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IL, USA
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Posted: 1/16/2018 8:40:51 PM EDT
Hey all,
I'm just curious who still shoots the AK-74 since the Ammo Import ban of the cheap Mil surplus ammo? I know there are a few (very few) choice for ammo, but all at many times more expensive than the old Mil Surplus. Thankfully most of us that had AK74's at the time stockpiled it by the crate. I've thought about selling it, but I guess I keep hoping they will unban the Mil surplus ammo at some point. I originally bought the AK74 as a less expensive alternative to my AR15, But now I don't have anywhere to shoot either of them! I am not the type to sell any firearm or ammo, it's like Gold, you just don't sell it.. Anyway, I'm just curious if I am one of the few that kept the AK74 or if others are as dedicated and have also kept theirs? I also keep hoping at some point that we will be able to reload the 5.45 round, but I we need all the American manufactures to start producing it in brass first.. -Masta |
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Posted: 1/16/2018 8:53:40 PM EDT
[#1]
Ive seen reloadable 5.45 brass before. Don't recall the story behind it.
I don't have a 74, but I did buy tons of 7n6 for the 5.45 AR. Back in the day I told people to only get a 5.45 if you could stock pile the ammo ahead of time. Sadly, 5.45 AR15 barrels don't seem to last very long for me. |
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Posted: 1/16/2018 8:59:09 PM EDT
[#2]
I shoot mine from time to time , Bulgarian side folder , and still have about 6k of ammo from the old days when it was $99 for 1k.
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Posted: 1/16/2018 9:22:31 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Postal0311:
Ive seen reloadable 5.45 brass before. Don't recall the story behind it. I don't have a 74, but I did buy tons of 7n6 for the 5.45 AR. Back in the day I told people to only get a 5.45 if you could stock pile the ammo ahead of time. Sadly, 5.45 AR15 barrels don't seem to last very long for me. BIGGER_HAMMER 
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Posted: 1/16/2018 9:36:40 PM EDT
[#4]
I've got 2 AK74 rifles, 2 SBRs, and an Adams Arms upper in that caliber, but I'm sitting on a dozen crates of 7N6 and a case or two of commercial ammo.
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Posted: 1/16/2018 9:41:50 PM EDT
[#5]
I have a bunch of 5.45 cases of ammo and mags
I like to shoot mine 
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Posted: 1/16/2018 10:52:32 PM EDT
[#6]
Some saw the ban coming a la 7.62x39 and put away a few rounds at $0.1/rnd.
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Posted: 1/16/2018 11:15:27 PM EDT
[#7]
I’m still a big fan as well. It certainly fits in the buy it cheap; stack it deep category.
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Posted: 1/16/2018 11:26:43 PM EDT
[#8]
Is there much demand for 7n6 ammo?
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MT, USA
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Posted: 1/16/2018 11:47:51 PM EDT
[#9]
Two SAR-2s still going strong.
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GA, USA
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Posted: 1/17/2018 12:41:15 AM EDT
[#10]
I have a 74 and still shoot it. I bought a lot of the 7n6 stuff way back when, but I am now shooting Golden Tiger from SGAmmo so I can save the 7n6 for even harder times.
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Posted: 1/17/2018 1:01:36 AM EDT
[#11]
I'm still shooting the hell outta my 104FR!
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Posted: 1/17/2018 12:06:08 PM EDT
[#12]
I really liked mine, and enjoyed shooting it very much, but I got rid of it when things went (even more) to shit here in CT.
(Constitution State, my ass) |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 1/17/2018 12:07:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MastaMarksman]
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Postal0311:
Ive seen reloadable 5.45 brass before. Don't recall the story behind it. I don't have a 74, but I did buy tons of 7n6 for the 5.45 AR. Back in the day I told people to only get a 5.45 if you could stock pile the ammo ahead of time. Sadly, 5.45 AR15 barrels don't seem to last very long for me. Any idea why the barrels didn't/don't last? Thanks, -Masta |
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Posted: 1/17/2018 12:11:57 PM EDT
[#14]
I have a AK74 and a Adams Arms upper in 5.45.
I shoot the AK once in a while. |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 1/17/2018 12:16:13 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MastaMarksman]
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Postal0311:
Is there much demand for 7n6 ammo? I think it's demand came mostly because the .223/5.56 ammo got soo expensive $0.40+/round. 7n6 was $0.10-$0.20/round. Now fast forward to today, .223/5.56 has come way down in price, $0.24-$0.27/round and 5.45 is only available in small quantities of commercial ammo $0.22+/round It doesn't save much to shoot the 5.45x39 round over the .223/5.56. Obviously you can get AK's in .223 just as you can get AR's in 5.45, so I think the round price effects it's demand more than anything. -Masta |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 1/17/2018 12:23:09 PM EDT
[#16]
Anyone know what happened to User "rube79"?
