7.62x39 Options

Buds normally has the 527 the cheapest. For the savings on the youth you can by the adult stock from cz and still be cheaper. Plus you can sell the walnut youth for at least $50.

From your list I'd choose the 527.

But a good VZ-58 variant or a nice SKS would beat the other two on the list.

Navy87Guy:

You now realize, or were already aware that the VZ-58 is Not an AK variant. Bought my Czechpoint about three months ago. This version by CSA doesn't have any scope mount, and I've never owned a scope for 13-15 (+) rifles.

People who bought the Century version of the VZ-58 after 2012 or 2013 seem to be happy with them, but I wanted the true Czech version, for more peace of mind. And cash from selling guns (Armslist) which were seldom used made the decision to click the "Buy Now", new-in-box, on Gunbroker even easier. About 700 rds. used (I keep the empty boxes of Tula/Wolf), and a perfect operation so far-using both the polymer and metal magazines.
At 64 years old, I don't care what is fashionable, and mostly shoot on Action Pistol ranges (alone).

When you're never shooting to impress anybody---and nobody will be there---decisions can be easier.

Howa.
Shoots surplus steel well, hand loads GREAT
Howa's are great rifles, especially the mini actions. I own two, a .223 and a 7.62x39. Both are sub MOA with hand loads.

X39 came as a barreled action.
Here's a link to that project
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/howa-7-62x39-project.846843

Take a look at the CMMG "Mutant" AR in 7.62x39 that takes AK mags, if you can find one. Its one of my favorites for steel plates at 300 yards with the Russian steel cased ammo and a 5X Burris Prismatic -- the BDC just happens to work great for 100, 200, 300 yard target distances with Wolf Military Classic.

If you go with the CMMG Mutant, I would favor the 10" barreled pistol, but that is just me.

Others: PSA AK-P pistol or maybe the CZ Bren 2 if you want to spend money. I have been eyeing the Czech Small Arms VZ58.

$1000 for a Mini-30 is highway robbery. Even $500 for that is more than what that gun is worth.

The CZ everyone seems to love and it is probably the highest quality 7.62x39 rifle ever made. Pricey for a bolt action that has a limited range due to the cartridge tho.

The American is the best accuracy for the buck. I have thought of getting one several times, but the Mini-30 mags tick me off. Could Ruger not work out a deal with Magpul or Tapco and make one that works only with Magpul or Tapco AK mags?

Don't overlook the Palmetto KS-47's, they're AR's that use AK mags.

IMO, if you want a spare 7.62x39 rifle, it's hard to beat an SKS for the price and rugged design.

The American, KS-47, and SKS could all find their way in my safe over time, even tho I have no need to own four different rifles in the same caliber, they're just the best rifles that 7.62x39 have ever been chambered in. I've always felt that the cartridge was held back accuracy wise because the SKS and AK were built to last and run thru any conditions.

I have both the CZ 527 (7.62x39) & the Ruger American Ranch (.223). No question that the CZ is the nicer gun, but the Ruger is also a great little rifle at a great price. If I had to get rid of one, I would keep the CZ.
FWIW, our local sheriff keeps a Ruger American in 7.62x39 in his truck.

I have a one-off conversion of a 1916 Spanish Mauser converted to 7.62x39, and to make it more interesting to my tastes, its an FR-7 look alike. Its a fun gun to shoot, and its a one of a kind. Goes well with my Spanish Star Super.

PSA KS47. Last time I looked on the PSA website it was cheaper to buy the upper and lower separately than a complete rifle. Takes standard AK mags. I have two of them. They're accurate. Good luck!

I bought a Howa mini barreled action in 7.62x39, then bedded it into a Boyd's laminate stock after I worked the stock over to reduce about a pound of weight. That gun is now a lifetime rifle for me. Routinely the most accurate rifle I take to the range, and it weighs just 6.5 lbs. scoped. It's a hoot to shoot. I have two mags for it - a 3 rd. and a 5 rd. Zero complaints. Dropped my first whitetail doe of the season with it from 150 yards. Textbook shot and result.

