TOOLS of Hunting

[ArnoldSKS]

Opinions, opinions, opinions:

Hey guys,

Has anyone used an AK 47 for deer hunting? The 7.62X39R has pretty much the same ballistic characteristic as the 30.30 Winchester. Now I Know allot of you GUYS are going too say the using a AK would be an inhumane method of killing. But with good optics and good bullets (CorBon, Federal or Remington Ammunition) it is very possible to make a humane kill at about a hundred yards or so. Here are a few photos of what I have. I plan too put a camouflage stock on it later, but just tell me what your opinion is right now.

I have also included the 7.62X39R Ballistic Chart.

 

[ArmedBear]

Isn't it hard to keep white carpet clean?

Using 7.62x39 for deer has been covered by a LOT of posts.

Does a person who isn't visually impaired need good optics to shoot a deer at 100 yards or less, with a rifle?

 

[ArnoldSKS]

HAhahhahahhahaha, yes and yes. I know and my vision isn't all that great. But they say that optics well help in making a clean shot. I have allot of nay saying hunters around me that use there AR's, but my AK is the root of all EVIL. I have a group that's about 1.25" at a 100yds with the Federal Power-Shok Ammunition 7.62x39mm Russian 123 Grain Soft Point using the 1.25-4.5 Barska optic thats in the photo. The Remington is a little unpredictable, sometime it shoots low and other times it's high and too the right.

 

[bejay]

the caliber has been used by many for deer hunting so that really isnt an issue just look at all the sks rifles that were used for a cheap deer rifle, if you want to use your ak I dont see any problem with it but you might check your local game laws, you might have to get a smaller mag to reduce the capacity.

 

[MCgunner]

7.62x39R? It has a rim? Then I figured out the R in your post was for "Russian", I guess? The "R" in European nomenclature normally means "rimmed", though, such as 7.62x54R or 8x57JR. Rimmed versions of common rifle calibers have been popular in Germany, I always surmised, was probably due to the popularity of break open drillings/combination guns.

Yes, 7.62x39 is a fine short range cartridge, but I've not fired too many AKs that rang my bells for accuracy. My SKSs shoot 3 MOA or so and that works to 100 yards, but I have far better hunting rifles. I'm kind of an accuracy nut, though. I am told, in little bolt guns, the 7.62x39 can be a tack driver. It's quite the efficient round, should be quite accurate in a bolt gun. The AK, being a battle rifle, was designed more for reliability and volume of fire than accuracy. I've seen AKs that couldn't shoot 6MOA, but 3-4 seems more the norm.

 

[MCgunner]

Oh, btw, you should try Wolf 154 soft point. It's a little more accurate in my SKSs and it SHOULD be a great hunting round, though I haven't actually shot anything with it, but paper.

 

[gunsandreligion]

using a AK would be an inhumane method of killing

the AK is a battle rifle and meant to kill so of course its not inhumane to hunt with.

 

[ArmedBear]

The AK is not a battle rifle. Neither is the M16.

They're assault rifles, meant to facilitate carrying large amounts of ammo and capable of automatic fire, both due to relatively light rounds. They're not exactly meant to kill in the same way a .308 or 7.62x54 is.

 

[BFE]

If you are h*ll bent on using then you should check you local regulations on what size clip would be legal, I know in some states a 5 rounds clip is max legal and others who knows.

 

[jhco]

I've used an ak on hog and other vermin but not deer

 

[ArnoldSKS]

Thanks guys,

Just a heated discussion, I like that. Mr. MCgunner, the Wolf stuff around here is very hard too get these days, plus they are asking like $12.00 a box. I'll just put $8.00 more dollars too it and buy the more consistent stuff. But thanks for the info. I had a Norinco SKS, but it gave me the blues with all the money I put into it. I also have a Marline 336 that I used to hunt with last year. I wanted too try something different this year. I'm still saving for that M1A on my wish list.

 

[Cowboygunsmith]

I will say it again just for those of you who do not seem to get the picture. Gun control is putting the round where it needs to be to do the job. Dead is Dead slow or fast. Fast is best and no matter what you shoot a poor placed shot is slow a well placed shot is fast. If you can shoot it well enough to do it in ONE shot then use it if not stay home.

 

[MCgunner]

Only thing I've spendt money on for my SKSs is dress up stuff. There's an incredible amount of aftermarket for those things. Some of it I actually need, like the 18 dollar ambidextrous safeties (shoot left handed). I consider 'em more range toys than useful hunting rifles just do to the 3MOA accuracy (or lack there of). The rifle makes a cool truck gun, though, and is sufficiently accurate to 100 yards. I've removed the scope and just use it for bummin' around off season, just in case I run into a hog or something.

Another shot against the AK for me is the lack of proper rifle ergos, the pistol grip stock, the odd safety which is in no way easy to get to, the long magazines, lack of balance. I wouldn't carry one afield, just clumsy and heavy for what it is. My little Remington M7 is its antithesis, light, fast, easy to carry, compact in a stand, 3/4 MOA accurate, Stainless construction for boat trips, and .308 power. With that sort of accuracy, I can choose the hair follicle I wanna hit at 100 yards. I mean, my other rifles have sat in the safe since I got that thing. Bolt guns are better for range use if you save the brass as I do, also. I handload for everything I shoot except the bows.

 

[buck460XVR]

If it's legal where you hunt and you feel comfortable hunting with it, I say go for it. When it comes right down to it, ain't that what it's all about?

 

[Alagator]

These light military calibers are meant to incapicitate the target and demoralize onlookers, and swift death may not be a priority. On the other hand, with a hunting round you want to recover the animal with a minimum of tracking. Practice with it until you can put that first shot into the vital zone every time-- limit your shots to the ranges where that is comfortable. Good Hunting

 

[Sunray]

By definition, the M16 is a battle rifle. The AK is not.
A semi-auto AK will do nicely for a close range deer rifle. That one will attract a lot of unwanted attention from the Constabulary though.

 

[MCgunner]

I have no problem with the caliber, it's the AK I never liked. It's an inaccurate, unwieldy weapon that lacks good ergos. That's my gripe with it. That, though, is just my personal opinion. If you like it, knock yourself out.

The caliber is as good as the .30-30 IMHO and by the numbers and just look at all the deer the .30-30 has killed. I don't think the .30-06 has managed to keep up with the .30-30's head count. I've taken deer with both the 7.62x39 AND the .30-30. I've shot deer with the .30-30 from both rifle and 12" contender pistol, which is almost identical to a good 7.62x39 round from a 16" barrel.