Yeap what Tim said.....and just for the fun of it

I get hosed for it sometimes

, but I have always liked the little Russian, and believe there is potiential for the little round if handloaded correctly. My main reason is to handload it, but I will admit, that when I got the rifle I had a couple 7.62 rounds left over from my SKS escapades, and fired a couple off just to go bang and before I go through the riggors of cleaning and polishing

I have a few things I want to try, but right now I am in the process of gathering info/feedback and supplies.
When looking I have seen the standard rifles with laminated stocks, darker finish unlike the Ultra. In some ways a laminated stock makes sense because of the quality of wood available now. It may be easier and just as cheap the make "plywood" instead of looking for decent grain and few flaws.
I have seen the ugly lams on NEF's on the used rack, but haven't seen them on any new production Handis. Thats not to say, I suppose, that it's beyond them, right now who's to say

Some strange calls being made at camp, thats for sure.