I got a Savage Edge Combo in .243 a few months ago (now called Axis) at Cabela's, camo stock for $329. They also had them with black stock for $279-$299 at Big5 & Walmart - Cabelas was $299. It came with a Bushnell 3-9x40 scope that seemed OK but I never shot it on that rifle. I put it on my boys 10/22 and it works fine for that. I just shot the 243 for the 1st time this last weekend and I was impressed - but being a rookie that doesnt take much!
The bolt is smooth & tight and I shot a 3 shot group within an inch, inch & half total spread at most. For me thats good and I'm sure the rifle will shoot better than I can. I dont know about all the ballistics stuff and that, I just bought the cheapest ammo they had at Cabela, I think it was 100gr, dont remember the brand, I'd have to go look. I put an older-ish Tasco 2.5-10x42 Target/Varmint Scope on it that I bought used somewhere and it seems suprisingly good to me - again limited experience. But even compared to my Nikon Coyote Special it is not bad at all. I would recommend it for a cheap rifle. I can post some pics if you are interested?
