Update: after long searches, deliberations and discussions I purchased a Savage 110 LE in .308 with 20" threaded barrel. Added a Nikon Black X1000 I found at a local gun store that was a "demo model" without a scratch on it and well below list price. Some good rings, a scope leveling kit and time carefully spent mounting the scope has left me with just a trip to the range to sight it in.
Thanks for all the advice offered, it definitely educated me and kept me from making bad choices by jumping on various deals I saw.

Looking at quality .308 ammo prices definitely has convinced me that reloading is the way to go.