I think it's more a to each there own kind of thing. To guys that shoot competition I get having a high dollar rifle that is high speed. For us guys that like to target shoot and play around with our ar's then I think a budget gun is a great way to go. I own three and none cost more than 700 and...
I don't have the best optics out there but I've been really impressed with all the red dots vortex has put out lately. Great eye relief, zero very easy and a good moa selection between models.
For a cheap entry level AK I think there great. They shoot well have a decent action and won't break the bank...and let's face it everyone needs a AK to play with.
I'd be fine with a .22 mag, 9mm, 16 ga and a .308 rifle. I say that and I have triples in all those. I like the thought of slimming down but don't think I'm capable.
I have a pedersoli I got for a steal. It's fun to shoot and I've killed several pheasent on put and take hunts and one jake a few years ago. Once you figure out the load it likes there pretty good shooting guns.
I'm pretty much in the same boat as you with not knowing them but wNting one to play with. I have plenty of nice quality built rifles that will do anything I need but wanted a cheap AK47 to play with. I ended up getting a good deal on a century arms and while it's nothing special I will say it...
I can't imagine this being a popular caliber. I own several rifles that came out with one manufacture making them and another making ammo and all of them phased out and are a pain to find ammo for.
I can't ever find anything gun wise that's not over priced when I go to flea markets. Pawn shops tend to be where I find most of the guns I'm after these days.