Hi,
I have heard that this gun is nearly as effective as a .308 and is used a lot for hunting in the ex-USSR. Does anyone have experience with the caliber/gun? On internet sites, they are priced the same as an SKS, so why are they not as well known?

dandy chambering. a little faster than the 308 with heavier bullets, barely behind the 30-06 with heavy bullets. my boys and i have killed several deer with our sporterized m44 carbines and handloads (.311 150-grain speer spire point, 4064, cci 200 primer at a mild 2,600 fps). can't beat 'em for a rough and ready iron-sighted carbine at $89 (at least that is what unissued hungarians and poles used to cost).

Gee, and no one mentioned that the SKS is chambered in 7.62 x 39 mm, a whole 'nother ball game.

I think the SKS comment was about price.