RE: Dedicated Slugger vs. ML
Not yet owning one is reason enough to buy a ML. The extra weekend is a bonus too.
If you are at least moderately experienced with guns, Iwould consider a Savage smokeless ML, you could buy a $150-ish scope to make up the difference in the price of the gun. You will certainly get the range you're looking for. I can't say how fussy they are, but they are no worse than other MLs.