As with most things, I'd say if this is your first rifle don't compromise in hopes that it will do everything "okay" because you'll just end up buying a deer rifle and a varmint rifle down the road. At this point just get your varmint rifle cuz the ammo will be a lot cheaper and if you get a chance to go deer hunting borrow a .270 or .30-06. I think Howa is supposed to make a .243 that is pretty much bad ass right out of the box. Not sure of the model or anything. I've also heard of a Tasco scope that is supposed to be pretty freakin incredible. Lemme see if I can figure out what model it is.
edit: Howa 1500 and Tasco Super Sniper