Help choose .308 bolt action rifle

[born2die]

Basically I want a .308 rifle. It will be mainly used as a range gun, but I also plan on trying out hunting with it. While i would love a semi, I simply can't afford one, so I'm going with bolt action. My price range is no more than $600, obviously not including the scope. I've narrowed it down to two choices, but other suggestions are more than welcome.
Choice one: Tikka T3 Lite, which i can get for just about $500. Or Choice two: Remington 700 SPS, which I can get for just under $600.
I know very little about either rifle, so I would appreciate any advice you have to offer.
Thanks

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Ram Rod]

Savage Model 10/110 Whitetail Hunter - Center Fire Rifles by Big Sky Guns LLC
GunsAmerica - Search

[swiftyjuan]

Both guns you list are great guns, but I go with Ram Rod. Savage is hard to beat.

[BlackPR]

I'm a Remington 700 owner, as was my father before me! Money no object, I'd get the Steyr Elite: STEYR ARMS INC.: Steyr Elite

[Fast Cloud]

+1 on the Savage...they're very accurate right out of the box.

[dcsmith]

Agree with Savage. Spend what you save on a good scope.

[cdwolf]

I would find a Slightly used Browning A-bolt. If you could find one with a boss system it would be even better!!
You can find them for your price range with a little shopping the web.

A-Bolt Rifles

[ghost tracker]

Savage once was seen as a mid-level rifle. Now the other top manufacturers are trying to find out how Savage produces such a top-performing product...and STILL beats them on price. Here's another +1 for Savage.

[blueyedevil]

Out of the 2 you listed I'd go with the Tikka, I think they are just as good as the savages as far as accuracy, and they have a much smoother action and better finish. They do cost slightly more however.

[samh]

I play with lots of bolt rifles, I got a Tikka T3 in 25/06 last year and my SIL has one in .270, they are both the slickest actioned and most accurate rifles, right out of the box, I've ever owned. For the money I don't think they can be beat.

[CEW58]

Savage Model 10/110 Whitetail Hunter - Center Fire Rifles by Big Sky Guns LLC
GunsAmerica - Search

+1 on the Savage. Very accurate at a good price.

[edr9x23super]

I know my uncle does a lot of guided hunting trips, and in the past several years he has noticed the savage rifles getting more popular among them. I know for a fact I have shot the tactical .308 rifles and they are every bit as accurate as any Remington, winchester or whatever. And that is from an out-of-the-box rifle.

I know my next bolt gun will be a savage.....

[sniper58]

Savage Tactical is a good choice. Take a look at the Weatherby Vangard. It's made by Howa but shoots like a Weatherby. My son has the .300 Wby. Mag and it shoots tight, even with factory ammo. I've shot the .30-06 & .270 in Vangard and each outshot most other rifles at the range.

[blackhawkbill]

I play with lots of bolt rifles, I got a Tikka T3 in 25/06 last year and my SIL has one in .270, they are both the slickest actioned and most accurate rifles, right out of the box, I've ever owned. For the money I don't think they can be beat.

a + VG #1 , i agree with samh , i got to fiddle with a Tikka T3 , and i see what all the fuss is about , but i am quite sure they cost more than $600 dollars ? but they are worth every penny , the fins build great rifles , some of the nicest i have seen too

[remingtondude58]

I shoot a Remington 700 BDL in .308 Win and i love it. The action is very smooth and it is pretty light.