Info on 7.62x39 AR uppers?

[r_boyette]

A friend and I were talking over some ideas I had for my first M4-clone build. I currently have an AR w/ a 24" heavy barrel A2 buttstock. I love it but I'm looking for something  lighter. I want to build it with a 5.56 upper. But when he told me about the availability of a 7.62x39 upper, i thought it would be handy to have a 2nd upper in 7.62x39 identical(or close as possible) to the primary 5.56 upper.

I haven't personally seen one so I guess I've got a few questions for the people that are in the know...
Who all makes 7.62x39 uppers?
What kinda accuracy can I expect from them?
Are complete carbine uppers available for 7.62x39(w/Quad-rail handguards)?
What parts will I need to replace?(I realize I'll need mags but will I need to replace the bolt?)

I'm sure there are more that I can't think of but that's a start anyway.
Thanks in advance!

[1911 Junkie]

You will need a new bolt.

Never really looked for 7.62 uppers, though.

[fightingquaker13]

I'm no expert, but the word on the street, is that 7.62x39 is not a good mix with the AR. The advice is to go with 6.8mm instead. As an after thought, you can pick up an AK for the price of an upper and your mags will be cheaper. Just my $.02 and I'd go to the AR15 forum.com for more expert advivice. If it were me, I'd rather drop 5 or 6 bills on an AK and some mags than spend the same amount on a 7.62x39 upper.
FQ13

[tombogan03884]

I know nothing about the performance but the AR 7.62 X 39 upper would have 2 obvious advantages, same controls and trigger as your AR because it's the same lower, and the AR drop free mags instead of the AK mags that need to be "rocked" into the gun, this means faster reloads with out learning a different technique.

[fightingquaker13]

I know nothing about the performance but the AR 7.62 X 39 upper would have 2 obvious advantages, same controls and trigger as your AR because it's the same lower, and the AR drop free mags instead of the AK mags that need to be "rocked" into the gun, this means faster reloads with out learning a different technique.

Apparently there are problems with feeding and FTE issues. Believe me, I looked before I bought. I have zero idea how true any of this is, its just the net. However, the consensus seemed to be to go 6.8 if you wanted to upgrade, again AR 15 forum is the home of the gurus. Frankly, an AK vs an upper with boutique (for now) rounds and mags seems like a good idea. Speaking personally, I've made my peace with 5.56. If it was good enough for our army for the best part of fifty years, it should be good enough for me. Beyond this, if I didn't like the caliber I'd go FN or CETME or AK, M1A1 if I had the cash.
FQ13

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

AR in 308 or AK

[r_boyette]

I'm no expert, but the word on the street, is that 7.62x39 is not a good mix with the AR. The advice is to go with 6.8mm instead. As an after thought, you can pick up an AK for the price of an upper and your mags will be cheaper. Just my $.02 and I'd go to the AR15 forum.com for more expert advivice. If it were me, I'd rather drop 5 or 6 bills on an AK and some mags than spend the same amount on a 7.62x39 upper.
FQ13

AN AK would definetly be a better value but I've been thinking an M4 style rifle is suited almost perfectly for the style of hunting I enjoy if only it was chambered in a caliber w/ a lil more knock-down power. Have considered some of the newer calibers like 6.8SPC & 6.5 Grendel but the price & availability of ammo is a problem for me. I've seen the 7.62x39 round in an SKS do an incredible job on deer inside 200-250 yds. Figured in an AR configuration topped by a 4x ACOG with a drop compensating reticle it would make for a pretty efficient 300yd game getter. I realize spending a couple grand building an AR to do a job suited for a lever action 30-30 is not exactly cost effective, but its something like I've always wanted. As long as it functioned reliably, it would be a rifle I could hunt with and not be much more expensive to plink w/ than a 5.56 upper. And from how few boxes of the new AR caliber's shells I see on the shelf I wouldn't be plinking very often with 6.8 even if it wasn't expensive.

It's just something I want when u get right down to it. Been searching for links to articles or discussions about 7.62x39 uppers but I'm not having much luck.    

[tombogan03884]

http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_BCWVMS20-45.asp

http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?cart=2076489&cat=73&

A couple links that might interest you.

[twyacht]

XCR

http://www.robarm.com/XCR_Specifications.htm

http://www.robarm.com/XCR_Cal_Conversion_Specs.asp

Masada 7.62x39

http://www.gunshowreview.com/SHOT2008-002.php

Pics available on links.

[Ranger Dave]

MidWay USA has advertised Olympic A3 upper chambered in7.62 x 39 with one magazine for $539.99 #196823.
I have been toying with the idea of building an Ar with this upper. I have not found a price for extra mags.