Watto.

Welcome to the forum. The amount of information you can pick up is tremendous. I have a baikal O/U in 9.3x74R which I have shot about 400 rounds through now. I have written about this rifle on ealier posts on this forum. I am getting the 270 grain speer out at 2300 Fps and there is room to push this to 2400fps if you want. IMHO this cartridge would be a better sambar round than the 45.70 with light loads and I also think the O/C is a stronger action than the side by side Baikal. I have shot both and the O/U is more comfortable to shoot.

This rifle is a plain jane solid outfit. It is not a merkel etc. The regulating device DOES work on my rifle and I can regulate the rifle to any bullet load. This will come in handy in October when I go to N.T. after buffalo. Woodleigh 286 grainers will be my choice.

McDonalds Gunshop in Footscray have 3 of these 9.3x74R left for about $1450.00. To spend $4000.00 buying and converting a baikel to another calibre is a lot of money, as it is still a baikal. For $3500.00 you can get a nice fabarm 9.3x74R with ejectors and such and for a few dollars extra you can pick up a set of 20 gauge barrels. For $5500.00 you can get a new Beretta Silver sable double 9.3x74R. Both of these rifles are much better looking than the baikal, but I do not think they shoot any better.

Just a few more options for you to think about.. PM if you want more information.

Wayne