I haven't 100% decided yet, and I have awhile to wait anyway because it looks like I won't get into a PAL/RPAL class until January... and then two months + after that until I can go shopping.
I am leaning towards the CZ858. I like the SKS (especially for the price) but don't really like that it isn't designed to take magazines. Sure it can be made to do so, but from what I read they don't always work the best. So the CZ858, which is only $695 including 4 magazines, bayonet, uses cheap ammo -- even the non-corrosive is inexpensive compared to other large calibers, seems like a good deal. I would likely get the folding stock version, so the little bit of wood on it would not be an issue. I also love the iconic look (nearly like an AK) -- looks badass.
Most importantly, it looks like lots of people are interested in the CZ858, so even if I get one and decide it is not for me then I should still be able to sell it without taking much of a loss. Although I suppose that with an SKS, even if I didn't like it I could just keep it anyway because what is $200 any more?
In addition to the CZ I might get a cheap 22LR too... just for fun. I figure if I am going to go to a range then I might as well have more than one choice of what to shoot once I get there.
I've considered the M305, but am shying away because from what I can tell the ammo is more expensive.
For a brief moment I considered getting a JRC 9mm because that ammo also isn't too pricey, there are lots of cool toys for that gun, and I can have 10 round clips, but a gun like that -- I think anyway, may be wrong -- wouldn't be that useful for hunting. Anyway, I am sure I will be corrected if I am wrong, but the JRC seems like a short-range urban combat type weapon and not really that great for either a range or the bush.
At the end of the day, I am still a little bit hesitant about getting into shooting because I am worried that I will get bored soon with the nearest ranges being an hour away and then getting bored of range shooting. I could get my hunting license, but then I need to find hunting buddies and even then the open-seasons are so short. Seems like a lot of money to drop for just a few weekends a year of enjoyment. Even a worse $$ spent:times used ratio than a bike!
So Diesel: have you decided on one yet?
If you're looking for lower cost, I would throw my vote behind RedLiner's suggestion: a chinese made M14 knock-off called the M305
http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/2463/PolytechNorinco-M305-308-Win-Rifle.aspx
The .308 Win (aka 7.62 NATO) makes an excellent large game hunting round. The price seems very good and the plastic stock would mean you don't have to take care of wood.
