I have Savage short actions in the B&C M40, the MDT LSS / LSS XL, and a handful of different Boyds stocks (ProVarmint, Heritage, AT-One). Comparing the three:
- I prefer the B&C M40 for field use; the cast aluminum bedding block is solid and the comb/drop is well suited for a myriad of field positions. The rear swivel will rotate (annoying but not harmful) but it's otherwise a decent product. I would prefer QD sling cups and molded checkering instead of relying on a pebbled finish for grip, but that's a nit. At $315 to my door, it's a terrific value.
- The MDT LSS chassis is a decent option; the original LSS is too short in the forearm and the XL is a must if you want to shoot off a bipod / bags. It's cold in the hand and a little less handy in the woods than the M40 style. The current / Gen2 forearm accepts MLOK kit (e.g. QD cups) and the use of an AR style stock similarly can provide QD cups at the rear (if you want a traditional two-point sling carry). My last LSS XL was $450 to my door, so it's definitely a step up in price from the B&C.
- The different Boyds can be a decent option, but once you add the pillar option and an adjustable comb (if the selected style doesn't fit you well) it's pretty expensive. Of the three, it's my least-preferred choice but it's still serviceable. I want to say that the last handful that I bought were in the $300 range to my door; pricing a ProVarmint with checkering / adjustable comb / real recoil pad / pillar got me up to $370 plus shipping. At this price range, the B&C is a much better value assuming that the M40 shape fits you.