I talked to him quite a bit back in 2010~ before I got cancer in 2011, he even refinished my used Sar-2 I had just bought at the time and made it look brand new! I did a search and seen he hasn't post here for many years. It's too bad, he was a big SAR fan. -Masta |
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Posted: 1/17/2018 12:25:23 PM EDT
[#17]
I do, still my main caliber and likely to be for the next 10+ years
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IL, USA
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Posted: 1/19/2018 10:04:53 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TX-Zen:
I do, still my main caliber and likely to be for the next 10+ years http://zenphotos.net/zenphotos/file/Online/SVD/Tactical/BlackRifles01.JPG http://zenphotos.net/File/Online/SVD/tactical/SGL31-94_Ta31GH_Mini4_BDAL-A3_Left.jpg |
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Posted: 1/21/2018 10:18:01 PM EDT
[#19]
Still own/don't shoot.
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Posted: 1/27/2018 11:41:28 PM EDT
[#20]
I have them in 5.45 and 5.56......love them both and use both.
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Posted: 1/28/2018 12:06:14 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MastaMarksman: Any idea why the barrels didn't/don't last? -Masta |
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Posted: 2/28/2018 11:36:16 PM EDT
[#22]
I still shoot my Tantal and my Romanian. I occasionally will shoot my converted Saiga and SSG82. Last I counted, I still have 8 sealed crates of 7n6 and a like 5k of various commercial.
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Posted: 2/28/2018 11:42:03 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Postal0311: I had no issues with the chrome lined barrel I had. I had it chopped then got rid of it wanting to go back to a 16 incher. I've had two melonite barrels and both of them have issues with cases getting stuck in the chamber. I don't know if the chambers were cut wrong, but it seems like the melonite isn't holding up and the bores/chambers are corroding/pitting. |
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Posted: 3/1/2018 12:38:52 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By drago6: what brand/type of nitride barrels did you use? i was thinking about picking some up for planned builds but you've got me spooked I worry about the quality of melonite on the barrels. I've heard some smiths say that there are massive differences in hardness when they cut or turned down nitrated barrels. |
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USA
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Posted: 3/21/2018 9:00:25 AM EDT
[#25]
I had sold all of my AK's and moved completely to the AR platform last year but I recently picked up a Norinco Type 56 style rifle for $250.00 dollars.
I don't want to do anything with it as its all original with the correct Chinese wood but now I have a bug in my ass about picking up a cheap WASR-10 for a Khyber Pass AK-47 side folder build. I want to build one up so it looks like an old beaten to death AK. I think I have like 300 rounds of 7.62x39 LOL, I'm ballin over here in AK ammo stockpiles! |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 3/21/2018 2:44:26 PM EDT
[#26]
I've been focusing on ARs again lately too. AKs kind of dried up - nothing posted here much, and not much available to buy that's priced right. Especially AK74s (my preference in AKs).
ARs are getting super cheap to build! There's a midlength carbine kit on PSA's site today for $319.99. It's everything you need except a rear sight and stripped lower receiver. http://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-a2-nitride-freedom-rifle-kit-507279b.html Good stripped lowers are like $75-100 now in local shops, and you can get a rear BUIS for cheap in the EE all day long. Looks like a really nice middy for like $450-500. AKs can't touch that in the US market right now. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 3/21/2018 3:03:01 PM EDT
[#27]
I have a SAR2 with a dozen of the Bakelite mags from when they were cheap, and a dozen of the tapcos- which surprisingly work fine.
I have one 5.45 AR, but the barrel sucks and it keyholes. I have a handful of tins of the 7N6 and a few thousand rounds of TULA. I would pick up another 74, and a better AR barrel cheap / at the right price no problem. |
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Posted: 3/23/2018 5:21:40 PM EDT
[#28]
I never got on that bandwagon. I remember when they were first available. But I lived in a blue state at the time and was out of like. later on I focused on 5.56 and never looked back.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 3/23/2018 7:33:38 PM EDT
[#29]
I still run one. Love it. Still a big fan of 5.45
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Posted: 3/23/2018 8:00:14 PM EDT
[#30]
I still have a lot of fun with my Sar, my M&P15r, and my Tantal. Also my AR-74, but when I run out of stockpiled ammo I'll probably shoot them a lot less...
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USA
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Posted: 7/12/2018 9:25:33 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Postal0311:
Spikes, then Ballistic Advantage. I think BA might have been Spikes source. I worry about the quality of melonite on the barrels. I've heard some smiths say that there are massive differences in hardness when they cut or turned down nitrated barrels. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Postal0311:
Originally Posted By drago6: what brand/type of nitride barrels did you use? i was thinking about picking some up for planned builds but you've got me spooked I worry about the quality of melonite on the barrels. I've heard some smiths say that there are massive differences in hardness when they cut or turned down nitrated barrels. |
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Posted: 7/12/2018 9:46:25 AM EDT
[#32]
 I own and shoot 7.62 (AK) and 5.45(AR) regularly. I've never shot surplus ammo through either and keep 1000+ rounds of both stocked at all times.
