7.62x39 Rifles

[TheJuggernaut]

Looking at maybe getting a rifle to shoot 7.62x39 rounds. Obviously looking for something that can chew up anything your throw at it, especially the steel cased rounds. I know AK's traditionally are the ones that come to mind for this. But are there any non-AK's out there that are just as rugged, dependable and reliable even with steel cased rounds? Specifically, I have looked at the Rock River LAR-47 and Sig 556xi. Or is this best left to a good AK like an Arsenal SAM-7R? Or perhaps there is something else out there?

 

[Mgderf]

SKS- in many different variants.
I have a Norinco. Chinese made.
Very dependable and reasonably accurate if you get a decent one.
Made for steel cased ammo.

 

[BogWalker]

May I ask why you don't want an AK styled platform? It's going to be the most versatile in terms of ammo choice than nearly all other 7.62x39 caliber rifles.

 

[TheJuggernaut]

May I ask why you don't want an AK styled platform? It's going to be the most versatile in terms of ammo choice than nearly all other 7.62x39 caliber rifles.

I'm not dead set against an AK. I know they are reliable and rugged as you could hope for. But they just don't have the fit and finish you typically get with an AR. So I was hoping to find a reliable compromise. But perhaps an AK really is the best (and only) choice for shoot steel-cased round in 7.62x39.

 

[OneBadV8]

CMMG MK47 is an AR that takes AK mags. Its pretty new though, I keep looking for good reviews on it

 

[M67]

For a 7.62x39 rifle, the POF puritan has caught my eye, and the Sig MCX is pretty slick

 

[Ziggy01]

I have nothing but good things to say about the Sig 556R. I love mine. There are a couple in the classifieds now.

 

[Clay]

VZ58?

CZ 527 bolt gun?

SKS?

 

[BehindBlueI's]

What do you want to spend and what do you want to do with it?

 

[JettaKnight]

I'd vote for the VZ58.

There's also a Valmet or Ruger Mini 30.

 

[Vamptepes]

Ruger mini 30.
Vepr rifle
AK
SKS
DSA RPD
PTR 91 32

 

[huntall50]

I'll follow to see that the OP intended use and basis for comparison are. Rounds original design, original rifles to fire that design, adapted rifles to fire that design? Which is best for your intended use? Plinking(ammo burner), varmints, hunting, long range accuracy, defense/assault or just plain expensive fun.

 

[wsenefeld]

PSA is coming out with an American AK sometime around the end of May.

[video=youtube;dex9ejzLS2Y]https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&v=dex9ejzLS2Y[/video]

 

[TheJuggernaut]

What do you want to spend and what do you want to do with it?

Mainly something to do a lot of plinking with. But I also prefer something that is capable of filling other roles if need be. As far as range, I'm only looking for something good up unto 100 yards. I think there are better rounds out there for longer ranges. As for price, that is somewhat flexible. That's why I would lean toward an Arsenal if I went for an AK. There is truth in the old saying "you get what you pay for"

 

[BehindBlueI's]

You can pay a lot for capability you won't ever use at 100 yards and in. Aesthetics aside I don't think you'll see a huge difference between a $500 AK and the others. It'll boil down to preferred aesthetics and ergonomics.

 

[BogWalker]

I've seen quite a bit of ammo sensitivity in Mini-30s, and the early ones have .308 diameter barrels. I believe they've corrected that to .310 now, however.

 

[87iroc]

I have a SKS and love it for cheap plinking. It was my go to plinker until I go ta 357 lever action that I can reload for. SKS has sat in the safe for a while now. SKS can be had for 300 and will eat anything. Looks good too. Mine in chinese one.

 

[Crossbow]

I love my Sig 556xi Russian in 7.62x39. It's very reliable and a quality built firearm. www.sigevolution.com/#sig556xi

 

[roscott]

I'll put my vote AGAINST the mini 30. The magazine catch requires you to thread a little bar into a hole on the front of the magazine and then rock the mag in. It is tricky in a calm moment, and incredibly difficult under stress. Additionally, if you miss the little notch, the mag will still click in, and you don't know that it is incorrectly set until it malfunctions after your next round.

The one I spent a lot of time on was also very finicky on ammo.

It's a shame because I really like the open top Garand style action, but I wouldn't buy a Mini 30.

 

[TheJuggernaut]

I love Ruger firearms, especially their .22's. I actually considered the Mini 30. But when I called Ruger and talked to them about it, they flat out told me not to use steel-cased rounds in it. They admitted that there are some Mini's (14 or 30) that shoot it just fine. But they said there are just as many that won't. I just find it odd and disappointing that the Mini 30 is chambered for a round that is primarily steel-cased but only recommended to shoot brass-cased rounds. For the cost of the brass cased 7.62x39 rounds, you may as well go for the new Mini .300 Blackout.