im buying a baikal mp 153 3.5 in mag semi auto. anyone have any experience with, and how much do they usually go for in very good condition?

.243man,
I have one, that I bought new in the box some years ago. Mine is the same as those imported by EAA in the States. My experiences with this gun is that it is quite reliable. At least for the 1500 or so shotshells I have fired, mostly reloaded by me, no malfunctions at all. Although a little on the heavy side, you will appreciate its weight firing 3.5", 2 1/4 oz. loads. Receiver finish is not so much durable. If you buy it make a check of its bore diameter in conjunction with the choke tubes. The bore diameter in my gun is .728. The diameters of the three choke tubes that came with the gun are:
IC: .7368
M: .7275
F: .717
Quite out of specs, as you see.
Fortunately, Trulock makes extra choke tubes and Colonial makes rifled choke tubes, if you prefer. Finally I am not dissapointed with the gun although if I can make a suggestion, go for a Benelli Super Black Eagle, if you can afford. If I can help any more, please, let me know.
Lefteris

I have a Baikal MP153 and love it, exelent for the money, it is reliable and handles well. mostly use it as a waterfowling gun and as mentioned the finish is not exelent on the reciever but no worse than many guns costing a lot more money.

I bought one a few years ago i use for waterfowling.You can adjust the gas system to cycle with full power magnums,all the way down to trap loads.It has functioned flawlessly for me,both hunting and at the trap and skeet range but I only shoot a few boxes a year through it.
I have noticed my gun only patterns well with the x-full choke tube,perhaps mine are out of spec as well.