I love plinking with 7.62x54R... or 8mm... or 30-06... or .308... or... Well, you get the idea!
OP, you just missed a chance at some cheap SKS rifles from Allan's Armory. They had them for 200 bucks but when I saw this thread and went to get you the link, they were all sold out. (Not surprising at that price!) They've gone up like everything else, but you should still be able to find one for under 300 if you're patient. I have a Yugo 59/66 which is heavier than the Chinese or even the Russians, but it's a fun shooter. I have Mosins too and like them as well. I'm partial to the carbines, but I also love my Finn M39 for its accuracy. It's really a toss up as to your choice. Really can't go wrong with either one.
OP, you just missed a chance at some cheap SKS rifles from Allan's Armory. They had them for 200 bucks but when I saw this thread and went to get you the link, they were all sold out. (Not surprising at that price!) They've gone up like everything else, but you should still be able to find one for under 300 if you're patient. I have a Yugo 59/66 which is heavier than the Chinese or even the Russians, but it's a fun shooter. I have Mosins too and like them as well. I'm partial to the carbines, but I also love my Finn M39 for its accuracy. It's really a toss up as to your choice. Really can't go wrong with either one.