7.62x39mm which one to own?

[Minuteman]

What I'm about to say will be pure blasphemy to some of you, and probably shock a few that know me.

I do not own a single 7.62x39mm bullet, much less a rifle in this caliber.

Yes, I know, it's probably the most prolific caliber of all time, even our beloved .22LR is probably out numbered by all the Russian, Chinese and other armies of the world that have been using this round since WWII. The fact that Russia has gone to the 5.45x39mm in their newer AK74 isn't lost on me either. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62×39mm
So I'm thinking what kind of a sports shooter can call himself/herself such and not own something in 7.62x39mm?

So I ask you, if you could own only one 'example' in this caliber, which would it be? Ideally, I'd like it to be modern and practical for self defense, fun to shoot and train with, have some cool history/story, and some degree of collectibility, but like every other gun I've ever seen, you can't have it all.

Hope I didn't upset anyone too much with my confession, I 'grew up' with M16 and variants, and when I was ready to step up in caliber, I found the 7.62x51mm more to my liking. Something about saying 'NATO standard' I guess.

One last silly question, is there a rifle that will shoot any other caliber and properly fire the 7.62x39 ? Even an insert for the 7.62x51 would be interesting, no?

Oh, I thought to create this thread because recently I was showing the difference between bullet sizes and realized I didn't have a 7.62x39mm specimen. I also read this article about the Marines and Army considering new rifles. http://www.military.com/news/articl...armys-lead-on-new-carbine.html?ESRC=army-a.nl

 

[Kman]

A few years ago, I would have said C&R for SKS. Not now. Too much $ and for a little more get a new Saiga.
I REALLY want a Mini 30. I love garand style action and Mini 14's.
I don't know about other conversion or cross over calibers.

 

[Indiana Jones]

I would go for the iconic AK. You can go tacticool, classic, modern, sporter...anything! I heard Russia is switching back to the 7.62x39 but I'm not sure. there are AKs to be had at great prices. Guys who can tell you far more than me are comblic, FPS, nemesis and clandestine. Sorry if I missed the other gurus! These are the guys I go to for AK questions.

 

[Yoshi]

This is on my shortlist: http://primaryweapons.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=269&idcategory=15

But, I currently own an Arsenal and love it! Mini-30 sounds cool too!

 

[wagtail]

A month ago I bought a Arsenal AK-74.Very happy with the product.Ammo is Cheap!
Military Shooters has 5.45/39. N/C Military is 750 rounds for $135.00 + shipping.Just got my third case. Also military surplus is even less!!Fun to shoot, slight recoil, but loud.You are holding a bit of history in your hands.When I go to the range I take a Colt Hbar, '74,and a PS-90
Many choices in the market place for AK-47,and '74's.There is a chap who lives in N.Va who really knows AK's. Hope he see's your post and replies. Take your time,this is one product that
you only buy once.
Wagtail.

 

[Combloc]

VZ58. The best ever made.

 

[Jarhead FLSTI]

I started my 7.62x39 collection with an SKS. Then I got into AKs for a while but don't really like them (more of a personal thing, not to bash AKs). I still have a cheap WASR but I do like the SKS more. I have 3 now, Yugo, a Norinco and a Norinco paratrooper. Last year I got what I personally consider the best combo of SKS and AK... it's the VZ58. They're pricey compared to most SKSs and AKs but shoot awesome.

 

[WeaponsCollector]

I'm a big fan of the SKS.
Politics aside it's a great gun, accurate, affordable, reliable, easy to take apart and clean, and the bayonet would be great for zombies.
I've also seen 20 rd attached magazines available for them so you can load 2 stripper clips at once and of course there are detachable hi cap magazines out there too(some good some not so good). I think you just can't go wrong with an SKS but I will say a Mini 30 or VZ58 sounds very tempting.
AK's are of course the main gun in this caliber and I don't have anything bad to say about them other than their accuracy can suck.

 

[Jimbob2.0]

Save up and get a norincos pre ban, you can score one for 700 to 800 and they are well worth it. Highly underestimated ak and one that will have some residual value in the long haul.

7.62 x 39 is a great round. One of my favorites to play with, low recoil, good hit, inexpensive, just starting to work on reloads for it.

Someday I will take pictures of my ak caliber arsenal for you guys ska, ask, bolt guns, ars.

Only thing I want now is a polytech double folder

 

[leroygibbs]

VZ58. The best ever made.

Word! While I do love the AK, the VZ58 is a much nicer rifle.

 

[erwos]

Czechpoint Vz58, VEPR, or possibly a Valmet M76 (if you can somehow find one in 7.62x39). If those are too rich for your blood, a converted Saiga works nicely, too.

Now, time for a personal opinion: you need to decide whether you love 7.62x39, or just love the idea of having an AK. Because, if it's just having an AK you're after, you can get a wide variety of reliable AK-action firearms in .223. (Example: I'm building a Galil SAR with AR-15 mag adapter because I wanted an AK, but didn't want to add another caliber or mag type to my collection.)

 

[Fester60]

I would vote AK-47. SKS's have gone up in price lately. Might as well spend a little more and get an AK, even if it is just a WASR. Century's QC seems to have inproved and it seems their newer models are decent. Personally I never have had any trouble with their older models either.

