The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: TFox2112 on June 17, 2008, 07:19:34 PM

Title: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: TFox2112 on June 17, 2008, 07:19:34 PM
Now that I have my bushy, the only TEOTWAWKI gun left for me to acquire is an AK or equivalent in 7.62 x 39. Where do I get the best bang for my buck. I tend to lean more toward quality and functionality than bells and whistles. I can dress it up later. good/ bad feedback will be tremendously appreciated so that I can make an informed decision.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: ericire12 on June 17, 2008, 07:38:27 PM
SKS.

Period. End of discussion.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: DDMac on June 17, 2008, 07:49:51 PM
While this topic has been hashed and rehashed on several threads, many members who don't actually own a 7.62X39 rifle may have stocked up on a few tins of ammo as a Hillery hedge, and now need guidance, but are old, and cant remember the advice..

My pencil is ready- to help the old guys.
In their behalf, thanks, Mac.

Ericire12, if the SKS is the hot setup, why is it obsolete now? Not arguin', just askin'?
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: ericire12 on June 17, 2008, 07:51:15 PM


Ericire12, if the SKS is the hot setup, why is it obsolete now? Not arguin', just askin'?


Not necessarily "the hot setup", but hands down the best bang for the buck.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: 2HOW on June 17, 2008, 08:05:32 PM
the one I bought from classicarms.us check the site, great . but I would buy the polish "tantel"   very cheap ammo and a great rifle , ballistics are better than a 5.56 . its next on my list.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: TAB on June 17, 2008, 08:09:28 PM
It depends on what you want to do with it.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: CZShooter on June 17, 2008, 08:13:35 PM
Although I agree a SKS is a good option...especially if you can get a Yugo 59/66 (you can retro-fit the grenade launcher to launch tennis balls or golf balls)...but, I would probably go with a ROMAK. Not the crappy WASRs that you find in most sporting goods shops...but the GP-75s. They'll run you $450-$500. http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/rifles/ak-47-and-rpk-rifles/p/romanian-ak-47-gp75-762x39-american-made-receiver-barrel/cPath/209_214/products_id/2128?osCsid=49776485f6b5db0c8029f540c154724b (http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/rifles/ak-47-and-rpk-rifles/p/romanian-ak-47-gp75-762x39-american-made-receiver-barrel/cPath/209_214/products_id/2128?osCsid=49776485f6b5db0c8029f540c154724b)
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: m25operator on June 17, 2008, 08:17:52 PM
An AK56 or in other words, an SKS that takes AK mags or drums.

See here

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff150/m25operator/100_1381.jpg)

I have had mine for a long time, and they will outshoot ak's as far as accuracy in general, 2.5 - 3.5 moa. Trigger pull is worse than an AK. 5 Gallon buckets at 400 meters, that will work.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: Pathfinder on June 17, 2008, 08:28:44 PM
I've got one of the Romanian WASR-10, cool gun, had to learn to strip it down. Made for peasants, apparently have a college degree dumbs you down enough to have trouble re-assembling it.

Looks cool at twilight shooting, very neat muzzle flash. I ended up watching it and not the target - that cool. Note to self - do not use at night after TEOTWAWKI.

I also have my eye on one of the STG-2000 - all plastic and metal, no wood, looks like an updated AK but I don't know for sure. I think they were German originally.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: TFox2112 on June 17, 2008, 08:28:57 PM
what is a WASR and what is the difference?
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: Hazcat on June 17, 2008, 09:00:01 PM
How about a Yugo 59/66 with bayonet and launcher for 170.00.  Good buy?
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: CJS3 on June 17, 2008, 09:19:29 PM
The Yugo would definitly be the best bang for the buck. TAPCO has some goodies to dress it up.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: CZShooter on June 17, 2008, 10:02:43 PM
what is a WASR and what is the difference?