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IL, USA
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Posted: 7/12/2018 6:41:11 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Rdot:
I own and shoot 7.62 (AK) and 5.45(AR) regularly. I've never shot surplus ammo through either and keep 1000+ rounds of both stocked at all times.-Masta |
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Posted: 7/14/2018 6:23:00 PM EDT
[#34]
I have and shoot a polish tantal that I just got a few months ago. The rifle groups pretty well and recopil is non existent, really like the round.
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Posted: 7/25/2018 9:58:27 PM EDT
[#35]
I have a bunch of mil surp ammo stashed away, but I still shoot my AK-74’s with commercial ammo. It’s just so much fun!
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Posted: 8/2/2018 10:01:09 AM EDT
[#36]
Yes, cause 5.45 is a superior round.
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WA, USA
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Posted: 8/7/2018 11:19:32 AM EDT
[#37]
Several of us here, shoot 5.45, all the time.
Great round SGAMMO has good 5.45 prices. |
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Posted: 11/3/2018 8:37:03 PM EDT
[#38]
My SAR2 is still cranking along. Got plenty of ammo and boxes full of NIW East German orange mags.
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ME, USA
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Posted: 2/1/2019 4:41:32 PM EDT
[#39]
I shoot the piss out of my WASR 2. Favorite rifle to shoot probobly...
Stone reliable, man size accurate out to 600 yards, ammo is cheap and there is alot of decent quality stuff. |
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Posted: 2/1/2019 4:48:32 PM EDT
[#40]
I lust over the 74 unfortunately I don't have one or any 7n6 as I was to young when it was cheap. If I was a adult back then I would have bought some much up but I think I was maybe 16 when 7n6 was banned
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USA
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Posted: 3/22/2019 12:53:49 AM EDT
[#41]
How do we save the 5.45? by shooting it!!!!!!
The more there is a consumer market for it, the more ammo that will be sold. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 6/15/2019 6:36:29 PM EDT
[#42]
It’s nothing fancy but my DDI built Bulgy ‘74 goes to the range every time I go. And even though 7N6 is banned, there’s still plenty of 5.45 to be bought. I think I still have 3 untouched cases of Wood Military Classic. It’s not everyone’s favorite due to velocity but my rifle enjoys it.
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FL, USA
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Posted: 8/5/2019 8:53:15 PM EDT
[#43]
Well i bought mine back when prices were reasonable.
I have a hard time not selling it off at a huge profit. They are really fun. I well tuned full length 74 with brake is about as easy to shoot as 22 magnum but .223 powerful. That being said. When good ones are $800-$2000+ it’s very hard to justify in the age of $500 decent ARs. Plus what sucks is the 5.45 steel case is more expensive than 5.56 and 7.62x39 steel case. I would advise finding a wasr-2 sar-2 cur-2 to get into 5.45 or just go get a 5.56 ak |
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Posted: 10/3/2019 3:01:22 PM EDT
[#44]
Still love and occasionally shoot my SEAK. Have an old Sar also, trying to do some work on it though.
10k plus rounds of ammo. |
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Posted: 10/6/2019 1:57:39 PM EDT
[#45]
I still shoot my SGL-31 from time to time.
I never used 7N6 but used commercial stuff which is still cheap. I'm bummed that both AK74 market dried up and that SGLs can't come into the country any more. |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 10/21/2019 7:54:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MastaMarksman]
[#46]
I am on the fence with my SAR-2 AK-74 at the moment.
I bought it back in '08, not really early to the game, but ammo was $119/1080 round of corrosive surplus, Obummer was just elected and the price of .223/5.56 went from $0.27/round to $0.50+/round. Obviously the price of 7n6 ammo has doubled or tripled since then, so I have ~4k rounds right now, but the non corrosive ammo that is available is about the same price as .223/5.56 right now and I'm sorry to say, I do like my AR ALOT more than I like my AK, but I do like having an AK just cuz it's 'merica. I also only have 1 place I can shoot the 5.45 because of the steel core surplus ammo. (Is the newer non corrosive stuff steel core?) Recently I found a new semi-local range that actually sells Silver Bear 5.45 ammo, which was a surprise to see. If there was brass cased 5.45 ammo available, I would have no issues because I would be able to reload it. I am torn weather it's worth just unloading it, or keeping it. I've never sold a firearm but it almost seems worth it.. On the same note, I was just looking at the Troy AK Handguard: 
and it makes me want to keep it! lol I also had it refinished (moly resin) back in '08 and haven't shot it more than a few times since. At least it sounds like I'm not the only one who still has one in the arsenal! -Masta |
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MT, USA
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Posted: 10/25/2019 12:14:21 AM EDT
[#47]
Haven't shot my two SAR2s in awhile but they're ready for the TWD apocalypse.
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Posted: 3/19/2020 6:22:39 AM EDT
[#48]
I have a Polish Tantal I picked up last year. Shoots straight but I pulled the folder off and put on a fixed stock for more comfort. I like the round.
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