7.62 x 39 in an AR platform

Help Support Ruger Forum:

Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Messages
9,933
Location
missouri
What is your primary purpose? As a game hunting round and for the majority of SD needs, the 7.62x39 is superior to the .223. For varmints, targets, and specific SD scenarios, the .223 wins. Having a platform with the adaptability of the AR and NOT having multiple caliber options is a mistake (just my opinion).
"Inherent issues"??
Well, there's the fact that the bolt face cut can/may weaken the locking lugs on the AR bolt. How often does that cause problems?? Hasn't happened to me but I'm not a high volume shooter.
Then there's magazine issues that may (or may not) be problematic. The current crop of 7.62x39 magazines seems to function fine. I have 3-4 brands and all work OK but again, I'm not a 'battle rattle' sort of shooter and mostly use 10 round magazines.
The 7.62x39 is actually a better hunting round than the 300AAC if you can get past the requirement for a different bolt and magazine(s) and if you can find suitable ammo.
 

RSIno1

Hunter
Joined
Sep 17, 2013
Messages
2,858
Location
Southern California
I've got 4 calibers in my ARs 223/556, 9mm and 458 Socom - the other is 308 in my AR10s. I like the 458 best. The 458 uses standard bolts and magazines, the only change is the barrel. The 223 is fine for varmints and the 458 will take care of anything bigger up to 75 yards. Beyond that for something big it's the 308s turn. My wife likes the 9mm as a plinker with 33 round Glock mags.
 

9x19

Hunter
Joined
Dec 1, 1999
Messages
2,558
Location
Texas
Mine run without issues, using C Products and ASC magazines, but I only have 10 and 15 round mags.

In ARs, I have 5.56, 6.5 Grendel, .300 AAC and the 7.62x39... plus several 9mms, a 10mm, and several rimfires. :D
 
Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Messages
9,933
Location
missouri
If we're listing 'other' calibers: 5.45x39, 22Nosler, 224 Valkyrie, 6mmx45, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 300AAC, 7.62x39, 9x19.
The least satisfying/most finicky is w/o a doubt 6.5 Grendel.
The best deer hunting round is the 6.8SPC.
The one with the most "cool factor" is 300AAC sub-sonic through a suppressor.
The best "bang for the buck" ammo cost wise is the 5.45x39( I have a lot of ammo that cost less per round than 22lr does these days).
The Nosler and Valkyrie are what I'd call 'specialty rounds' that approach 22/250 performance from an AR 15 platform.
The 6mmx45 came here as a kids' deer rifle and it's done well in that use parameter. I wouldn't consider it a general use round due to it being a handload only item.
The 9x19 is just an odd duck that may require a fair amount of fiddling/tuning to function properly. Projects considerable power at short range w/o the ear shattering muzzle blast of a rifle cartridge in 8.5-10.5" barrels. It's even better with a suppressor and sub-sonic ammo.
The 7.62x39 niche is that I already had several rifles in that caliber and a good supply of the ammo. My first one was a fairly rare model and when a collector offered me a new 7.62 upper and 10-12 magazines in trade, I jumped right on that deal. A 16" 7.62x39 makes an adequate 150-200 yard deer rifle with the right ammo. My latest 7.62 addition is a 10.5" 'pistol' upper that is surprisingly accurate.
 

Seventy7rs

Single-Sixer
Joined
Dec 16, 2012
Messages
307
Location
VA
I recommend against the 7.62x39 in the AR. It really only made sense when ammo was cheap and you wanted better ergonomics than the SKS or AK. The magazines are a problem because of the shape of the case. I was lucky, and eventually got a couple of ASC mags that worked but they were trial and error until I got these and as other posters noted they are low capacity mags. The bolt face and firing pin are unique also. You are better off with 300 BO IMO: standard proven parts and more versatility for subsonic and supersonic loads and uses standard 308 bullets.
 

deadduck357

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jul 2, 2007
Messages
404
Location
TX
Save yourself the hassle and get a 300BLK. Only about 100 ft lb less energy than x39 at muzzle and will kill pigs just the same. I've been down that road and it wasn't worth it. If you've gotta have 7.62x39 get a Mini 30, AK, SKS, or bolt gun.
 

dfletcher

Blackhawk
Joined
Sep 14, 2006
Messages
921
Location
Leaving California .....
I have an AR in X39 and the only changes I made were a stronger hammer spring to set off the Russian steel cased stuff and a slightly longer firing pin.

Magazines are important and the ASC work pretty well, although I limit myself to the 20 rounders. A company named D&H makes 30 rounders out of pretty sturdy gauge steel with a series of lateral "V" along the sides that help the mag keep its shape. They work very well, don't cost an arm and a leg either.

I'll 2nd the 458 SOCOM too. I reload, nothing like throwing a 500 grain slug downrange or backing off to the 300 grain "light stuff". :)
 
Top