Its basically a model number...WASR stands for Wassenaar Arrangement Semi-automatic Rifle which is a Romanian variant of the AK. If you look at the side of the WASR receiver...it does not have "dimples" to stabilize the magazine (so there's quite a bit of slop). Most of the ones you find were imported as single-stack 10 round "sporter" rifles, then the importer opened up the mag well and added the appropriate number of compliance parts to make them legal.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 18, 2008, 02:59:16 AM
While this topic has been hashed and rehashed on several threads, many members who don't actually own a 7.62X39 rifle may have stocked up on a few tins of ammo as a Hillery hedge, and now need guidance, but are old, and cant remember the advice..

My pencil is ready- to help the old guys.
In their behalf, thanks, Mac.

Ericire12, if the SKS is the hot setup, why is it obsolete now? Not arguin', just askin'?


The SKS was designed as a CYA incase the AK did not work as promised. The only reason it is considered obselete is because it was never designed for full auto, and does not have  (standard) a detachable box magazine. Full auto is not a consideration for most of us as even our AK's are semi, and there are after market adapters that allow the SKS to accept 30 round detachable magspersonaly I prefer the streamlined 10 round mag as it is more compact for storage. The other draw back to the SKS is that the issue stock sucks. However, after market stocks are available for around $50.  Average SKS $250 Fiberforce stock $52, Mag adapter $25 mags about $25 each.


I've got one of the Romanian WASR-10, cool gun, had to learn to strip it down. Made for peasants, apparently have a college degree dumbs you down enough to have trouble re-assembling it.

Looks cool at twilight shooting, very neat muzzle flash. I ended up watching it and not the target - that cool. Note to self - do not use at night after TEOTWAWKI.

I also have my eye on one of the STG-2000 - all plastic and metal, no wood, looks like an updated AK but I don't know for sure. I think they were German originally.

I bought an StG 2000, I have not had a chance to shoot it yet but it has the best trigger I have ever had on a Military style rifle. It is a Cugir receiver with furniture and sights set up to replicate a late model East German AK clone, The sling is kind of funky but stock length is great for a European, as opposed to the usual short AK stock. I'm very happy with the way it handles and will post more info when I get it to the range.


How about a Yugo 59/66 with bayonet and launcher for 170.00.  Good buy?

YES, However the very first thing I would do is remove the bayonet and grenade launcher as they are useless weight.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: Pathfinder on June 18, 2008, 06:15:52 AM
I bought an StG 2000, I have not had a chance to shoot it yet but it has the best trigger I have ever had on a Military style rifle.

Ah, thanks for reminding me. Beware of the dreaded AK trigger slap. Part of the recoil is directed through the trigger, and it is tiring to shoot. If you get a straight AK, put a piece of clear plastic tubing over the trigger or get one of the after market triggers.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 18, 2008, 08:10:50 AM
Ah, thanks for reminding me. Beware of the dreaded AK trigger slap. Part of the recoil is directed through the trigger, and it is tiring to shoot. If you get a straight AK, put a piece of clear plastic tubing over the trigger or get one of the after market triggers.

StG has a Tapco "No Slap" trigger.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: HAWKFISH on June 18, 2008, 01:03:28 PM
As mentioned an SKS is a great "bang for your buck." AK-47's are too, especially if you get a higher quality one. They cost more, but you get more too. Romanian AK's are more popular and more prevelante right now. They are also cheaper. Yugo AK's cost more and don't have "magazine wobble", like most others. They usually have thinker recievers and handguards, etc. Yugo SKS are good. Most of them, as well as most SKS's in general, are decent and seem to shoot about the same. Usually, 1.5 to 4 moa etc. A good AK-47 will shoot with a great SKS at 100 yds if it is a "good quality AK", otherwise most AK won't be as accurate. Different grades of 7.62x39 mm ammo will make a difference in either gun. I would get whichever I could afford and liked the most. Both are tough as nails and both will last and work with little care. Don't forget to buy lots of ammo!  :)
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: TFox2112 on June 18, 2008, 07:27:11 PM
Thanks for the input, all! I am gathering that there are fans of both rifles and that  both are fairly good quality. I am leaning toward the AK, and will post pics of whichever I decide on.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: USSA-1 on June 19, 2008, 09:09:35 AM
TFox2112,
              Take you "End of the world..." Bushmaster and when the time comes, shoot the guy with the AK and take his. :o

