Thanks!
I really appreciate all the great help and advice.
After "doing the math", I have decided to keep my 308 Win Remington "International" [Baikal] SPR18 and fix it up.
You folks have proven that it has the potential to be a really good rifle; ....
for 1/4 to 1/5 the cost of a Ruger #1 ... with only a reasonable amount of work.
Eventually, I may still add a Ruger #1, [probably in: 243 Win, 25-06, 270 Win, or 300 Win].
It didn't seem that bad when I started out.
I just wanted the 30-06 Ruger #1 in the Standard Sporter [1B] which is available in 30-06 and 300 Win mag
Things got really complicated when I saw the K1B [laminated stock with stainless steel barrel and action] which I really like;
... but is available only in 270 Win, or 300 Win mag.
Seems like that would be great for a serious hunting rifle.
We never had anything like that when I was dragging nice hunting rifles around many years ago ...
scratching and gouging soft wood and blued steel over fence rows, deadfall, barbed wire fence lines, nasty rocks and boulders ...through snow, rain, and mud.
Please excuse me for being in "sticker shock" over all of this.
I have been "out of the loop" for a long time, and just haven't kept up with prices.
I just wish that I could afford ... just a few ... Ruger #1s.
At least a K1B in both 270 Win and 300 Win mag.
By the time you get out the door with a scope and taxes,
these dog - gone smoke poles will set you back a good $2,000.000 ... each.
OK, OK, ... I'm going to date myself and sputter "That is more than I paid for my first brand new car !"
Actually, that is also more than what my folks paid for the house that I grew up in; and we had over an acre with it!
To make things even worse, now that I have seen the prices on and limited availability of ammo, it sure looks like I will get back into reloading; which will surely end up costing another $1,000.00 + +
It's enough to make a fella take up golf ... and serious drinking.