I don't know if Savage could have possible picked an uglier rifle to introduce the .17 Hornet
Someone somewhere on a forum did a nice semi-custom build with a Ruger recently, but I agree about them needing to do some work with a factory chambering. I'm a Ruger Fan, but I quickly sold my 77/Hornet.
Would like to see the CZ chambered with a flush magazine and hopefully one of these years CZ will do something with the bolt handle. I know both can be modified, but that just ads extra cost.