Well I have to disagree slightly with the Savage being the best deal for the money. Only because the Stevens model 200 (made by savage) is identical to the Savage except for the accu-trigger. Although an aftermarket trigger group can be had for around $60. At Gander Mountain and (believe it or not) Wal-Marts that still sell rifles a model 200 can be had for less than $300. Wal-mart will probably have to order it, but they all can, as long as they still sell guns. go to
http://www.savageshooters.net/SavageForum/ and look around in the bolt action center fire section. You can even get extra barrels and change calibers as long as you stay with the same action (ie. 30-06 is long action/ .223 is short action).