+1 I cant with good conscience advise anyone to get a Mosin for their first milsurp. It's like teaching someone to drive with a standard. Most will say eff it! I'll just walk! They are good rifles if you dont mind banging on the bolt!I personally thing they are fine rifles. Inexpensive, Smooth action, Relatively accurate, Cheap ammo, High quality of manufacture. Some have dinged up stocks, but nice ones can be found.