I shot a Ruger "Compact" in 308 Win. Frankly I was skeptical because of the short barrel. And while the stock's length of pull was way short for me, the rifle shot great groups. I would think this rifle in 243 Win.,260 Rem (if they chamber for it) , or 7mm/08 Rem. would be a good choice.

I own a Browning Micro Hunter in .243, a Micro Medallion in .308, a model 7 in 7mm-08 and an M77 Compact in .243 , and the Ruger Compact .243 has as sharp of a recoil bite as any of the others in in larger calibers because of the lighter weight and smaller size.....

That being said, I love the Browning A-bolts - micro hunters ( Micro medallion no longer available new ), and my Remy Model 7is as reliable as any. The .308 is a lot of gun in a small size, and whilevery close to it in size and ballistics, the 7mm-08 is a very good medium in theshort action calibers. A bit less recoil than a .308 / a bit more than a .243 ... but great ballistics and larger diameter bullet. The bullets available in factory loadings areheavier than the .243 andare more commonly availableat a wide range of stores than in years past......

So my vote would be for a 7mm-08 in the Remington Model 7 or the Browning Micro Hunter....

Either would be a great choice and very reliable.

God Bless

MET

Marlin lever actions will shoot as good groups as many bolt action rifle's produced these days, and that includes one Remington model 7 in 243 that hangs in my gun room!
Depending on the range you'll be shooting, this might be something to look at.