Hi. I'm Jeff, from Bakersfield, Ca. I found this site this morning, and it looks like a great source of info. I sit here right now with my left hand model 11, in 223rem. I have a Leupold VX1 3x9, on duel dovetail rings and base. This is my coyote rifle. Its soon to get a new stock. I hunt deer in Cali, and most of the western states when I can get, or afford a tag. For that, I use an assortment of Rem and Win rifles, from 257R, to 300WM. I purchased this Savage after reading that they are simple, trouble free, good trigger, accurate, and I could get a 1:9 twist. It has turned out to be a real bargain. The action is smooth, the bolt lift is nicer than I was told, and the accu-trigger is excellent. For me, if I get the itch for another hunting rifle, or different caliber, I will definately look towards savage. I am former Navy, an NRA life member since 1992, master class OTC, and long range, US Navy Distinguished Rifle in 2004, and not too good with pistols. I look foreward to reading and posting. JK