OMG, where to start, #1 for me is that unless you own a savage or blr in a long range capable caliber like 308, putting a scope on a lever , especially a big 3x9 is blasphemy, but to each his own. like putting a trailer hitch on a race car imo. due to their being expensive to make they loose the price war with cheapo Wal-Mart specials. and while not dead they may smell a little gamey. Winchester is making them again but they are big bucks, so if you like 1500$ truck guns go for it. as for the comment "they have the ballistics of a 7.62x39" is BS as anyone that knows ANYTHING knows they come in calibers from 22 lr to 45-70 and up. and in thick brush the light wt easy carrying/fast handling characteristics may make them the VERY BEST choice for hunting.