Try not to laugh too loud, but I recently bought back the one I had previously owned for a while. I needed cash quick for a couple of back-to-back opportunities a few years ago (.577 Webley screw-grip and a nitro Paradox were two of them!) and the Baikal was one of several items I liquidated at the time.

I had initially intended to lay ribs and fit decent sights, but it shot quite well with all the loads I put through it, although the occasional unexplained flier was a consistent inconsistency...! Fixed ribs would sort that out I'm sure.

So now I can get on with it! Well, next year some time....

Here is a previous thread with my post buried there somewhere, including a couple of pics:

Mods to a Baikal .45-70

So you will gather, AbitNutz, that I rather like the Baikal for what it is. 'Manure shovel' is a bit harsh IMHO, but I will concede a 'Sow's Ear'.