ButchA, I think I just bought what you are looking for yesterday. I went with a Browning A-Bolt Hunter in .243 Win.In my opinion,Browning A-Bolt is the best bang for the buck. I chose the .243 Win. over the 243.WSSM for two reasons. (1) I could notfind a dealer that could get me a .243 WSSM until Febuary 2008. (2) Whether you reload or buy factory ammo, there are a lot more chooses in the .243 Win. Also, there is not much recoil with a .243, and like you, I will choose a light recoil over a hard recoil any day. As for the scope, if you like Leupold, the bargin cave at Cabelas will be hard to beat. I picked up a VX-III 3.5 - 10 x 40mm with the BC retical for $430.00. Thats my opinion on a deer rifle.