USSA-1
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: USSA-1 on June 19, 2008, 09:17:02 AM
Okay, I had my fun. ;D

I would stick with the AK series.  I would also caution against going the cheap route.  Even the trusty AK design can be screwed up with cheap manufacturing. 

I think the StG 2000 might be a very solid choice.

USSA-1
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: TFox2112 on June 19, 2008, 08:37:55 PM
USSA-1,
I like the way you think! ;D
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: USSA-1 on July 01, 2008, 07:53:23 AM
TFox2112,
                Did you ever find the link for the STG-2000?

USSA-1
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: twyacht on July 01, 2008, 09:52:17 PM
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/programming/expand.asp?Prodid=422

$429.00? Is that good? It seems reasonable for what it is. I too am putting an AK type  or Saiga MP12, on the short list.

Thank you

Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: TFox2112 on July 02, 2008, 07:00:52 AM
USSA-1

I found it. Nice looking rifle. It will  probably be another little while before I can get it, as I have had two other purchases that take precedent. Thanks for the suggestion! On another note, I think I am finally going to get to the range to try out the new Bushmaster. Yea! I will post results.

TFox2112
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 02, 2008, 08:48:43 AM
TFox2112,
                Did you ever find the link for the STG-2000?

USSA-1


www.ioinc.us
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: USSA-1 on July 02, 2008, 09:12:57 AM
Tom,
       Thanks for the link.

USSA-1
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 02, 2008, 09:34:04 AM
My pleasure   ;D
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: Buckwheat McCoy on July 02, 2008, 12:30:07 PM
Here’s my two cents worth.

I have an SKS, AK47, and Mini 14 (substitute Mini 6.8 or Mini 30 for discussion).

SKS ($150 Imported):  I replaced the wood furniture with TAPCO’s Fusion Stock System.  I replaced the bolt assembly dust covered with a UTG Tri-Rail and mounted a UTG 6x32 Illuminated scope ($59).  Also mounted is a Harris Bi-Pod.  I use ProMag Polymer 20 round detachable magazines.

AK (AK $350 New):  I replaced the wood butt stock and pistol grip furniture with TAPCO’s Fusion Stock System.  I replaced the wood fore end furniture with a UTG Quad-Rail system and mounted a BSA 1x Red Dot sight.  I use ProMag Polymer 30 round detachable magazines.

Mini 14 ($400 used 181 Series) (or 6.8 SPC or Mini 30):  I replaced the wood furniture with TAPCO’s Fusion Stock System.  I mounted a BSA 1x Red Dot sight on the upper rail and a UTC vertical fore grip on the bottom rail.  I used a generic side rail accessory and mounted a NC Star Tactical Light/Laser combo ($59) on that.  I use ProMag Polymer 30 round detachable magazines.  This is my main Home Defense gun.  As soon as I can I plan to buy on of the new 580 Series Minis and trick it out.

TAPCO Fusion Stock Systems will run you between $75 and $115 depending on the platform.  ProMag Polymer mags are $15 each at the local gun show.  The BSA Red Dot I picked up at Wal Mart for $29.99.  The UTG accessories will run you between $20 and $75.

ProMag Polymer mags:  I’ve ran several hundred rounds each through these guns and have had ZERO malfunctions.  I’ve had zero problems with any of the mags.

BSA Red Dots:  These “cheapy” sights have never failed to hold zero.  I have fired all three guns at B29s (targets) from between 25 and 200 yards.  I applied 12” dia.  “Shoot N See” targets for “center mass” and have yet to be “off target.”  For someone with “old eyes” (me), the results suit me fine.  These guns will out shoot me any day.

