Re: .308 Target Rifle
freemanr250, welcome. About three months ago, I was in the same place that you are. Not sure about what to get or why. I'm no stranger to rifles, but I'm coming over from the AR camp where I shot mostly rifles that I built myself with good success. When it came to bolt guns, I was at a loss, so I'll share what I've discovered and let the rest of the guys tear it apart.
So...I'll tell you what I did. I started with a Remington SPS Tactical. I looked at and shot the Savage and didn't like it. It seemed to me that the action was longer than it needed to be and I really didn't like the floating bolt head. It just seemed to me to be a weak point (although I'm sure that many will debate that). Anyway, I got my SPS Tactical that came in a Hogue pillar bedded stock with the X-Mark trigger. These components are highly criticized. Still, mine shot consistent 1/2 MOA groups out of the box. The reality is that it just isn't that hard to find a rifle capable of shooting MOA or better.
Where I really put my money was in the scope. This is, to me, the most important part; and for me, there is no other than Nightforce. In the field of upper class glass, Nightforce is the best bang for the buck, in terms of build quality and glass quality. Spend something in the neighborhood of $1500, give or take a bit, and you could very well be set for life, as far as optics go. Nightforce isn't the best(in terms of glass quality), but it's up there.
Since I got my rifle, I decided that I had the long range bug, so I started making my rifle really my own. I started off with an HS Precision stock. I got it for $200. It was a pull off from a Remington 700P and I picked it up used. Next, I added a Timney trigger. $100 at most places. Lastly, I had the rifle re-barreled. I went with a Krieger. It really didn't add much to the accuracy, but I don't have problems with copper fouling any longer and the rifle does maintain its accuracy and point of impact when the barrel is hot. I was getting some POI drift and the groups were opening up more than I thougt they should when things got hot, with the stock barrel.
Bottom line, get an SPS Tactical.
On the other hand, I have had thoughts about Savages. If you aren't adverse to getting a Savage type of rifle, you could very well just jump right in with a full on semi-custom job. Start off with a cheapie Stevens rifle. I've seen them new for under $300. Strip it down to its action, sell off the barrel and stock. Get a barrel from either Krieger, Pac Nor, or other good barrel maker, add a Bell and Carlson stock and trigger of your choice.
I guess that in all of this rambling, I'm just trying to convey that there is more than one right choice. It's a matter of budget really. Remington, Savage, Howa and Tikka all have offerings that can make you happy.