right off the bat,brownings and remingtons arnt even in the running but am interested in the stevens and howa, but marlin mite do it

Of the choices you listed, I would take the Howa (or Vanguard, which uses the same action). I have one in .243 and it a rugged and accurate rifle.

Pick a rifle that feels right to you make sure the fit is comfortable. Just about every major manufacturer that I can think of chambers for .243 win.

Why no Remington or Browning? Either weapon can be very reliable, and are priced competitively with other manufacturers.
Don't limit your options, since not very many small dealers will have an Howa, Stevens or Marlin on the shelf. The big box stores may not either, for that matter.

I have several Rifles and the Browning Hunter A-bolt .243 I have with the wood stock is a very accurate and well made Rifle,the bolt-action is nice and tight yet smooth when working in and out.It also has the lower detachable shell clip and is one of my most accurate guns that I have shot Deer with and Coyotes too!

A few other Rifles that I would consider buying in a .243 Caliber are the Savage 111 with the wood stock and Accu-trigger,the Stevens Rifles are actually made by Savage and some are the top-loaders and don't have the lower shell clip so You have to eject every shell put in to empty the gun...which I don't really care for safety wise.The CZ-USA Rifles are some nice looking and well made guns,as mentioned the Weatherby Vanguard Rifles are nice and reasonably priced and Ruger makes some really nice Rifles too!Keep Your options open and try several Rifles out..You'd be surprized at some of the good afforadable Rifle on the Market!

Ruger M77 .243, S.S., Lam/Stock

With out question get the Howa.

JD,

My Remington 700 SPS DM (wished they made the SPS stainless w/ a DM) in .243
might be the most accurate rifle I own.

Just shot it at the range using 75 gr. V-max HSM bulk ammo (it's now my predator gun) never hit outside of the bullseye (100 yard lane).



I like Howa (M1500) fine though.

I have the exact same gun. Two of them as a matter of fact, one is a 223, the other a 280., love them both. I also have a Rem. 700SPS 243 that it a absolute tack driver.

Although Weatherby Vangaurd and Howa are both fine firearms, made in Japan. I personally wont own one, or any other foriegn made gun for that matter. There are plenty of great firearms made right here in the good ol U.S.A.. Our nations economy is in enough trouble, I will only buy guns made in America, by Americans who pay taxes and support our Nations economy, not a gun assembled by a foriegner that probably cant even spell firearm. JMO.