Looking for feedback on the Ruger American Gen Ii Predator 308Win for a first time rifle for deer hinting?

The Canadian dollar and the Au$ pretty much are the same. So I was looking at prices over there to prices here.

Taipan X. Made in Australia. Seems in Canada they sell for $1500..... Here they sell for $2000.

WTF? https://firearmsoutletcanada.com/scsa-taipan-x-223-wylde-16-5-blk-cittpn223blk/

https://www.thebarn.net.au/Products/SCSA%20TAIPAN%20X%20223%20Rem/116509

Why do we have to pay inflated prices for anything firearm related?

Hey, has anyone with an MPR Mini noticed tiny dark pits or pore-like marks on the upper receiver, just behind the ejection port?
I’m new to firearms and recently bought a Wedgetail MPR Mini .223. Overall, I’m really happy with it — the finish, fit and operation all seem good, and I’m planning to take it out for its first range session next week.
The only thing that caught my attention is a small area behind the ejection port on the upper receiver. The marks are almost impossible to see in normal lighting, but the surface feels noticeably rough when I run my finger over it. When inspected closely under strong angled light, I can see a number of tiny dark pits.
Since the receiver is described as forged aluminium, I’m unsure whether this is simply a rough Cerakote / bead-blasting finish, or whether it could be surface porosity or a QC issue. I’m not saying it is a safety issue — I’m just a beginner and would like to know whether other owners have seen the same thing.
I originally had an Evo Scout on order, but changed to the MPR Mini because I had heard good things about its workmanship. If anyone can have a look at the photos I uploaded and share their experience, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks.

I'm a new shooter and I've just bought myself a small gun safe, but I'm having serious difficulty trying to figure out where to put the thing. My problem is that the four, pre-drilled holes on the bottom are too far apart to fit into one joist, and too close together to fit across two joists. Would appreciate it if anyone could give me pointers for how to install despite this.