For the money the Stevens was an excellent investment for me. I have one in .223, I bought it new for $265. Besides the short action that the 243 comes in they also make a long action in 25-06, 270, 30-06, 7mm rem mag, and 300 win mag.
There pretty accurate guns and made by savage so you know there not cheap in quality.
Check ou the link tio their site.
http://www.savagearms.com/st_200short.htm