, but in that case I’d rather just screw on a threaded tube like the Tavor has rather than a Rooney “brake” for a round that doesn’t need it.
Half the criticisms of firearms these days comes because they don’t match the Hollywood-inspired expectations by wannabe “operators,” who think they need one because that’s what they saw on TV. Trigger, accuracy, chamber, sight options, stock adjustability, reliability; that’s about it for me, and as for “pumped out fodder to get in on the market,” junky poor quality Savage has been making quality firearms for many decades longer than the top of the line best in the world can’t be improved Ruger. ;-). Bottom line, both lines are great, it just gets down to which features you want.
Edward I put the silencerco trifecta break on my RGSS the recoil was always tolerable being a 16″ 308 with a great recoil pad equal to a LIMB SAVER. I glass bed my 270 Hawkeye into a Boyds fetherlight thumbwhole stock. It has a great LIMB SAVER recoil pad I fit to the stock with a little help from my wood shop. Still Edward more recoil than need to suffer so it will get magnaported or a good break like Slincerco makes for around 80$ hay thats cheep when you can keep the Eotech on a 6″ gong 100 yrds down range and your trying to empty 10 rounds out of your 308 while making effectiveness hits on target for time.
.308 Winchester is as good an all around utility rifle caliber as one might find. I have several rifles so chambered…..er…..actually in 7.62x51mm NATO. Since the mid-1960s I have had a Savage Model 99 in .308 that has served me very well, but my real appreciation for the modern .30 came with my acquisition of a Ruger Gunsite Scout a few years ago. It never made any sense to me that Ruger stuck with a proprietary magazine for the rifle, and when Mossberg came out with the MVP Scout in 7.62x51mm NATO that accepts M14 magazines, I quickly glommed on to one to match the 5.56x45mm NATO one (that accepts M4/M16 magazines), I had earlier purchased. Since I tend to limit my rifle calibers to 7.62×51 NATO, 5.56x45mm NATO, and 7.62x39mm Soviet, I also searched long and diligently for a rifle in the Soviet caliber to balance my battery of military calibers. Alas…..about a year ago I found a Savage M11 in 7.62x39mm Soviet. So…..now I have turnbolt rifles to match all of the semiautomatic pieces I have in the three most common military calibers. I also have managed to acquire break action single shot rifles in all of those calibers, as well. So…..come what may, I will always have some sort of capability in commonly available military calibers to take advantage of the plenitude of available military ammunition.