i had a Ruger Scout once. (sold it for moving funds
) it was the rifle that prompted me to ditch .223 and AR platform rifles.
my 135lb wife shot it once and was hooked on how manageable the recoil was. her grin gets larger with larger calibers i have found.
pros: bolt gun simplicity
detachable box mags
16.10" threaded barrel
built in peep sight (this was what sold me over every other rifle. a sight without having to dump money on glass)
ability to make it a scout scope set up or traditional scope
badassery (savage is OK, but i feel they are walmart brand stuff)
Cons: 8lbs is kinda heavy for a bolt gun
expensive proprietary Mags (even the poly ones are 30 bucks).
lack of options for mag pouches (though the VooDoo pouches work really well.. and i recommend them)
and yes, that is a 16.10" matte stainless barrel