Affordable 7.62x39 rifles?

[ar15barrels]

True you wont find cheap steel case ammo for the 30-30.
You have to reload cheap plinking ammo for the 30-30.
Reloadable ammo/brass prices aren't much different between the two.

People looking to purchase 7.62x39 firearms are typically looking to do so specifically because of the cheap steel case ammo that is available.

What would you guess the percentage of gun owners who also reload to be?
5%?

[ElvenSoul]

People looking to purchase 7.62x39 firearms are typically looking to do so specifically because of the cheap steel case ammo that is available.

What would you guess the percentage of gun owners who also reload to be?
5%?

1% at most!

[ElvenSoul]

You could get a TC Encore with barrels in

7.62x54R

7.62x39

7.62x25

[Ric]

mini 30

[TMB 1]

People looking to purchase 7.62x39 firearms are typically looking to do so specifically because of the cheap steel case ammo that is available.

What would you guess the percentage of gun owners who also reload to be?
5%?

Cheap steel case ammo=SKS

I have no idea how many people reload, but if they don't, there's no time like the present to start.

[2761377]

^^^ the $$ saved by reloading is more than offset by the free time wasted. unless you really have nothing better to do.

[FishnHunt]

Since I bit the bullet and finally got a cz 527
I plan on shooting Mostly bulk ammo for fun and trigger time for the kids .
But I still want it to shoot accurately as I can use it for hunting as well. Looking at SP and JHP bullets.
Which ammo? Experience Preferably from this bolt action.
Yes I know each gun is different

[smittty]

The other rifle in the "cheap centerfire ammuntion" category is the Ruger 77/357.

It's the rifle I settled on after I couldn't find a 527 in 7.62 and today you couldn't pry it away from me.

38 sp/357 mag ammunition costs almost same as surplus 7.62x39 and are the easiest cartridges to reload. If you asked me the "one rifle" question, guess what I'd tell you!

[Litespeeds]

I picked up a used CZ 527 Varmint in .223 recently and really like it. Curious if I should have gotten one in 7.62x39. Since I have other rifles in .223, I thought it would be easier to just stick with one caliber so I don't have to stock another one.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages between .223 and 7.62 on the CZ 527 platform?

When it comes to shooting steel cased ammo, I am currently shooting Wolf Polyformance at a cost of 23 cents per round shipped. That's the same price for the same brand of ammo for the 7.62 ammo. So you can't say it's cheaper to shoot.

[pcruz]

Thank you for all the input.

In order they were recieved:

Look for a used WASR

This was my initial plan until the bullet button ban got passed. I was ready to spend the ~$700 for a used WASR, but with the ban forced on us, I'd rather not deal with going featureless or registering an AW.

how about a SKS?

If I can find one in decent shape for around $400, I'd be all over it. I'm always one or two posts late when these deals pop up.

Do you have n AR lower? If you do, it might be better to just get a 7.62 upper and good mags.

I do, but wasn't aware it was compatible with a 7.62x39 upper. I'll explore this option now that you mention it, but would still like a nice bolt gun or C&R like an SKS to go along with it. (small chance I'll let go of my AR to avoid AW hassles)

I agree with above - just buy the 527.

I wanted one for a long time but couldn't find out so I bought it in 223 and ended up selling it. Finally now I see them in stock. My nearest Turners has one on the rack and Davidson Guns has them in stock.

If 7.62x39 is your cartridge then just bite the bullet and get the CZ!

Check Jackson Arms store front thru Davidsons Gallery of Guns. Their price is $794 including tax & dros. That's a great deal!
https://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/...ode=94401&wh=P

Thanks for the tip with Jackson Arms. I'm trying to keep this on a budget since I have other firearms higher on the "want/need list."

The Zastava M85 is not a good choice the extractor is very weak and has failed to extract shells many times. I actually contacted the factory (I'm half Serb) in their language to no avail. The only spare extractor is in Canada and the firm wanted 85 bucks shipped. When I take it to the range I also take a cleaning rod for the eventual extraction. The rest of the rifle works OK, triggers not bad.

The Zastava M85 was the first rifle that peaked my interest with 7.62x39 bolt guns. IIRC, Mount Pleasant Arms had one listed on their website late 2015 at a good price. I haven't seen one since. Reviews such as yours has made me stop looking for one.

Handled a Howa mini-action in .223 (7.62x39 should be released in a month or two) - I was impressed and would really consider, even though the magazines are proprietary (should totally engineer them to take AKM magazines).

Edit: they are also available in 6.5 Grendel which is cool, but expensive sounding (unless I really got into hand loading).

Howa is what I'm holding out for now. Would you happen to know the pricing? I've reached out to Howa/Legacy in regards to msrp and release date, but haven't heard back.

People looking to purchase 7.62x39 firearms are typically looking to do so specifically because of the cheap steel case ammo that is available.

What would you guess the percentage of gun owners who also reload to be?
5%?

I enjoyed shooting my buddy's 30-30 lever action, but I'm not reloading at the moment. My main purpose for this rifle is to have a cheap plinker, 7.62x39 fits that bill. I can buy a few cases of ammo and have fun shooting it for a few years before having to worry about reloading.

-----

To sum up my thoughts:
-I wouldn't mind spending more money for an AK, but with the new BB-ban, I would rather not deal with magazine locks/featureless/AW registration.

-SKS and Saiga are on the want list, but $400-$500 for these are getting more and more difficult to find (in NorCal at least). I'll keep checking the classified daily.

-CZ 527 is undoubtedly a fine rifle, but trying to stay in the "budget plinker" category. For general range use (minute of man/paper accuracy) and handing off to new shooters (easier on the wallet and don't need to worry too much about dings/scratches). If I enjoy shooting the cartridge, I may spring for a 527 down the line.

-upcoming Howa looks like the most promising option. I just need to wait for more details to be released.

Thanks again for all your input. Much appreciated!

[Varg Vikernes]

My thought process was that $650 or so was only $200ish more than what the Zastavas were selling for. And you are probably getting 2x the gun for that extra $200.