Recoil comparison 762x39& 223

[MISFIRE]

I am going to buy a Saiga and I am leaning toward a 223 because of the price of the rifle, however I really think I want a 762x39. Plaese describe the difference in recoil between a 223 and 762x39. I am not generally recoil sensitive I shoot trap with a 12 Ga.
Thanks Bill

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

I got a Saiga in .223. Beautiful rifle, I love it, .223 is an effective round for two legged critters. But if I could do it again, or get another Saiga, I'd get the x39. Mainly just to keep the AK closer to its origins. But either way you have an effective rifle and recoil with .223 and x39 is both very low.

 

[briansmithwins]

I've owned AKs in both calibers. 5.56 is softer shooting than 7.62x39. 7.62x39 isn't a thumper by any means. If fond it comfortable enough that a couple hundred rounds is no problem, with just a little shoulder soreness the next day.

I wouldn't let recoil be a decision maker in caliber choice between those two. BSW

 

[greenlion]

There were so many variables that were not controlled in these tests that this info may not be very reliable, but Chuck Hawks' website list the recoil energy as follows:

.22LR = .2
.223 = 3.9
7.62X39 = 6.9
.308 win = 15.8

From personal experience, I don't think there is enough difference between the .223 and 7.62x39 to justify those numbers. I'd go for the x39 in the rifle you're looking at.

 

[Dr_2_B]

I wouldn't let recoil be a decision maker in caliber choice between those two.

This seems like a pretty good way to look at it.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I've shot the Saiga 16" in both those calibers and the recoil difference is quite small. If you even think you want the x39, get it. If you ever want to convert your Saiga to AK configuration, a converted x39 will use any standard AK mag - cheap, easy to find, nearly indestructible. A converted .223 Saiga will require specialized mags that are not as cheap or easy to find and in many cases not nearly as durable (exception: Galil and Weiger mags - both scarce and pricey right now).

I know this is a bit cliche, but I find a lot of rifle platforms really work best in their original caliber; AR15 in 5.56, AK in x39, M14 in .308, etc.

 

[Big Bill]

I have shot both and there is not enough recoil in either to concern yourself. However, that said, the 762X39 has more recoil. About like shooting my .25-06. It's about 1/2 the recoil of my .300 wsm and 11/16ths the recoil of my .308.

 

[Crawfish141]

Recoil is mild in both calibers, go with what ever round you like most.

 

[chris in va]

I have a x39 Saiga, hardly worth mentioning the recoil. Certainly a lot less than my Mossy 12ga or Mosin. I was even dumb enough to use it for the Appleseed which eats up 400+ rounds. Well, dumb is a harsh word, it's all I had.