Im with Mphstigerfan on this one. I own loads of Winchesters, and never liked Savage in the past. But as he said if you get a crapper, just screw on another barrel. Theres gotta be a reason so many guys on L/R/H buy Savages. Maybe they want an inexpensive strong action thats easily customisable. Buy the rifle, throw away everything but the action and build your own for alot less $. But I dont see too many folks shooting factory rifles(of any manufacturer) at extreme distance. I squeeze all the performance I can out of what I have with hand loading, and live with the results untill the day I can afford to build a dedicated Long Range rig. As far as cost goes, a Savage does look tempting as a ''donor'' action.
Side note: This is just like the old Chevy vs. Ford debate. Many people love thier Savages and the rifles shoot clover leafs for them, As do Rem. Wby. Win. etc. To each thier own. Its a personal preferance and ALL of the above mentioned brands are quality actions if nothing else. even if you dont care for the ''brand name'' a good action is a good action period. Shoot what you like and shoot it often and confidence as well as personal ability will soar at ever increasing distance