The 243 will be much more versatile if and when you ever need a 100yd+ gun. Under 100yrds, a slug gun will kill anything in North America. Do you hunt heavy brush? If so, I rather use a slug over a 243. Another possiblity is to buy a Mossberg bird gun and a $399 Weatherby Vanguard in 243 or better yet, a 30-06.