Ruger .308
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What you have there is a Ruger Model 77 International Carbine. It should have about 18 1/2 in barrel. The first two digits should be the year of manufacture......1978.
I bought one when they first came out. I hunted for over 20 years in B.C., and never had any problems with it. I used 165 grain Speer Hot-Cor bullets, and downed Moose, Elk, large White Tail deer, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Sheep, Goats, and Wolves and Coyotes. And I shot a lot of game.
Although I used other rifles during that time, the Ruger Carbine was my "go to gun", one that could be depended upon to fill the freezer. Just because the barrel is shorter does not mean that it is not effective. Shot placement counts. It is no good having a bullet going like a bat-out-of-hell if it does not hit something. I would not hesitate using it for anything you come across in Manitoba.
One thing you will notice is how handy it is. If your hunting is in the dark timber or willow thickets, this is just the ticket. Long barrels tend to hang up in branches and stuff.
As for price, I paid over $450 for mine back in the 70s. I don't know what they are worth now, but I would not part with mine for a lot more than that.
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