"Aluminum block" strikes me that he doesn't know Ruger's. Rugers can be pillar bedded. The pillars are under $15 and made for the gun specifically.
I would be anxious about putting $150 in a tang safety Ruger. Good rifles, but I think I would have to take a more wholistic approach to be sure it shoots. Pillar bedding is never a bad thing, but a Ruger factory barrels are famous for needing a pressure point in the forearm and I'm not hearing that mentioned.
So, then you are looking at $500 for a new barrel....plus $150-$250, if it needs trued. As you can see that is starting to add up.
In the end, that would be a great rifle, but $900 into a new Winchester 70, Ruger Hawkeye, Bergara, Savage 110 laminate, etc would be a pretty good rifle.
I would call Dennis Olson 406-826-3790 for a second opinion....He is said to know Rugers.
Typically the phrase means add pillars and epoxy bedding. The only question I would have is does this guy do the lug only or a full bedding at the front, rear, lug and I even like to see the full shank bedded.
i agree. A crisp 3.5lb trigger feels pretty good.