Can't decide: x39 or 6.8 AR

[kentucky_smith]

Have had uppers in 6.5, 6.8 and 7.62x39 calibers, liked them all, sold them all. Now I'm thinking about putting together another upper (probably from JT) and I'm trying to choose between 6.8 SPC and 7.62x39.

Just looking for a viable deer caliber (out to 150 yards) and some general plinking.

I'm leaning heavily toward the x39, and with the new Cproducts mags coming soon, that may be the way to go.

What say you?

 

[ashtxsniper]

As much as I don't like 7.62x39 in an AR I would have to say go with it due to ammo availability. I would rather have a upper in 243 or 308.

 

[tinygnat219]

You are going to have problems feeding the ammo in an AR upper. Special magazines are needed. Go with the .308.

 

[kentucky_smith]

BTDT with a DPMS. Even the 16" was too heavy.

 

[Eightball]

If you're going the x39 route, I fail to see how a rifle that costs that amount is more cost-effective than, say, an SKS which will do just fine on a deer at ~150. I don't know about using 6.8 on a deer, or 5.56 for that matter. But for plinking's sake, x39's probably going to be cheaper.

 

[rbernie]

I have hunted extensively with AR-15s chambered in 7.62x39, and I can tell you this - it's a terrific chambering that does everything most folk need. Using quality 7.62x39 ammo in a good AR-15 build will give you MOA performance, and do so in an optics-friendly and highly customizable platform.

The issue with using 7.62x39 in the AR platform is predominantly associated with hi-cap mags; there aren't any. The AR magwell is simply not compatible with the 7.62x39 round's body taper.

The 6.8SPC round is also a very viable hunting and social-uses round, and fill much the same niche as the 7.62x39. It has the advantage of also being compatible with the AR magwell. I am converting over to 6.8SPC for my ARs, and my 7.62x39 ARs are slowly getting less and less use as I switch over to the 6.8SPC.

I have multiples of each, in many different configs, so feel free to PM me if you have very specific questions.

 

[Soybomb]

The 6.8 is available now and offers great terminal performance. I don't like buying things with my eye on whats to come.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

7.62x39 is a poor choice because parts and mags are hard to get and the quality tends to be suspect. However, ammo is common and easy to get a hold of.

The 6.8's can be had in better quality and from more companies. However, ammo is extremely expensive and hard to get...

5.56 offers the best of both worlds with the above issues. I would go with 5.56.

 

[Wolfgang2000]

I'm a big x39 fan, however not in the existing AR platform. It's know to be unreliable for several different reasons. Our Spec ops won't use it for that reason.

The 6.8 is a excellent round but not as prevalent as I would hope. It should work OK for deer if the shooter does their part.

Bottom line if you are going to stick with the AR platform go with the 6.8 or 6.5 Grendel. If you want a x 39 system get an AK.

 

[AnthonyC.]

I like cheese, but I voted for the 6.8....

 

[Regolith]

I like the concept of the 6.8 SPC, but it is not cheap right now.

If price is your biggest concern, go with the x39. If it's performance you're after and you're independently wealthy, go with the 6.8 SPC.

 

[GunNut]

6.8spc in an AR15, 7.62x39 if you are going to use an AK47 IMHO.