I just picked up one of these rifles in 30-06 for almost nothing, as it sat in a local store for more than a couple of years. What really made me buy it is the fact that the open sights line up for me just like the gun was custom made just for me. I figured, if nothing else, I could send gunmakers this rifle as a guide to make stocks for my open sight custom Mausers. Are there any owners of these rifles out there that can give an informed opinion about them overall? Even though it is N.I.B., it seems pretty cheap and rickety to me, and I'm almost afraid to shoot it.

I had one in 7.62x39 for several years. Typical Baikal: a bit rough, a bit crude, but stone-axe reliable. Mine actually had a decent piece of wood, and the nicely-blued barrel exhibited the spiral hammer-forging pattern similar to a Steyr barrel. Accuracy was good...not a tack-driver, but quite amazing for the cartridge. Locked up tight, opened easily, lousy trigger, very good sights. Don't hesitate to shoot it.

Thanks!

Yes, you should get her a trigger job. Than it's a decent and compact rifle.