While the .308 is basically a perfect deer rifle, if I was seeking bear, I would go with a .30-06 as a minimum.

But that's me. I have a severe allergy to being eaten by angry predators, so I would ensure it doesn't happen to the best of my ability.

JSG; The 308W is a fine Choice, I hunted with a guide in Canada who hunted with a Savage M/99-308 an has taken over 40 Moose with it, The Savage is a good choice! But as WAM pointed-out there Better brands for almost the same money(+/-).

PS; Look in to the USED gun Markit at pawn shops??

Good old fashioned no big dollar bullet like Remington or Federal 150 grain soft point, wouldn't give it a second thought!

When I wear out this Chevy, I'm going to buy a Ford. It has lasted way too long and my friends think I'm poor and can't afford a new truck. That way, I can convince the wife that I need a new one more often!

The .308 Win. is an ideal choice for deer and black bear, esp. with the 150-grain bullet.

Savage is a very good choice. 308 is also a good choice. Never had any problems with the fire power or accuracy in either one. The difference might be in the round I would choose but you will find out when you shoot different rounds which one does the trick for you.Hope you choose to reload yourself so you can dial in the perfect round. Good hunting my friend.

Never buy the bottom end / price point rifles or combo packages. That goes for scopes and rangefinders, too. If you insist on one of the entry level price point rifles, expect some disappointments down the line, either in service or resale. Sort of like buying a Hyundai or Kia instead of a Toyota or Honda.

Ditto Chuckles, this was a good discussion for me to avoid as I don't follow Nascar at all. I just know enough about it to pick on a buddy of mine who's a Jeff Gordon fan. I told him last season that Gordon was painting his car pink and had picked up Mary Kaye as a sponsor. He was not amused.

F_ix
O_r
R_epair
D_aily

You have it wrong chuckles:
F-irst
O-n
R-ace
D-ay

So when did Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr, and Kevin Harvick start driving Fords? Even mark Martin switched! LOL!

OK go get the Savage Edge and hang it in the back window of your Ford. Then when your are ready to upgrade both rifle and truck get yourself a Chevy and the Savage 11.
Just kidding about the trucks, it is a silly argument as they are all pretty good these days. I have had both and can't tell much difference. You will notice a big difference between the Edge and one of the better Savages or the Weatherby. If at all possible save up and you will spend less money in the long run. If you are really hard up for dough lots of people say good things about the Marlin XL7(?) as a low cost rifle. Enjoy whatever you get!

Well as I posted above I have enjoyed the back and forth but your knowledge of racing is far greater than mine. I will have to yield the floor to WAM who seems willing to defend the honor of the Chevy drivers.
Cheers to you sarge01 for the expertise,wisdom and humor you bring to this site and to your classes!

The last time I checked Carl Edwards was still driving a Ford. He won the last two races last year and one so far this year.

I got into NASCAR when Davy Allison came to WV to hunt with me and we traded hunting between Alabama and WV for a couple of years until he got killed. My wife and I traveled to the races and I ran the second gas can on his Busch car on Saturday when we were at the races. I have never seen a race from the stands always from the pits. When Davy got killed we lost interest for awhile but I had become friends with Dale Jarrett and I started pulling for him. He was one of the finest gentleman in the garage. Believe me alot of them are not and I have been in close contact with most of them. In the later years I started pulling for Carl Edwards. I guess my Dad selling Ford cars for over 30 years may have something to do with me pulling for Fords.