Hunting big game with AK47
- Thread starter DWTL4EVER
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ConfuseUs
Member
Just get close enough for the shot and you're good. 
With the short sight radius it would be more of a challenge.
I suspect it would be more "sporting" using that than the super-magnum with a 10x scope that old what's-his-name prefers. You know who I'm referring to.
Have fun and put your bullet where you should.
Just make sure that you comply with any magazine capacity restrictions in the area you plan to hunt. Also, make sure semi-autos are allowed.
I suspect it would be more "sporting" using that than the super-magnum with a 10x scope that old what's-his-name prefers. You know who I'm referring to.
Have fun and put your bullet where you should.
Just make sure that you comply with any magazine capacity restrictions in the area you plan to hunt. Also, make sure semi-autos are allowed.
rbernie
Contributing Member
Define big game..... Thin skinned and small-boned (e.g. deer) inside of 250 yards? Sure. I use 7.62x39 for most all of my deer and hog hunting. But I'd not want to use it on anything outside of 200-250 yards or larger than 400lbs or so, and certainly not on anything that can stomp, claw, or chew the livin' snot outta me (other than the lighter cats).
Put a good optic on it to counter the bad iron sights, and a good example will display adequate practical accuracy for hunting use.
Put a good optic on it to counter the bad iron sights, and a good example will display adequate practical accuracy for hunting use.
Gun Wielding Maniac
Member
I've taken a few deer with an AK, as have friends. Even *gasp* a 5.45x39mm AK. It really is all about shot placement. One good thing about the AK's short sight radius is that it does seem to get that front sight on target quicker then certain other rifles. Of course, being a short gun, it is also more handy in deep bush.
You'll know whether or not you should take the shot when the time comes, based on your own abilities. Just get in plenty of practice OFF THE BENCH before hunting season
You'll know whether or not you should take the shot when the time comes, based on your own abilities. Just get in plenty of practice OFF THE BENCH before hunting season
My recommendation would be go by a hunting rifle if you can afford one if not sell the AK to buy one.
I read once about a guy shooting brown bears with a 22 too but it did;t make it a smart thing to do.
7.62X39 is a pitiful poor deer round, Whether it will kill or not isn't the question, it is just so many far superior rounds available why use it?
I read once about a guy shooting brown bears with a 22 too but it did;t make it a smart thing to do.
7.62X39 is a pitiful poor deer round, Whether it will kill or not isn't the question, it is just so many far superior rounds available why use it?
EricTheBarbarian
Member
i dont see why people think its such a bad choice. Alot of people i know use an sks with large amounts of success and that is the same round. Just because it looks scary and has iron sights doesnt mean you cant take a deer with it. The ballistics are similar to a 30-30 and people have taken deer with that round for decades. i say go for it. dont sell it and buy a politically correct deer rifle. if you do youll be kicking yourself when you cant just go and buy aks anymore because of a ban. good luck
just my take...... if you NEED a semi-auto to kill a deer(or anything larger)... you shouldn't be hunting. There's a big difference between hunting and killing. But I am probably biased because in Pa, semi-autos are not allowed. Make the first shot count.
R.W.Dale
Member
You do realize that at any range over 50yds a 7.62x39 is MORE powerful than a 30-30 and we all know what a poor deer round that is
For ammo use Wolf's 154grn SP. GOOD STUFF
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
If you use hunting-type ammo, and have become skilled enough with the rifle that you can reliably hit inside a six-inch circle out around a hundred yards or so, the 7.62x39 is adequate. The usual "field position hasty rest" deal, not benchrest. And "reliably" doesn't mean every now and then.
rbernie
Contributing Member
I've heard that the Wolf SP stuff is a bit frangible for hogs but probably OK for deer. I handload my own, using Hornady 123gr SP for deer and Sierra 125gr for hog.
R.W.Dale
Member
My rifles, chronograph and ballistics software
30-30 vs 7.62x39
154grn wolf
100yd ZERO = -6.8" at 200yds @1205 FTlbs
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150grn Corelokt
100yd ZERO= -7.6" at 200yds @858 FTlbs
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170grn Corelokt
100yd ZERO= -8.3" at 200yds @989 FTlbs
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The wolf load has the same energy at 100 yds as a 170grn 30-30 bullet. These figures DO NOT take into account the rather overly optimistic factory velocities on 30-30 ammo
In fact the $4 per box wolf has almost identical energy and trajectory as the 160grn leverevolution
If I was to hunt with a 7.62X39 I would use a premium ammo and of course hit vital areas. under those circumstances it would work fine but I would consider other options.
Krochus,
Run over and take a look here. Good info, easy and fast comparisons.
http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/ballistics/
Krochus,
Run over and take a look here. Good info, easy and fast comparisons.
http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/ballistics/
Cosmoline
Member
Ditto that. It's a far cry from 123 grain ball fmj.
If loaded properly, there's no reason it wouldn't serve as a hunting rifle in timber and brush. A good AK will get 2 to 3MOA, which is adequate and on par with most old .30-30's.
EricTheBarbarian
Member
wouldnt you want to hit the vitals no matter what caliber you are using?
Cosmoline
Member
A rifle is a rifle. The animal doesn't care about the political baggage attached to what firearm you use.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
It has nothing to do with the action type. The goal would be to shoot once and only once.
In states that allow hunting with self-loaders (like here in NC), 7.62x39mm seems fine to me as long as you are willing to get close enough to the game to be within the performance envelope of the relatively low-powered cartridge. An AK lacks the power to let you kill a deer from the next zip code.
Here's a civilian AK lookalike in a hunting-style configuration, with a 4x scope and 5-round hunting magazine:
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