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Posted: 10/13/2005 10:58:27 AM EDT
I've read in numerous forums/posts that a lot of people recommend the 7.62 for first time AK buyers (as in this thread): www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=64&t=76898

Why do some of you guys recommend the 7.62 round over the 5.45 or the .223 for first time buyers?
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 12:18:33 PM EDT
[#1]
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 12:19:53 PM EDT
[#2]
Because the original and mass produced AK is a 7.62x39..

The new ones shoot 5.45, but the 7.62x39 is cheap ammo and easily found. Plus, there's probably 1000 rifles in 7.62 on the planet for every 1 that's in another caliber.

It's all preference.

If it's your first, I'd just get a no-ban WASR and see if you like it. They're cheap..
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 12:32:57 PM EDT
[#3]
Alot of People considering an AK,more than likely,want one because they see them on the news everyday and 99% of the ones making the news are AKMs in 7.62x39.I like the 5.45,but all but one of my AKs are 7.62.

As stated above,it all boils down to personal preference.
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 12:35:28 PM EDT
[#4]
Ammo and mags are cheap and readily available pretty much no matter where you live in the US. Depending upon certain state laws of course.
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 12:36:52 PM EDT
[#5]
Also the "Look". An AK-47 is probably the most pictured and yet feared and revered weapon since it's birth and adoption by the USSR.
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 12:50:48 PM EDT
[#6]
As stated above the 7.62 is the original AK. As a first AK if for some reason you dont like  it a  7.62 ak will be easier to sell. I believe the biggest reason everyone on here suggests the 7.62 is experience I bet everyone on this board has now or at one time had an ak in 7.62 so they know they are great reounds. And if your buying an AK your not buying a gun for accuracy you dont need a super accurate round, you want one thats gonna stop peaple and thats what the round does. Also the ammo isnt as expensive as 5.56 or anything else so you can store alot of it for shtf purposes
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 1:10:03 PM EDT
[#7]
Thanks for the replies guys...


Here's the reason behind the question: I am in the process of looking for and (hopefully) buying my first AK. Actually, this is will be my first rifle. I have looked at and shot an AR-15 (boss has a Bushy M4) and I also shot my boss' .270. After 15 rounds of .270 I started getting pretty sore and didn't look forward to the next shot. With the AR, I went through around 75 rounds and enjoyed every single one of them. So I guess in my mind I equate the 7.62 closer in size and possibly recoil to the .270 and therefore possibly less fun for extended range time than either the 5.45 or .223. I'm not scared of the recoil...I just like to go and shoot a lot of rounds and I want to have the most fun possible while doing it. Sure, I could get an AR but I've already got access to one whenever I want (my boss is a super cool gun nut). Plus, the AK just looks better IMO. Add the ease of maintenance over the AR and I'm sold.

Thanks again for the replies and if anyone can recommend a moderately priced (4-600 range) AK in either .223 or 5.45 I'd appreciate it.
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 1:14:29 PM EDT
[#8]
man...you guys are killin me. After reading more posts it really sounds like I should at least try the 7.62. Like someone said...I can always sell it if I find I don't like it to much. I'm pretty much a gear whore with my hobbies so it's not like this will be my last one his
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 1:41:05 PM EDT
[#9]
The recoil from the 7.62x39 is more than the 5.45x39 but nowhere near a bolt action .270.You won't have any trouble going through several mags,your trigger finger will wear out before the recoil starts getting to you!
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 2:13:15 PM EDT
[#10]
Dont even worry about the recoil. You can shoot all day and not worry about the recoil. But I have an underfolder and after 500 or so rounds it does get tender. But with a full butt on your shoulder its no problem. And if your worried about the fistfull of money I can take that off your hands for ya
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 2:14:04 PM EDT
[#11]
5.45mm AK's are great. The ammunition isn't as common as 7.62x39, but it can be found anywhere on the internet that sells 7.62x39 usually. 5.45mm mags work no matter which country made it. The best 5.45mm AK is the Arsenal Inc SLR-105 A1R. The stripper clips for 5.45mm work very well too.

ETA: Arsenal SLR-105 can be found from $450-$600, depending on the whether it has the FSB and muzzle brake added and also the scope rail.
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 2:14:43 PM EDT
[#12]

Quoted:
The recoil from the 7.62x39 is more than the 5.45x39 but nowhere near a bolt action .270.




if that's the case then 7.62 it is.

I know this should go in a seperate section but are the WASRs that are everywhere junk or would you consider it a good "starter" AK?

