Interesting choice options. I'd pick the R-1 and never look back. I've only seen two R-1s in action, but they cycled reliably and were accurate. Right now a pal of mine, whose annual income is primarily from doing bear security, is looking for a .300 or a .338 version with irons and a synthetic stock to replace his .375. He had a wood stocked R-1 in .30/06, sold it, and has regretted it ever since. FWIW, I would not choose a Savage for bear work, but for your purposes it should work.