Local sporting goods store in Denver has listed "M44 Russian Bolt-Action Collectible Rifle". It has 5 rnd capacity and is chambered for 7.62X54R. It's on sale for $74. I figure that if it's hunting accurate (paper plate at 100 yds) and won't blow up in my face, it's probably a good deal. I searched the archives for any posts on the M44 and didn't find any.

Can anyone offer comments on this gun?

I know that 7.62X54R is similar to .308 but not identical.

Can anyone tell me if this gun will shoot .308?