Man..you guys have got me excited about this again. I was worried it was going to be tough to find the gun (and ammo) I wanted. If I go 7.62 this should come easy. Saturday can't come fast enough LOL


Thanks again!
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 2:19:18 PM EDT
[#13]
BTW Calvo Welcome To The Dark Side!
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 2:23:55 PM EDT
[#14]

Quoted:
BTW Calvo Welcome To The Dark Side!



thanks! I'm sure you guys will be thoroughly agitated with me in a few weeks with the never-ending questions and range reports
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 2:29:40 PM EDT
[#15]
270 is a full-power rifle load, like 30-'06, .308 Winchester, 7.62x54r...
7.62x39 is an intermediate rifle cartridge, between pistol and full-power rifle. Not nearly as hard on your shoulder. It DOES have more kick than a .223 or 5.45 though, but it's more of a muzzle blast/rise thing than a kick/recoil/ouch thing. Lots of flash


If it takes regular AK mags go for it. It's really hard to screw up an AK to where it doesn't run.
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 4:00:49 PM EDT
[#16]
It just feels right.
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 4:15:02 PM EDT
[#17]

Quoted:

Quoted:
BTW Calvo Welcome To The Dark Side!



thanks! I'm sure you guys will be thoroughly agitated with me in a few weeks with the never-ending questions and range reports





Questions are good! We welcome them. You have to remember that Darksiders have more...sophisticated tastes than other rifle shooters. Keep it light and fun. Get out there and grab a 7.62 and go for it!  Oh yeah...my senseless plug for a milled Arsenal rifle!
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 4:34:55 PM EDT
[#18]


Plus Chicks go crazy when they see a 7.62 going off.  I have gotten laid several time due to the fact
that I was able to show off my 40 round mag.
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 4:37:55 PM EDT
[#19]
Well Well Well,I'll have to try that!
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 5:09:38 PM EDT
[#20]
7.62 is more available/cheaper, both in terms of ammo and mags, also you can hunt with 7.62 in a pinch (it's ballistically similar to .30-30 and as long as you use good ammo, it'll do the job on deer).  An AK in a smaller caliber is generally a plinker/range toy (unless, of course, you want to go squirrel hunting, lol).  
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 6:04:23 PM EDT
[#21]
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 6:13:12 PM EDT
[#22]

Quoted:
img202.imageshack.us/img202/710/joel15wt.jpg

Plus Chicks go crazy when they see a 7.62 going off.  I have gotten laid several time due to the fact
that I was able to show off my 40 round mag.



Link Posted: 10/13/2005 6:18:35 PM EDT
[#23]

Quoted:

if that's the case then 7.62 it is.

I know this should go in a seperate section but are the WASRs that are everywhere junk or would you consider it a good "starter" AK?

Man..you guys have got me excited about this again. I was worried it was going to be tough to find the gun (and ammo) I wanted. If I go 7.62 this should come easy. Saturday can't come fast enough LOL


Thanks again!



WASR-10's are great starter rifles.  I bought one and realized how much I like AK's... not I'm selling it and buying Arsenal SLR-105 because I'm a fan of 5.45X39.  Then I'll buy a Vector AK underfolder later.  If you're interested in one...mine is in the Equiment Exchange...or just email me.

CMS
Link Posted: 10/13/2005 6:26:38 PM EDT
[#24]
WASR-10's are excelent starter rifles,...they will get you in touch with your inner AK child

Link Posted: 10/14/2005 4:40:51 AM EDT
[#25]
I cant belive no one has given the required Arfcom answer of: GET BOTH!
Seriously get either one and make sure to stock up on both ammo and magazines.
Plus don't forget your ears and eyes. (hearing protection, safety glasses)

Sgt Bingham
Link Posted: 10/14/2005 5:15:04 AM EDT
[#26]

Quoted:
img202.imageshack.us/img202/710/joel15wt.jpg

Plus Chicks go crazy when they see a 7.62 going off.  I have gotten laid several time due to the fact
that I was able to show off my 40 round mag.



Nothing like gun sex!
Link Posted: 10/14/2005 8:45:01 AM EDT
[#27]

Quoted:

Quoted:
img202.imageshack.us/img202/710/joel15wt.jpg

Plus Chicks go crazy when they see a 7.62 going off.  I have gotten laid several time due to the fact
that I was able to show off my 40 round mag.



Nothing like gun sex!



Remind me not to purchase any of your "used" weapons.
Link Posted: 10/14/2005 9:34:15 AM EDT
[#28]
If AK recoil hurts you, you're 5 years old. It's easy as pie.

7.62x39 is very cheap and widely available. 1000 rounds for roughly $100. That's as cheap, if not cheaper, than 9mm.
Link Posted: 10/14/2005 10:02:48 AM EDT
[#29]
7.62x39 has more momentum at 200 yards than 556  at the muzzle.

Momentum = mass * velocity
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