My state has a single-shot 'Primitive' deer season that does not allow hammerless rifles, and several S/S target-shooting games also require rifles with external hammers. That could become a factor for you, depending.
I'm a big fan of the original Winchesters, but not the copies. The Brownings are frequently extremely accurate but too hard to work on and the Italians won't accept the original parts such as set triggers without heartache and discontent.
If I was going to buy a rifle I could take pride in owning and using as-is with only minor mods, and never shoot a match or go 'Primitive' hunting, I'd choose the Ruger every time. OTOH if I wanted a rifle for competition or a primitive hunt I'd choose the later Win copy but with a shotgun butt and better sights.
Regards, Joe
