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Posted: 1/5/2009 2:07:45 AM EDT
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I am looking to buy/build a carbine in 7.62x39. I really like the ballistics and the low cost ammo. I know I could just go the AK route, but the AR ergonomics blow the AK right out of the water
so from what I have been reading, the magazines are the weak link––is this still the case, or is someone selling mags that you can count on when the chips are down? Are 7.63x39 AR mags hard to find? What about a MGI lower that uses AK mags? Are these any good/reliable? I see that there are a few other lowers that use AK mags, but I have never heard of the manufacturers––does anyone have one of these lowers or know how do they shoot? I would be lying if I said that money was no object, but I will shell it out to get the best thanks SMC |
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...from what I have been reading, the magazines are the weak link––is this still the case, or is someone selling mags that you can count on when the chips are down? Are 7.63x39 AR mags hard to find? Functional mags are still not available in any quantity, C-prods continues to struggle with theirs, follower trouble I believe, I think they're trying to use an anti tilt follower. If that is the case don't expect it any time soon as the follower must tilt besause the AR magwell is straight and the 7.63x39 cart is not. With functional mags the 7.62x39 is as reliable as any, mags suck, drums rule! AI AR10-Dan in Ga |
| There is nothing wrong with the 7.62x39 AR, aside from reliable high-cap magazines. There are plastic MGW 10 rounders that work, but if you want to use 20 rd GI mags then be prepared to only load around 8-10 rounds before having problems. The bolts have been known to break earlier than the 5.56 bolts, but they are not strict 500 rd replacement life items either. The bolt will last a while, maybe just not as long as a 5.56 bolt will. (and on the subject, the .50 Beowulf uses the same 7.62 bolt in a MUCH more powerful cartridge and I don't hear a lot of moaning about that one.) The 7.62x39 round can be counted on to be very accurate and effective at distances under 200 yds. as demonstrated by some of the other posters on here. |
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.. (and on the subject, the .50 Beowulf uses the same 7.62 bolt in a MUCH more powerful cartridge and I don't hear a lot of moaning about that one.) .. I don't see the $1.20/round .50B guys popping off nearly as many rounds at the $0.12/round 7.62x39 guys. 
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I have a model 1 7.62x39 with a 20 inch barrel flat top reciever and man
this rifle really rocks 
Accuracy is exceptional (shaw barrel + easy scope mounting) Using their stock bolt brass case ammo (my reloads from the sks) she ran great,but wolf primers are very hard and not all would fire,not good !! we do have an economical fix by taking 5 thousands off the back of firing pin. But I switched to MGI bolt made for all types of ammo,now I don't get failure to fire or anyother problems 
The 10 round Cproducts run perfectly,I have not seen their latest 30 rounder yet,but I am waiting for the little brown truck this week. If you just want to blast away go with the AK,If you want to do some accuracy shooting and plinking go with the 7.62x39  AR platform.
My rifle has over 1000 rounds in it and the bolt is perfect 
Later JOhn |
| Not having both of the bolts in my hand, I'll go by your picture. But, please explain why if they both use the same head diameter that the Beowulf bolt face is machined out larger? It appears to be too loose and will not grip the head securely? Out of the pages (admittedly not every one of the available sites on the web) I've seen discussing the Beowulf they all say that they have the same head diameter (as per your pic) and use the same bolt. I have yet to see a site saying that the same bolt was "machined out" to a new diameter. You could say the 7.62x39 uses a 5.56 bolt (just machined out) using the same logic right? I'm not lobbing grenades your way, just looking for clarification and education. |
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But, please explain why if they both use the same head diameter that the Beowulf bolt face is machined out larger? It appears to be too loose and will not grip the head securely? The photo is somewhat deceptive, as in it you can't really see the beveled edge around the bolt face recess on the Beowulf bolt: 
Both of the bolts shown will firmly grasp a cartridge of either caliber discussed. I, too, am curious but don't know the engineering reason(s) for the difference between the bolts; I've asked for some enlightenment over on the .50 Beowulf message board. |
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O.K.,
The Beowolf bolt has a shallower bolt face and therefore more "meat" supporting the locking lugs than a 7.62x39 bolt. This means that the 2 are absolutely not interchangable. To use a Beowolf bolt in a 7.62 you would have to recut and deepen the chamber. Then if some unknowing sole ever replaced the bolt with a regular 7.62 bolt it would result in excessive headspace and possible harm to said individual. Please ignor the fact tht the 2 have the same diametral face dimensions. They are not interchangable. Brazos Jack |
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I have a 11.5 inch M1S upper in 7.62x39 on my SBR AR and it runs like a champ. With crappy Wolf 122gr. HP ammo it will group about two inches at ~100 yards (my range is a cow pasture) and in the over 100 rounds I've fired through it I have yet to have a Malfunction, (except for the Wolf failing to ignite a few times).
