Which 7.62 x 39 rifle to buy??

mdm.gunbroker · May 29, 2010

So here's the deal. I'm deep in to 7.62 x 39 ammo. About 650 rounds of all brass at about .75/round. Bought it thinking I'd buy a rifle to fire it at some point. Can't seem to get out of it what I paid in sale or trade because of all the cheap surplus available, so, what the heck. I'll buy a good 7.62 x 39 and have some fun.

So, what I've found are AK 47, SKS, and Mini 30. Any other platforms out there I missed?

In my brief research considering cost of rifle, reliability, accessories (mainly pistol grip and rails), and of course good old aesthetics, I'm lead to the AK 47.

I'm interested in the opinions and advise as to which ones (including brand) has worked best for you.

Looking forward to the dialogue.

Mike

Danny · May 29, 2010

The only advise I can give you is to stay away from the Mini 30. They seem to be very hit and miss. For every person that said they got a good, accurate one, 10 people said they sucked.

AKs and SKSs used to be everywhere. And with prices coming back down a bit, you might find some decent deals. I've seen some very good condition AKs and SKSs go for as low as $99.00. Dong's always had a good number of them, but seems like they're the last place in the universe to lower their prices.

skyydiver · May 29, 2010

If SKSs were still $150 everywhere, I's go that way. But I don't think they are right now. You can still get a Romanian or Yugo AK for under $500, so that's what I'd do in your shoes. Although with 650 rounds, an AK will have you running on E in a day.

TJohn · May 29, 2010

I have had no problems with my Mini 30 and I am quite pleased with my purchase. The lack of pistol grips, etc. is what drew me to it. Admidittedly my only experience with the AK 47 is a WASR 10, and all that I can say is that I have been "underwhelmed" with it. Don't get me wrong, it isn't a bad gun, just not the "be all, end all" that I have heard and read about. I am quite sure that you can still get a decent SKS or AK for less than a Mini 30. Everyone has different likes and dislikes, so go with what keys your interest, I really don't think any of the three will disappoint. There are also AR's in the 7.62 x 39 platform but 90% of what I have heard is that they are prone to issues.

z06man · May 29, 2010

I've heard the same things about the Mini-30 and if their mags are like the Mini-14, those are way too expensive ($50-70 per mag). I like both the AK and SKS, but if I were only going to go with one, it has to be the AK. Lighter, more compact and interchangable mags.

1911user · May 29, 2010

Being brass cased ammo, you may not want an AK or SKS due to slam fire issues (softer primers in US-made 7.62x39). Also if you plan to reload the cases, the commie rifles (especially the AK) are hell on the brass during extraction; very robust!

If you have fine, brass cased, US-made 7.62x39 ammo and want to shoot it for good effect, I'd look for a mini-30, a compact bolt-action rifle, or even an AR-15 chambered in 7.62x39?

davek · May 29, 2010

Have you looked into a VZ-58?

Czechpoint vz-58

RangeHound · May 29, 2010

I would look at the Arsenal AK line. Then buy some cheap steel case ammo.

Bhop · May 29, 2010

ive been wondering the same trying to decide between sks or ak. plan on adding a tapco stock on either. but want to be as cheap as i can im a tightwad.

aeropb · May 29, 2010

Gotta go with the AK

Which 7.62 x 39 rifle to buy??

Which 7.62 x 39 rifle to buy?

SKS

AK 47

Mini 30

Other 7.62 x 39 rifle

Trade ammo for another 30 cal rifle format

mdm.gunbroker

Sharpshooter

Danny

Sharpshooter

skyydiver

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TJohn

Marksman

z06man

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1911user

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davek

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RangeHound

Marksman

Bhop

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aeropb

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