Thanks Rover31.

I know that many US shooters do not like the 7.62x39, but I've never known why. Rifle sales have always been poor. For people that just want to plink, there have always been a lot of cheap, surplus military arms around. I guess that's where most of the interest lies with this cartridge. Generally speaking, surplus ammunition has been in good supply.

If you reload for the 7.62x39, having a rifle with a .308 barrel is a great solution for eastern deer hunters or varmint hunters looking for a bigger bullet. I've used this cartridge with .311 bullets and bagged a few coyotes with 125 grain bullets, but I think having a few more bullet weights and types is wonderful.

This rifle is pricey for a Savage, but it's worth it if you're hunting for deer at less than 200 yd. or coyotes at 250 yd or less, this is a viable option.