thanks for the feedback everyone.. youve basically made up my mind for me.
I finally managed to get into a couple of LFD's and have a feel and chat of the ruger, the shop staff said the same as you have, its pretty much a rock solid rifle for the money, and for some of the package deals on offer, Id be mad not to...
I think I jumped the gun though (pardon the pun) I got all excited and layby-ed a 12g Zabala.... I'll see y'all in the shotgun forum with more Noob questions.
Peace out.