The Saigas are pretty good for the money. I like the variety of detachable mags available for them, too. I think the 7.62x39 is around $149 at CDNN Investments. Could be cheaper elsewhere but I don't keep up with stuff like I used to...

My favority semi-automatic rifle is the Remington 7400. Mine is in a 30-06 and with Nosler 200 grain Accubonds it will shoot an inch diameter at 100 yards, no problem.

If you look up "inexpensive semi-auto rifle" in the dictionary they show a picture of an SKS
I have 2, a Yugo and an SKS-M(takes AK mags) both will easily shoot 1" groups at 50 yards (even 100 yrds on a good day)BUT only with good ammo. Groups are more like 3-4" with cheap Russian ammo, but that's still fun for cheap plinking.
I also have a 9mm Hi-Point carbine, and its a hoot, best $165 I ever spent. Several thousand rounds through it (Including some +P+) and zero problems ever.

I bought a Yugo SKS yesterday at a gun show for $169. It is unissued and in very good shape. I hope to shoot it this weekend. It came with the bayonet etc... I know the assualt weapons ban has expired, but I'm not sure what is legal and what isn't at the moment. Do I need to remove the bayonet to make my rifle "legal"?

Whether or not it's legal to have a bayonet attatched or not is a Montana thing. It's OK in some states and not in others. It is a lot harder to Skin critters with it while attatched to the rifle though.... ....DJ