For me (with a limited budget), the above combos work for me.  I’m happy.  In my opinion I was able to take “old” tech and retro fit it with “new” tech” and upgrade these guns for the 21st century.  I believe that the basic operating systems are sound.  I simply “fine tuned” the rest.  For between $400 and $650 each I now have three guns that I have 100% confidence in.  And the ammo is still relatively cheap.  I use my Mini at the local club for Three Gun and Practical Pisto and Rifle.  I do just as good (sometimes better) that the folks with the expensive ARs.  I've had more than one shooter asked me about my "AR".  The looks and comments I get when they find out it's not an AR.  Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a SIG 556 or M&P AR.  But if all that you can afford is a Mini 14, 6.8 or 30, such is life.

I’m no exxperrt, it is just my humble opinion, this system works for me.  Sure, it would be nice to have a new SIG 556 with AimPoint optics, it would also be nice to be 30 again and win the lottery.

As I said before, just my two cents worth.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: Hazcat on July 02, 2008, 12:34:38 PM
Seems like a very sound plan and heck, ya can't argue with the reults!
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: gunman1911 on July 04, 2008, 09:09:55 PM
Boy am I glad I looked at this topic now all I hve to do is find a good price on a StG 2000.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 04, 2008, 10:02:18 PM
Boy am I glad I looked at this topic now all I hve to do is find a good price on a StG 2000.


www.ioinc.us

They are the importers / Manufacturers. You can have your FFL order direct from them.  ;D $375 last I checked.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: CybScryb on July 12, 2008, 10:00:57 PM
I think I bought my 59/66 for about $120 and after discovering the original stock was too short, I found TAPCO and added the SKS pistol grip stock.  Easy gun to work with, reasonably accurate and I think with extra mags, the TAPCO and some odds and ends, it still ended up under $250 for the rifle.

While the Stag AR is going through break-in, I've used the SKS in the three-gun shoots but will soon move to the AR as I feel terrible when the vets who've been on the wrong end of an SKS in '60's and '70's flinch at the report.

But a good gun with reasonably priced ammo if you don't want to spring for an AR 10.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: John McCreery on July 15, 2008, 09:44:20 AM
You can pick up a saiga or Wasr 10 and have it worked on by someone like Jim Fuller at Rifle Dynamics. 
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: VB3 on July 25, 2008, 03:00:22 AM
There are other options in 7.62x39...

(http://a486.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/21/l_63ee4daea3d06bca28a5f933ac683f15.jpg)
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 25, 2008, 11:33:47 AM
There are other options in 7.62x39...

(http://a486.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/21/l_63ee4daea3d06bca28a5f933ac683f15.jpg)


Nice Rifle. But why spend that kind of money for performance that can be had for under $400 ?
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: 1776 Rebel on July 30, 2008, 04:25:25 PM
Check out Cabelas or Bass Pro gun libraries for used guns. I have seen AK type or Ruger Mini 30 guns for a less than 400 bucks floating around.  Some of these have been closet queens and are in great condition.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: Edmond on August 05, 2008, 03:02:33 AM
Best AKs are the original Soviet made and East German MPiKm 72.

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z69/Quickload/Rifles/th_6985AKMS47_KMS72.jpg) (http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z69/Quickload/Rifles/6985AKMS47_KMS72.jpg)
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: DDMac on August 06, 2008, 04:10:52 PM
There are other options in 7.62x39...

(http://a486.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/21/l_63ee4daea3d06bca28a5f933ac683f15.jpg)

VERY nice rifle!
Mac.
Title: Re: what is the best 7.62 x 39 rifle for the money?
Post by: twyacht on August 06, 2008, 09:47:16 PM
The new American Rifleman has an ad for the DPMS now avail in 7.62x39, for under $1000.00

Might be on the 90 day same as cash plan for me. 8)