Interesting thread, but I think we're just passing the time because the correct answer was given early on in post number 2 by jrm 40. Buy the tikka. I do feel std7mag's pain and I am similarly disenchanted with Remington: mainly over the trigger fiasco and the way Remington messed up marlin. However, I still buy Remington products and just mentally add the cost of a trigger replacement to the cost of a rem 700. I figure that's why God, in his infinite wisdom, gave us Timney, Inc.
Anyway if I were limited to the two original choices, I would choose the Remington. Ten years ago, I would say that savage was the best for out of the box accuracy. Recently two new savages came into the family, and the accuracy and quality was disappointing. Maybe my sample size is too small, but from what I've seen lately, I would be cautious over a new savage.
I would also look at ruger and howa. They offer rifles in the configuration you want. I have a howa sporting rifle, and I'm amazed at it's quality and accuracy.