I went thru the same over a year ago.Ended up selling my .308 and moved back to a .223 for varmints and plinking as I don't shoot past 600 yards and .223 is cheaper.
I had the scope and bipod so looked for a sub 500.00 platform.
I wanted the following, .223, 1 in 9 twist (so I can shoot any grain .223 round), plastic stock, back up irons, adjustable trigger, threaded 20" barrel, heavier barrel.
That was a tall list for 500.00!
Tried the Mossberg MVP but the mag lockup, floppy bolt with the flimsy bolt shell pick up, and plastic sights, moved it to number 2 choice. Loved the T3 but it the non threaded barrel and lack of sights plus price took it off the the list but it sure shouldered nice and the trigger was great. Looked at the Rem 700, but recent recalls concerned me. Liked the Savage AXIS but wanted a heavier barrel and back up sights. Liked the Howa but it lacked the base requirements for a bush/field bargain shooter.
Not much left now under 500.00 then I read about a rifle designed for field shooting and not bench shooting. That pushed me back to Savage.
The CDN dollar was higher bought a .223 Hog Hunter for 479.00 CDN.
The stock is green, hollow and like tupperware. I added a adjustable check riser, added lead shot and expanding spray foam to the hollow stock cavity, and epoxied metal rails to the inside of the forend to keep things rigid as the barrel is free floating.
My Army buddy showed what it could do at 300m in the wind even with a cheap scope, I am very happy.
Anyways do you research and make sure what you buy fits your criteria, all rifles in reality have their pros and most are pretty accurate even the lower cost Savages.
Both my 11 yr old daughter and 13 yr old son can shoot this rifle very accurately!