Want to Build 7.62x39 AR

[mls343]

Guys,

I have a complete multi cal lower receiver that has been used with a 5.56 upper. Is there anything else I need besides a new upper and a clip to run the 7.62x39? Any gotchya's??



Thanks!

[mls343]

Oops - magazine! Sorry!

[God Bless The Mauser]

You would be better off with an AK if you want to shoot 7.62x39.

[EBR Works]

All you need is an upper and some C Products mags. With the right upper and some good hand loads, you can expect sub-moa performance at 100 yds. No AK can do that.

[mls343]

I'm just thinking that I have this extra lower and I have a bunch of 7.62x39 (have an SKS), so I was just considering options. It might be cool to shoot a different round than a 5.56.

Is there any inherant problems with running 7.62x39 in a AR configuration?

BTW - I do agree with you about AK, but just looking at the options.

Thanks!

[DB2]

^^^^
Mags seem to be the inherent problem with a x39 AR. I have a friend that has a reg. Colt sporter in x39. With regular wolf ammo, it will shoot sub-moa at a 100. It will hit shaving cream cans continuosly at 300. :P

[EBR Works]

The mags that came with my DPMS upper were jam-o-matics so I switched to C Products mags and have had no further issues. Fiocchi ammo tended to be loaded too light to cycle the action but other brands have been reliable.

[mls343]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Last queston: Is there a sweet spot barrel length configuration that seems to work the best like 20 or 16?

Thanks again!

[kermit315]

Also, do you have to change the buffer/spring?

[Semperpluris]

I used to have Colt upper in 7.62x39. I had found 30 round franken-mags made with 10 rounder USA with cut and welded to AK mags for those of you not familiar with the term. 1 or 2 would cycle more than 20 rounds but the rest would only cycle 9 to 10 before jamming. I found a bunch of USA 10 rounders and those seemed to be the best feeders. Go Figure! I read an article once that the AR was originally designed for straight magazine which works best for the .223/5.56 and the 7.62x39 needed a more curved magazine. The well is the design hang up. The article futher illustrated the problems with running laquered steel cased ammo through an AR due to steel to steel wear and extra crap it leaves behind. Back in 1999 with the impending high cap ban looming, I decided to add 5.56 upper and some 30 rounder mags. I owned both uppers for years and had much more fun at the range with the 5.56. I finally came to the conclusion, that if I needed to rely on my rifle to save my life, I'd be better served by a functioning 5.56 than iffy 7.62x39. If I need to send some 7.62x39 downrange, I'll reach for my Russian SKS to satisfy that itch.

[mls343]

Very solid advice, Semperpluris. It was kind of my take all along, but I really wanted to explore the options. Maybe I'll just build another 5.56 and make sure my Russian SKS is near by.

Guys - Thanks for all the input. Per the information supplied, it does take more than a new upper to feed 7.62x39 through an AR configuration. In addition to the upper, a good magazine(s) and new buffer will be required to keep her running. After all that, it still will be a fun shooter, but not a system to bet your life on.

Thanks!

[EBR Works]

You can use the standard buffer and spring.