Hey Mite Those prices sound mighty fine if I had the money Id buy the Ruger as I do alot of squirrel hunting but the 12 gauge would tear my shoulder up bad. Before my disability I hunted behind a lot of dogs and the worst was a GSP. The best I ever found was a toss up between an Irish setter and a Brittany. Running a close 2nd was a Liver and white pointer. I dont know what the facination is with GSP's maybe they have gotten better? Myself I never cared for em. Deer hunting with dogs is legal in some states like Mississippi. I hope this helped some Jimmy