On a related topic... are there any links to info about other firearms that use the 5.45x39 round? Or is there such a beast at all?
I really dig the whole AK thing as well. As a Canadian (who wants to actually be able to shoot the guns) I have to rely on the SKS and the CZ-858 to get my fix. But I've really enjoyed reading the last two (and I believe only) issues of "The Complete Book of the AK-47" magazine from G&A. One came out last Spring. The newer one is on newsstands now. When I look at the adds in there I'm just salivating over all the cool AK-47's, AK-74's and cheap ammo they have for sale.
Is there any other firearm that fires 5.45x39? Russian surplus stuff seems to be even cheaper than 7.62x39 in many cases. (the bullets are half the weight, maybe that is it?)
Time for a new ##### thread: "Why won't CZ make us an 858 chambered in 5.45x39! Boo hoo ... wah wah wah"
EDIT: O.k., I googled it. Looks like you can buy an AR-15 in 5.45x39, or an AR-15 upper. Smith & Wesson make it. So do a few others. I'm sure if I've heard of these being in Canada yet. Somebody would have to bring the ammo in - cheap and in bulk - before there would be much interest in the uppers I would think.
It would be awesome to shoot 15 cents a pop on the AR with a round with some zing to it, and without having to reload it!
Still, I have an AR and a 9mm AR already. A "Com-bloc" style rifle that fires 5.45x39 has more appeal to me than just a way to reduce ammo cost on .223 REM