Archie said:

I have a CZ 527. The 'poor accuracy' song of the 7.62x39mm round is mostly due to semiautomatic arms with loose tolerances and Warsaw bloc quality ammunition.
I think my CZ is the cat's meow and have heard good things about the other bolt guns. And I must add the CZ so chambered is easier on my old shoulder than many rifles.

Click to expand...

My CZ in 762x39 will shoot 1 moa with wolf sp.

Steve

today a complete Palmetto State Armory is listed as $600, but a complete lower is $200 and Complete upper is $330 for a $70 savings...go figure...

Don't forget to add shipping and transfer though.

-kBob

stolivar said:

My CZ in 762x39 will shoot 1 moa with wolf sp.

Steve

Click to expand...

Yep. I can bust milk jugs all day long with boring regularity at 125yds with my 527 7.62x39 using cheap TulAmmo.

stolivar said:

My CZ in 762x39 will shoot 1 moa with wolf sp.

Steve

Click to expand...

My AR47 loves that 125gr Wolf SP as well.

Mini 30 was the most inaccurate rifle I've ever owned. Both my x39 AR's will shoot sub moa with good ammo, and a bit over with steel case. No bolt problems ever after several years.

Navy87Guy said:

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

Click to expand...

Ruger American Ranch has turned out to be the most fun and all-around useful scoped bolt action I own. Very short, handy, and accurate.
CZ-no experience.
Mini-30 - I am a huge fan of the Garand action (or anything like it) and I love my Mini 14. However, I have used a couple Mini 30s and there is no guarantee that the rifle will set off or extract steelcase. Ruger says it won't and you might get lucky, but that is too high a price to pay for a maybe. I have an x39 AR that does everything I want the Mini 30 to do (except have a wood stock and a M1-like action).

Get the Ruger, then an AR.

Like a few other here, I got a 7.62x39 Howa mini action and built it on a lightened Boyd's stock. It just flat shoots even with steel case ammo.

7.63x39 is a great round in a bolt action, you couldn't really go wrong with a CZ, Howa, or Ruger. They all seem to hit above thier weight class with bulk steel case ammo. Although, I stocked up on steel case ammo, now I can't help but eyeball AR uppers every time they go on sale. But if I could only have one gun in 7.62x39, it would be a bolt action.

I don't have a 7.62x39, but I have never once regretted buying a CZ. They are (especially some of the now-discontinued models) some of the finest bolt-action rifles for the money. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 527.

My cousin has the American Ranch in 7.62x39 with a Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35. With Wolf 125 gr soft point, it’s right at moa. The Wolf SP is great deer medicine.

Unfortunately I have to second the comment on the Mini30. Very disappointed with the accuracy. And it is a recent purchase. While I love the way it looks, feels, and even shoots. When it starts warming up the accuracy decreases. Funny, my Mini14 does not do this though.

As some others suggested, if you want a semi auto (non AK) I would really go for an AR build. I love mine and it is much more accurate than my Mini30.

I have a ruger ranch, windham weaponry and 2 ak's. All work great. I am liking the ruger ranch over the ar15. Easier to clean after el cheapo wolf ammo. And that thing is a tack driver. Tho i can not compare past 100 yards as the windham has a 1X power scope and the ruger has a 3-9x50 on it. The ruger has impressed me alot.

I have a Ruger Ranch. Wanted something inexpensive to buy, own and shoot for the kids. The wrings, scope and sling were already in the safe. Shot it once, then bought a much better 3x9x40, rings, 4 10-round mags and a solid sling. My 13 year old was crushing rocks at 300 yards shooting spam-can ammo. Gotta be the best value in my safe and one of my favorites, easily.
I bought dies and components and will put some loads together once my new bench is done. On that, I called Ruger and the woman I spoke with confirmed a .308 bore so nice bullet selection, too.

I have a Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39 .. Just a great little carbine
And two SKS's one a Paratrooper 16in. barrel the other a standard both Norinco... The 7.62x39 is a fine cartridge... Cheap steel case ammo and some pretty high tech hunting ammo options...
I bought the RAR as for plinking , walk about carbine that is able to take Whitetail..
I need to pick up a extra mag ...