I'm using a MGI bolt & bolt carrier with C products high-cap magazines. The only problem with it is that the muzzle blast, noise & concussion is impressive to say the least. Which made a great excuse for ordering a new .30 suppressor yesterday. 
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A reliable 7.62 x39 ar? Use 10 round mags and brassed cased FMJs. Brass cased American 7.62x39 SUCKS unless you need the brass save your $$$, read the sticky for why 
I've fed mine every bullet profile imaginable with the best sucess It even feeds 170grn Sierra 30-30 flat points with 100% reliability |
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Thanks for the replies, maybe I wasn't the only one with some confusion over the two. Sorry for HiJacking the thread and going off-topic.
The 7.62x39 round is capable of some good accuracy, but since most of it is made for the lowest price per round most of it is not as accurate as it could be. The key to making it work for you will be to reload your brass and find out what your rifle likes. Barnaul Blue Box might be good for price and general use, but I only am getting about 3.5" @ 100 yds with it and iron sights on my 11.5" pistol from a bench. Optics and better loads would tighten that up a lot, but for plinking it works just fine. I'm waiting on C-Products to ship some 30 round mags so I can try them for myself. |
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I have a 11.5 inch M1S upper in 7.62x39 on my SBR AR and it runs like a champ. With crappy Wolf 122gr. HP ammo it will group about two inches at ~100 yards (my range is a cow pasture) and in the over 100 rounds I've fired through it I have yet to have a Malfunction, (except for the Wolf failing to ignite a few times). I'm using a MGI bolt & bolt carrier with C products high-cap magazines. The only problem with it is that the muzzle blast, noise & concussion is impressive to say the least. Which made a great excuse for ordering a new .30 suppressor yesterday. How well do the C-product hi cap mags work? You are having ignition troubles with an MGI bolt and carrier? I thought they were supposed to fix that malf??? Any chance I can get an AAR on a 100-200 round in 10 minutes "torture test" |
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How well do the C-product hi cap mags work? Any chance I can get an AAR on a 100-200 round in 10 minutes "torture test" Cproducts is still having problems with their follower not keeping the tip up. It my understanding that the are not generally available to the public yet, only a spattering have been released to beta testers. If you look up at my previous post and click the 'drums rule' link it will load a movie of a 75round burst in less than fifteen seconds. I own three of these drums and have fired them back to back to back. Best to do it on a winter day, it gets pretty damn hot. Colt upper and bolt and my custom modified formerly USA drums. I've got 6000+ round through, it doesn't take long using drums. If the feed device can maintain the tip up position of the round it'll run til you run out of ammo or the gas tube ruptures. AI AR10-Dan in Ga |
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How well do the C-product hi cap mags work?
I have two but have only fired one and it works great (will rectify that tomorrow ).
You are having ignition troubles with an MGI bolt and carrier? I thought they were supposed to fix that malf???
I've had a few rounds that won't ignite apparently due to the primer being recessed a little to much. I get good strikes but apparently it's not quite enough. If I had an AK I'd try to fire them in it, but I don't. But overall I'm thrilled with the set up and the accuracy is more than acceptable. |
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so...Carbinekid and UTPilot is it safe to say that you would consider you 763x39 ARs reliable enough for SHTF use? I have more .223s and stuff to support them, I built this setup for some cheap blastin that I don't have to dick with, it can't be beat. AI AR10-Dan in Ga |
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Sorry my answer is vauge. If it was what I could get my hands on first in a SHTF situation I would have no problem depending on its reilability but then I built them that way. These drums are custom built and tuned, I have a high numbers of hours and rounds of development to get them to single pull empty. I cannot vouch fo other's products I would not want you to get 'some other stuff' on my endorsement and then try to depend on it in a SHTF situation. the 7.62x39 can be made to run reliably, it may take some effort and a few bucks but its well worth it.
AI AR10-Dan in Ga |
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I appreciate your candidness
I (unfortunately) cannot own drum mags because of state laws(or I would be asking who to make the check out to). As I read it (and this is true of anyTHING that you are planning on relying on when the chips are down) it can be done but may take some "tweaking" and definately will take some testing |
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