.223 OR 7.62 x 39 single shot SPR18 for plinking

[Scotticus]

I'm toying with the idea of a single-shot Remington/Spartan SPR18 just for plinking fun out to a max of 150yds. Can't hunt deer in my area with a rifle. Could, in theory shoot a coyote, but really don't hunt them.

I have another .223, and part of my dilema is do I:
A) Get a .223 so I can use the same ammo. or
B) Get the 7.62 x 39 so I have more of a choice of availability & ballistics.

The other part of my dilema:
I haven't shot a 7.62 x 39 much at all. Would recoil be too harsh out of a light single shot?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Bartkowski]

Recoil is mild, even out of a light single shot. If I already had a .223 then I would go with the 7.62, but if you want to use this gun for coyotes, maybe your other isn't accurate, then get the .223. Either caliber is great for having fun, so enjoy.

 

[chris in va]

You already have a 223. Get the x39 for a little variety. I have a CZ carbine in x39 and recoil is there, but certainly not something that will beat up your shoulder. Plus the bigger bullet will hit your targets a lot harder.

Frankly I think my friend's Marlin 30-30 has more recoil than my CZ.

 

[ZeroCool]

I'd go for the .223 even if you already have one. The .223 is just a more accurate cartridge (and whats the point of having an inaccurate rifle?). It also is more accurate over a longer distance.

Beyond $$$ factory loadings, the cheap 39 is steel cased plinking ammo. Nothing to really get excited about accuracy-wise, ya know?

I would say the 39 would be better for deer but you specifically said no deer. .223 (from what I have read) is a great coyote cartridge.

The only advantage 39 has is that the steel cased ammo is "cheap". Not nearly as cheap as it used to be, but still cheaper than brass .223.

If you want a cheap 39 for plinking, get a SAR AK. For a single shot rifle, you will want to make every shot count.

Just my $.02. I'm sure you will enjoy either choice you make.

 

[trstafford]

The 7.62x39 is not an inherently inaccurate cartridge. It is quite popular in Europe for hunting in civilian type rifles on the order of our 30-30. Quality brass ammunition with hunting bullets are available. The military rifles are built with looser tolerances for reliability which gives less accuracy. I would dare say that your rifle choice would give you a surprising degree of accuracy, I base that on my CZ carbine chamber in 7.62x39 and its performance differences with good and military type ammo

 

[Scotticus]

Well, for better or for worse, I've got an SPR18 on the way in 7.62. Might be a while before I get to the range, but I'll post my thoughts after I get to know it.

 

[Scotticus]

Does anybody know how to adjust the FRONT sight for elevation on the SPR18?