My mantra has always been if you want to collect them, think Philly; if you want to shoot 'em, think Utica. Personally I would not shy away from any gun just because it's a Savage gun. As with most anything it's a gun-by-gun thing; I have three mid-30's Utica SW's that are finished quite well and are great shooters, and I have heard it said that there was more decline in quality and finish from early to late Philly guns than from late Philly to Savage guns. As others have said, 2-3/4" chambers and more modern dimensions are two advantages. And I gotta say, I don't know where you guys are from, but if you regularly find SW 20ga guns for a grand or less, I want some of that action!