Ok, After checking them out.
I'm leaning towards the Tikka T-3
a few questions:
1. is it really worth the extra $100 to get a stainless barrel?
2. Bass pro has it $600 (blued) and Cabela's has it $580 any ideas to get it cheaper?
Yes, stainless barrels are the only way to go.
A stainless barrel will rarely need cleaning, especially in a 308.
A non-stainless barrel needs to be cleaned regularly after use. Even minor copper fouling can cause pitting under the area of fouling, which is a completely different problem than rust caused by moisture, which is another, but lesser concern.
As for price, check Gunbroker, CDNN, and Bud's online. Remember that you will have to pay shipping and also a transfer fee to the receiving FFL on your end, which runs $25 - $50 depending on the FFL licensee on your end.