7.62x39 AR-15 Thoughts

[Gadgetmonster]

I have a mild addiction to SKS rifles. And its ammo. (I have a frequent buyer's card from Classic Firearms)

But this other thing keeps knocking...
View attachment 49152
M&P Sport II

But Mr. Obvious keeps whispering to me that with so much 7.62x39 on hand I should find an AR that shoots it like this one:
View attachment 49153

• Bear Creek Arsenal AR-15 Rifle, 7.62x39 Caliber, Flat Top - https://www.classicfirearms.com/ar-15-flat-top-bear-creek-ar15-762x39-caliber-a2
• Good idea? Bad idea? I would prefer to not have to buy a different round than the supply I have on hand. I want to keep the SKS's.

Should I stick with more SKS's and ammo?
Should I give the 7.63x39 a try in an AR and if so is the Bear Creek a decent entry level one?
Should I give it up and build a second inventory with the M&P's & the 5.56 NATO

What to do... I'm just so in love with the smell of old canvas, leather & cosmoline.

Thoughts?

 

[Osprey]

Wow! That's a great price. Not familiar with Bear Creek. I have a ARAK-47 and I enjoy it alot. However, I got my upper and lower from two different vendors and I have been buying from them since. They seem to match perfectly. I don't shoot steel though. I like the way my rifle shoots the nice 7.62x39 brass.

 

[dvd1955]

Do you know if that is a standard AK mag on that rifle? Can't tell from their description. If it is, that would make it an even better buy for those that love the 7.62x39.

 

[Gadgetmonster]

Do you know if that is a standard AK mag on that rifle? Can't tell from their description. If it is, that would make it an even better buy for those that love the 7.62x39.

Web page says: "Actual rifle has full heavy barrel and 30 round metal magazine."

I called and they say it uses an AR magazine not a standard AK.

Anyone have comment about sticking with 7.62x39 and adding the AR to the fleet?

 

[jd4320t]

I didn't think the AR's in 762x39 ran that well. Maybe BCG and mag issues? I can't remember.

 

[Gadgetmonster]

Think I may switch to this one.

I.O. M247-C AK-47 7.62x39 Caliber U.S. Made Rifle, Laminated Wood Stock, Scope Rail, Hard Case and Lifetime Warranty

View attachment 49158
https://www.classicfirearms.com/aksporterriflew-woodstockbyiooncakm247c

 

[dvd1955]

I bought that model, despite all the I.O. critics. Had it about 8 months but have not shot it much. Okay so far, but a couple of my mags are difficult to snap into place. Prefer the SKS to the AK platform. Another option may be to put one of those mag adaptors on one of your SKSs.

I have struggled with the idea of adding other calibers. On one hand, it is nice to be able to buy a LOT of the same caliber ammo. On the other hand, having a variety is kind of like diversifying your monetary investments, in case one type becomes difficult to get or the price increases dramatically. I'm leaning more toward the latter these days and just bought a rifle that uses a caliber I did not have before.

 

[bobjones223]

Well you could always wade into the shallow end just get the upper and just use your existing BCG?

http://www.deltateamtactical.com/Ar...rrel-12-Keymod-Handguard-NO-Bcg-_p_4519.html#

Throw in a couple of mags. and see what she does? If you don't like it let me know and I would be interested in taking it off your hands.

http://www.blackriflearms.com/C-Products-Defense-762x39-30rd-Magazine-Black-T-Finish_p_183.html

 

[ACC]

Based upon the reviews I have seen I would NEVER buy an IO AK. Spend about $50-75 more and get an RAS-47 IMO.

Think I may switch to this one.

I.O. M247-C AK-47 7.62x39 Caliber U.S. Made Rifle, Laminated Wood Stock, Scope Rail, Hard Case and Lifetime Warranty

View attachment 49158
https://www.classicfirearms.com/aksporterriflew-woodstockbyiooncakm247c

 

[Robert Richardson]

If I wanted that caliber, I would just get an AK

 

[cop car]

Personally I'd get one that used ak mags. There are a couple of different options out there. Psa and MGI in particular. Usually they require a special upper also, or machining away some material inside. That or get a mutant. Stronger bolt. Ak is still the best platform for this caliber though.

 

[knutty]

SIG makes a nice 556 rifle that uses AK mags, not cheap though.

 

[LEaSH]

No love for the Vz 58 or 2008?

Definitely worth looking for.

 

[Mgderf]

I built a frankengun a few years back in 7.62x39 using Model 1 Sales barrel and bolt carrier group.
Had feed issues right off the bat.
Switched to CProducts mags and have not had one single problem.

Shoots to point of aim, feeds and fires just fine.
I like my frankengun, but if you go the 7.62x39 in an AR route, save yourself the headaches and buy CProducts mags to start with.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

I have read a lot of stories where the bolt fails. The larger diameter case makes them have to machine away more steel off the bolt. The rim by the locking lugs is pretty thin on 7.63x39 AR bolts.

If I was to get into the 7.62x39 game, I'd go with an SKS fitted for AK mags.

 

[warthog]

I have one, an AR-47. Works fine and has for many years. I'd sell it too as I am starting to get rid of a lot of my weapons and trying to get myself to the ones I shoot all the time. I love AK's so I shoot my 762x39 through them. I have this but haven't shot it a lot recently.

takes all AR stuff so can be customized as you wish.

 

[MilitaryArms]

The only one I've ever really liked is the CMMG Mutant. The thing is engineered from the ground up to be a 7.62x39. It's basically part AR15 and part AR10. It doesn't have a 5.56mm bolt that's been hogged out to hold a much larger 7.62x39 case head. It uses AK mags like they all should. It's accurate even with Tula ammo.

 

[Gadgetmonster]

[h=1]Thanks for the help. Decided on this one. I.O. M214 AK-47[/h] View attachment 49193

https://www.classicfirearms.com/akm214tacticalriflew-balckpolystockbyioonc

 

[warthog]

Can't argue with an AK tough I haven't ever had a good experience with IO anything and I go back a ways with them,

In any case mine is also an Upper made for the caliber, not converted from something else. The lower is made to take the AK mags as well, not re-engineered.

I wish you luck, I do prefer an AK to an AR all day long.

 

[tradertator]

Thanks for the help. Decided on this one. I.O. M214 AK-47

View attachment 49193

https://www.classicfirearms.com/akm214tacticalriflew-balckpolystockbyioonc

Any reason you chose to go with IO? I'm just curious, they have the worse name in the business without a doubt when it comes to AKs.