I congratulate you on being honest enough to come back and publicly admit the problem was you and not the rifle. Most wouldn't.
Agree.

you no poop have to learn how to shoot lightweight rifles.
My first Savage LWH was in a Creedmoor also. It had the 20" pencil barrel. The muzzle flip was sharp and although "inspiring" did not enhance accuracy even a little. I finally just went with a 22" sporter barrel from another Savage and all ended well. It is what Savage should have put on the LWH's to start with.