7.62x39 Options

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Navy87Guy

Navy87Guy

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I have an AK-47 and a metric butt-ton of 7.62 ammo — so I’d like to add another gun in the same caliber.

Right now I’m looking at the following options:
Ruger American Ranch ($450)
CZ 527 Carbine ($750)
Ruger Mini-30 ($985)

I have two questions:

- Am I missing any options (that are less than the Mini-30 and not an AK variant)?
- Any input feedback on the choices presented?

Thanks!!
 
VZ? Not sure if it is considered an AK variant or not. A bolt gun in 7.62x39 just seems weird to me. I think of bolt guns as typically being more accurate, but the 7.62x39 round to not be terribly accurate, i.e. sub-moa. I'd do an AR variant or a better AK variant than what you may have, or maybe an RPK style.
 
I vote for a quality SKS, preferably the carbine version if you can find one. One of the most fun guns I have.

Edit: I meant to say the paratrooper version. Unfortunately they cost lots of money if you can find one.
 
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Ruger American Ranch rifle. DESIGNED to shoot steel and will drive 'em tacks with Tula SP. None of the others will serve you as well with steel ammo. ARs will work but will break bolts eventually. Mini-30s will break firing pins eventually. The CZ will work with steel, so a friend says.

good luck

M
 
I'd say the Ruger American if you want to go cheap, and the CZ 527 if you want the deluxe option. The fit and finish of the CZ are on a different level. It's a $700 gun that looks like a $1000 gun, and has a Browning-esque feel of quality in your hands.

I'd give a hard pass to the Mini-30. An SKS would be a lot better option if you go the semi-auto route.
 
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I've been happy with the RAR in 7.62x39, I reload for it and is capable of sub moa groups. With the steel case 1.5" groups is typical.
I got mine for $310 OTD so for me it was win.
 
There's the Zastava 85 and Remington 799. Both are bolt guns with 20" barrels, and internal magazine. Various cartridge choices including 7.62X39. Remington imported barreled actions and purchased stocks (typically laminated) elsewhere for their 799. The Zastava 85 can be purchased with a full stock (Mannlicher style) as an option. Often erroneously referred to as a "Mini Mauser" for marketing purposes, ot does not have a controlled feed action. Prices vary according to options and seller's mood / sanity level across the Internet. Here's a simple importer's description

https://zastavaarmsusa.com/product/sporting-rifle-lk-m85/

Brand new example

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/844107744

Remington 799 example

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/854751457

Charles Daly Example

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/854750152
 
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Navy87Guy said:
I have an AK-47 and a metric butt-ton of 7.62 ammo — so I’d like to add another gun in the same caliber.

Right now I’m looking at the following options:
Ruger American Ranch ($450)
CZ 527 Carbine ($750)
Ruger Mini-30 ($985)

I have two questions:

- Am I missing any options (that are less than the Mini-30 and not an AK variant)?
- Any input feedback on the choices presented?

Thanks!!
Click to expand...
I'd go for the hybrid x39 .308 bore, best of both worlds, mini 30 and Savage were chambered accordingly (mini 30 would vary on year) then handloading would blow the doors wide open, otherwise semiautomatic mini 30 or sks, bolt Savage or cz.
 
I have one of those zastava guns and I don't recommend them. Personally, I'd try and scare up a vz58 or vz2008. Then the bolt action cz, then the Howa, the sks, or the American in that order.
 
mdThanatos said:
VZ? Not sure if it is considered an AK variant or not. A bolt gun in 7.62x39 just seems weird to me. I think of bolt guns as typically being more accurate, but the 7.62x39 round to not be terribly accurate, i.e. sub-moa. I'd do an AR variant or a better AK variant than what you may have, or maybe an RPK style.
Click to expand...
Only thing a VZ shares with an AK is the 762x39, lol! NOT a variant.... My VZ58 is plenty accurate, but not cheaper then a mini 30, would be a very good choice however.
 
My CZ-527 is a lovely gun. I picked up a beech-stocked variant for $549 OTD. The idea was that as it was less pretty than the walnut, I wouldn’t be afraid to carry such a gorgeous rifle into the woods. Still too pretty to shoot but I do so anyway. I confess I have not agonized much over accuracy. It’s designed to shoot cheap Combloc ammo and turns in great 2-3” groups all day long with surplus or Tulammo. If better ammo were used doubtless groups would improve, but to be honest, what’s the point? 7.62x39 isn’t meant for 350 yards, it’s basically a 0-150 yard proposition anyway. I like this gun because it’s a centerfire rifle I can shoot all day without agonizing over the cost of factory ammo.
 
Many things to choose from. Do some research based on your own wants & needs before a final decision. I have two SKS's that I take out a few times each year and I also have a lot of 7.62x39. That's what almost caused me to buy a Ruger Ranch on the spot at a gun show after examining and fondling it. Never shot a Ranch Rifle in 7.62x39 but I've heard enough good things about them that I nearly got that one on a whim.
 
Another vote for a 7.62x39 AR.
I assembled mine for less than $500.
It’s quite accurate and shoots all ammunition that I’ve tried out; Tula and Wolf for plinking, Winchester for hunting.
PSA upper and enhanced LPK.
Aero Precision lower.
Boyds laminated furniture.
Simmons scope and no-name mount (bought cheap but works well)
C-Products & AR-Stoner magazines.
979FBE1D-FD70-4F47-8CC7-DD5B3EE16DC7.jpeg
 
M1key said:
Ruger American Ranch rifle. DESIGNED to shoot steel and will drive 'em tacks with Tula SP. None of the others will serve you as well with steel ammo. ARs will work but will break bolts eventually. Mini-30s will break firing pins eventually. The CZ will work with steel, so a friend says.

good luck
M
Click to expand...
+1
20200107_164502.jpg my solution to a surplus ammo problem.
 
Mosin77 said:
My CZ-527 is a lovely gun. I picked up a beech-stocked variant for $549 OTD. The idea was that as it was less pretty than the walnut, I wouldn’t be afraid to carry such a gorgeous rifle into the woods. Still too pretty to shoot but I do so anyway. I confess I have not agonized much over accuracy. It’s designed to shoot cheap Combloc ammo and turns in great 2-3” groups all day long with surplus or Tulammo. If better ammo were used doubtless groups would improve, but to be honest, what’s the point? 7.62x39 isn’t meant for 350 yards, it’s basically a 0-150 yard proposition anyway. I like this gun because it’s a centerfire rifle I can shoot all day without agonizing over the cost of factory ammo.
Click to expand...

Wow...that’s a smokin’ deal on the 527!! I’m having time finding one less than $750. I will look around for any used guns...maybe someone who didn’t like the shorter LOP.
 
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