Put a SSS trigger on it, recoil lug, a decent barrel and good stock and bed it and you will have a shooter.

I have found that some Savage sporter barrels just dont shoot. Dont know why, maybe a bad chamber job ? but I have had a few that were so-so.
Have a 223 sporter that will not tighten up no matter what I have tried.

You sure you dont have a scope/mount problem ??