I have a C&R and more than one Mosin. Quality varies a lot. If I were going to get one for hunting, it would first be a project gun. I would cut down the stock, cut and crown the barrel, bed the stock, upgrade the trigger and mount a scout scope. Might go with a bent bolt handle. Even then, you might have trouble getting off a second shot fast than with a Handi.
The fun thing about Mosins is the cheap ammo, they can be made into good sporting arms - but their best use if as a fun over sized plinker.
If I had to choose, I would go with the .44 mag - although I would hesitate to shoot a big boar with one. I have a buddy who found two .44 mag bullets in the cartilage plate of a rather large boar he killed. Just not enough velocity. When I hunt hogs I use a .308, 30-06, 8x57 or my 45/70 Handi. The wife uses her .270 Ultra Comp - but IMHO that's the bare minimum. I'm sure that a .44 mag will do the job on smaller hogs and even bigger sows - but I would be careful about using a .44 mag on big boars.
Perhaps those with more .44 mag experience could shed more light on the subject.
