Gerald
What calibre are you thinking of? I have killed more groundhogs with my #1 458 win than the 25/06. I dont know why you would want to work on a new rifle. Get a good one to begin with. Ruger comes with scope mts. Don't know about the jap winchester. If you are going to play long range get a sharps. You will eventualy want one anyway.
Only an opinion from an old guy who likes small martinis.
Get one of everything. Enjoy what u have.
Tom