I started hunting with my M48A Mauser and Remmington Soft Points. It was nice, and I was able to start hunting for around $125 out the door. In the heavy woods of VA it was just the ticket as I didn't need a scope to see 50 yards and the 8mm was enough to take any deer. But, the metallic sights meant I missed the first and last 20 minutes of prime shooting time as I could not see the sights well enough to target. Never had to let one walk because of it, but it worried me.

So I bought a CVA inline muzzle loader and put a BSA Catseye scope on it. Total price $180 and about as accurate. Accurate out to about 150 yards (too hard to guess bullet drop after that, not an accuracy problem with powerbelt bullets).

At the range, my M38 is much smoother than the M48. The wood is trash, the metal is rusty and pitted, the bolt is gray from pitting. But the barrel just keeps shooting and the action is so smooth that I am just as accurate as with my very new M48A.

I haven't found a russian gun that I think is accurate enough to take game. Don't get me wrong, I have about 6 examples, but the barrels are all substandard and hunting ammo is hard to find.

I also like the .303, but the only rifle I own in that caliber is a Jungle rifle. I don't mind carrying a heavy rifle, so I never bothered to field the jungle carbine. I DO like the peep sights on it and it is easy adjustible for range. .303 has taken more African game in every size that any caliber except maybe the 30-06.