Gun show. Seriously. Go to a gun show, find a gun you like, put it on the counter and step back slowly. If you have a smart phone, you may not need to do that. Find the same model firearm on gunbroker for half the price. Order, ship to your FFL. Mission accomplished.
If you have a smartphone, check prices on that gun. You may find a really, REALLY good deal. Not likely, but it is possible. If you did find a good price, A. Tell Murphy that he is a liar, and B. draw wallet smoothly and quickly.
I am not a fan of the Mosin. However, it is a solidly built piece of machinery that has been documented to be quite accurate with certain specimens. Something to keep in mind, they are not the only inexpensive mil surp out there. You can get Turkish or Spanish or Mexican or Chilean or Argentine Mausers for a decent price, just make sure it is 7mm Mauser or 8mm Mauser, and you will be golden. Not as cheap as x54R, but you can get good quality hunting ammo for it. Bubba's mistake is your gain, if you look at it that way and don't mind a disgusting rifle. Sometimes a Bubba'd rifle is passed over by mil-surp snobs, but that very rifle might have an interesting story to tell, and it might even shoot nicer. (plus you can get it cheaper if you point out the flaws
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