Ammo is cheap in 7.62x39 and AK magazines can be had cheap also. Easy to work on and clean. Only real problem is mounting optics if you are big into that. There are options for optics but just more difficult to find and install than on an AR.

 

[PowderFinger]

Gotta have an AK.

 

[Sirex]

My Logic;

Get a SKS now. They are no longer being produced or imported into the US. Molot, I think, makes some copies of the chinese one, but aren't imported. That said the vaue of the SKSs are going up, and once gone, they're gone. Then only folks who really need to sell or have stockpiled SKSs to sell will be willing to sell. Buyerss willl outnumber sellers and the values will go up. Get one or two now. That said, AKs, are still being built, and variations, new and used, being imported. Just my $.02

 

[Jimbob2.0]

I would vote AK-47. SKS's have gone up in price lately. Might as well spend a little more and get an AK, even if it is just a WASR. Century's QC seems to have inproved and it seems their newer models are decent. Personally I never have had any trouble with their older models either.

Ammo is cheap in 7.62x39 and AK magazines can be had cheap also. Easy to work on and clean. Only real problem is mounting optics if you are big into that. There are options for optics but just more difficult to find and install than on an AR.

Side rail no problem

 

[jawn]

I enjoy shooting SKS rifles. Real easy shooters and the bayonet is awesome. I'm looking for a Norinco Paratrooper.

 

[hvymax]

The SKS seems to be the most accurate by far. The Shernik bullpup stock seems wicked. If Kushnapup ever gets to market I will be in line for several Saigas.

 

[jimbobborg]

I bought my first one this year, a Saiga. Doing the AK conversion myself. I paid $402 OTD, but some of the mail order guys are selling them for $299 now.

 

[Markp]

VZ-58
/Thread

 

[Scott7891]

What I'm about to say will be pure blasphemy to some of you, and probably shock a few that know me.

I do not own a single 7.62x39mm bullet, much less a rifle in this caliber.

Yes, I know, it's probably the most prolific caliber of all time, even our beloved .22LR is probably out numbered by all the Russian, Chinese and other armies of the world that have been using this round since WWII. The fact that Russia has gone to the 5.45x39mm in their newer AK74 isn't lost on me either. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62×39mm
So I'm thinking what kind of a sports shooter can call himself/herself such and not own something in 7.62x39mm?

So I ask you, if you could own only one 'example' in this caliber, which would it be? Ideally, I'd like it to be modern and practical for self defense, fun to shoot and train with, have some cool history/story, and some degree of collectibility, but like every other gun I've ever seen, you can't have it all.

Hope I didn't upset anyone too much with my confession, I 'grew up' with M16 and variants, and when I was ready to step up in caliber, I found the 7.62x51mm more to my liking. Something about saying 'NATO standard' I guess.

One last silly question, is there a rifle that will shoot any other caliber and properly fire the 7.62x39 ? Even an insert for the 7.62x51 would be interesting, no?

Oh, I thought to create this thread because recently I was showing the difference between bullet sizes and realized I didn't have a 7.62x39mm specimen. I also read this article about the Marines and Army considering new rifles. http://www.military.com/news/articl...armys-lead-on-new-carbine.html?ESRC=army-a.nl

For practical/home defense use the AK is the way to go. There are numerous accessories for the AK as there are for the ar-15 you are used to. Recent developments by Midwest industries and Fab defense (stuff used by the Israelis) have put out excellent rail systems to use any accessory that one would use on an ar. There are buffer tube adaptors that allow you to use any milspec ar buttstock on the market. Surplus steel mags are cheap plentiful and durable. Modern polymer mags by arsenal and surplus bakelite mags are the way to go avoid anything american made. It is also by far one of the most reliable firearms ever built. Does not require as much attention and lubing that an ar requires plus parts are way cheaper and more durable. Factory built ak's from foreign sources are the way to go such as wasr-10/63's, arsenal's, saigas, paps, or pre-98, 94, and 89 imports from china Egypt Hungary Bulgaria Romania and Serbia. Again avoid anything american built unless it is done by reputable builders like inrange, AKUSA, Arizona response systems, cold war classics, pof firearms, investment grade arms, Ted Marshall just to name a few.

Other 7.62x39 firearms are also excellent candidates like the vz-58. It has a similar safety system like the ar, lighter than the AK, has had a lot more accessories for it put out recently, easier to manipulate and handle than the AK (it is my avatar pic). Magazines are about the same cost as AK mags and not interchangeable but can use stripper clips while inserted in the rifle since it has a built in bho device. Wherever the AK has been the vz has been right behind. North Vietnamese special forces preferred this rifle over the more plentiful AK.

The sks is a fine shooter. A tad more accurate than the AK and vz because of the longer barrel and gas system with also a lot of history behind it. Like someone else posted they are no longer being built and will eventually be not as plentiful as they are now. However they are good collectible shooters but not as ideal for home defense use because of their limited capacity and how long they are. There are some upgrades for it but at that point you might as well just get an AK or a vz.

Really you can't go wrong with a 7.62x39 firearm (unless made in America). All are reliable durable and affordable shooters.