Elliot,
Welcome to the fire. You'll get a lot of very knowledgeable advice here. To stick to your original post, if you've decided on a 243 in the two rifles I prefer the Winchester Featherweight. These are two very different rifles as far as wood and blue vs synthetic and stainless etc. Either one will do just fine and the 243 is a fine light recoiling hunting round. I assume its deer you are hunting plus target shooting?
If you are able, handle both and go with what fits you better. Oh, don't skimp on the scope. This may be more important than the rifle.
Scott
