A few months ago, I was shopping for a .308 bolt action, and had up to $1K to spend on it. I handled everything from the Axis and Mossberg up to a Browning and just about everything in between. Ruger American, 77, Rem. 7 and 700, Tikka, Howa, Winchester... Probably a few more I'm forgetting.
For my money, the Savage model 11 was the winner. And I am so glad I chose it. It is super accurate without a lot of fuss, and the versatility of the Savage system is unmatched. Want a different bolt handle? No problem. Just unscrew the bolt cap with an allen wrench and install it. Different stocks? Again, no problem. Everything from Accustocks to lightweight plastic to wood to fiberglass to kevlar available. Want a great trigger? The Accutrigger is easily adjustable and will flat out spoil you.
If you even decide later to switch calibers, and are somewhat handy with tools, you can do that too. Try that with any other gun.
I know I sound like a Savage commercial, but honestly I had no loyalty to any brand when I started shopping. If anything, I was partial to Winchester but that's about it.
When you start to use the rifle and shoot for groups and customize it to fit your needs, I really don't think any other gun can hang with the Savage 10+/110+ series. The 700's can be customized, but not as easily and they aren't as accurate out of the box. The only one I'd put in the same category as far as value might be the Ruger American. It's super accurate out of the box and has some nice aftermarket stocks available for it now.
Anyway, that's my own experience. I handled the Mossberg Patriot and although it looks like a great deal from 20 feet away, in my hands I was not really impressed.