There is nothing inherently worse about the russian captures. you have to evaluate each rifle individually. It would only be worth saving for if you are a collector and care about the markings. Most people don't shoot orginal unmarked german ones in good condition because of the collectors value. If you want a shooter get a russian capture or a yugoslav mauser. Some of the site sponsers have yugo ones in unfired condition, with all the accesories, for $500ish. As for 8mm mauser it's pretty easy to find and not crazy expensive. It's not as cheap as .308 or .30-06 though. A box should run you $25-$30 for the cheaper stuff.