Has anyone owned/shot one of these? Yeah, I've heard that they're not 'true' Remingtons, etc. but the Russians overbuild everything and they seem like a fair value for a single-shot.

It's a good idea, not to judge a book by it's cover.

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Hmmm...I'm not sure what I should take away from that; that it is a Remington making it a good rifle or that they didn't overbuild it so it'll fall apart in my hands making it a bad rifle.

These guns have been very scarce, and I have heard they are no longer being imported -- no information to confirm or deny it. Being Baikals, I would assume they would be utilitarian and strong, but not very refined, and based on reports I have seen of them that assumption looks pretty accurate. In other words, if you're looking for fine triggers and gilt-edged accuracy, you will probably be disappointed, but the action will be a strong one.

Yeah, that's what I was expecting. I wasn't looking for a cosmetically-alluring rifle that others would drool over, just something that would shoot a cartridge with reasonable accuracy to mid-distance length or a little beyond. Based on my experience with the other Red stuff I have, all mil surp, they've never disappointed in accuracy or 'meatiness.'
Thanks

From the onset looking at the little single shot they are finished very nicely, the thing that turns me off is the opening lever. Looks like bubba cut and hammered the thing outback on the forge. The cocking indicator (plastic) seems out of place on this gun.

If they had a top opening lever like the old Savage 219/220 singles I'd have one in a heartbeat.

I've got one of the older Baikal double rifles O/U in .308. Decent rifle, nothing fancy, but nice enough (has a typical top lever). I owned an inexpensive Baikal S/S SG for a while too, nice gun. I'd love to see someone produce a duplicate to the old Savage 219 ! I have one in 30/30 and it's a great little rifle. If they could make a new one in say, 7-30 Waters, it would be a great little gun.

How right you are. I just picked up a early 219 and redoing it. The stocks were refinished 30 years ago and I think the guy used a beltsander as the wood to metal fit was lacking. New stocks and parts from Numrich will set it straight. The barrel has some pitting at the throat but I'll have to find out how it shoots first.