.243 or .270 for my first deer rifle? (I'm not a kid)

I have decided to go with a .243 ...

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Good decision ... and yes, now you need a "launcher." Given the vast range of alternative rifles out there, why limit your choices to the Mossberg or Marlin? Do they have particular features you like? My personal choice for the application you describe would be a Remington Model Seven.

I would go with a Savage before either the Mossberg or the Marlin. But of the two you list, probably the Marlin.

.270 runs through my blood. I'm a .270 guy 'til I die.

Personally I use .270, but I hear people taking deer with 223, whatever you decide on you just have to master it and become an efficient while placing a shot, if recoil bothers you get a pad, or just take a pillow or wear heavy close, Savage 11 model has a recoil pad which can reduce 35% of the felt recoil, not sure what really we are discussing here, the choice is yours, if people use .223 to take down deer, the .243 would work just fine, for me .270 WIN gives a wide range of what I can hunt.

In the Hodgdon's 2009 Annual Reloading Manual, there is a good article on page 58, "The Right Start". The author developed "MELs", Moderate Effective Loads. I wish I had read this article before buying the .243 for my grandson.

Good luck with your purchase.

.30-06 Best All Around Rifle

I noted you comment about shooting your buddies .30-06. I shot up an old box of .30-06 many years ago wearing nothing but a tshirt. I was gritting my teeth after the first dozen or so. Nevertheless, I would say that the .30-06 is the best all around rifle for hunting in North America. You can take anything on this continent with it. Also, I've noticed that recoil magically completely disappears when one is shooting at game.

I should mention another gun I just ran across recently. The TC Venture. I didn't look real close, but it's supposed to have a 1 MOA guarantee. I saw them today, at Cabela's, for $419. Might be another option for you.......

approx. $400(or less) rifles:

Stevens 200
Marlin XL7 and XS7
Savage 11/111
TC Venture
Howa
Weatherby Vanguard

oops.. Venture not available in 243.......yet...

perhaps I should look into a mid level rifle instead of bottom of the barrel?

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As far as safety, I don't think there is anything wrong the the "bottom of the barrel"...you just have to look in the right barrel...and I have always said that Mossberg should stick with shotguns. The Stevens, T/C, Marlin, and Savage all have exhibited good features and reliability (and factor of safety) for the money...you will loose some aesthetics...but little else IMO.

I don't know why but the Weatherby Vangard never gets any mention in these discussions. Weatherby's Website shows the Vangard being priced at $399 and it comes with an adjustible trigger and a 3 shot test target that shows you the starting group for that particular rifle. It also has an accuracy guarantee of 1.5" 3 shot group or they will repair or replace the rifle. My first attempt at a three shot group with mine was .91" and has since gotten down to less than .5" all of this is at 100 yards. My test target came showing a .310" 3 shot group. The price tag on my NIB Weatherby chambered in .243 Win... $349+10 for the govt. out the door. I couldn't be happier with my rifle even if it were gold plated!

Just my 2 cents worth!

Here is one for $386 with a scope, the 11 model is about 400 bucks
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/73/products_id/30995

30/30 with a rubber slip over pad good luck

Avoid the Remington 770. Certainly not in the same league as the Marlin or Savage. Do a web search and you'll see what I mean.

Avoid the Remington 770. Certainly not in the same league as the Marlin or Savage.

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Agreed...look elsewhere, OTOH the Savage Mod. 11 is a great rifle IMO.