AR in 7.62x39mm?

[The Baron]

OK, I did a search on this and there was only one thread with limited info.

With the incredibly low cost of some 7.32x39mm surplus ammo and the availability of 10 round "pistol" mags... ... I'm surprised that 7.62x39mm AR's aren't more prevalent on the Canadian market.

Would this be good for the carbine/rifle portion of most 3 gun matches (range/club restrictions)? Could I have an upper to go on my standard .223 lower? Other than a $2000 PWS from Questar, what options are out there? Am I missing something?

I've got an XCR in .223 that I do like, so I've considered a 7.62mmx39mm conversion but I'd like something handier.

 

[.30/06 FTW]

Marstar carries the TNW SGP QCB 7.62x39 upper, but yup, you guessed it, sold out.

 

[I <3 M14]

Pws

 

[hbean]

GP tactical has a upper listed on their website, looks similar to the one Dlask made last summer.

 

[Epoxy7]

If you're going to shoot surplus 7.62x39 in an AR I would strongly suggest going to a piston system not a DI AR. The surplus stuff is corrosive. I imagine it wouldn't be too good for the gas tube on a DI AR.

Or for $700 buy a CZ858.

 

[simpleton]

Gas tubes are usually stainless. Even if you replace it, your out maybe $20. Piston kits aren't worth the money to retrofit.



.

 

[Epoxy7]

Gas tubes are usually stainless. Even if you replace it, your out maybe $20. Piston kits aren't worth the money to retrofit.



.

Stainless rusts too. It just takes longer. Trust me. I've seen it. In humid environments the corrosive ammo works pretty fast. I suspect you would be changing that gas tube after two trips to the range, or every month whichever comes first.

Maybe I'm wrong. It would be interesting to find out.

 

[beavis_m305]

lol boiling water

 

[beavis_m305]

Aren't the X39 bolts more prone to breaking?

 

[Grapeshot]

Whats wrong with a conversion kit? Takes like two minutes to swap bolt and barrel and takes up less space than a whole new rifle.

 

[hbean]

Whats wrong with a conversion kit? Takes like two minutes to swap bolt and barrel and takes up less space than a whole new rifle.

AR barrels doesn't come off that quick or easy.

As with the gas tube? I wouldn't worry about it unless you live in the jungle of Southeast Asia ,one thing to keep in mind with 7.62x39 surplus is you need to swap out the hammer spring, because the harder military primers and inconsistent load that doesn't produce high enough gas to cycle the system with authority.

 

[Epoxy7]

lol boiling water

Yes because water, windex etc are all recommended ways of cleaning an AR gas tube. Moisture in a long tube where hot gasses go filled with carbon crud isn't going to cause any problems?

 

[hbean]

lol boiling water

Hot water will cause more harm to a gas tube, because it is not a easily accessible part, so you can't be sure it is bone dry after you clean it.

Clean and lube generously with a CLP like Gunzilla that neutralizes the corrosive salt and keep your safe dry with one those dehumidifier or Desiccant Silica Gel, you should be find.

 

[TrevorF]

Eventually im going to add a dedicated 7.62x40 upper to mine. 7.62x39 is fun and cheap to shoot and like someone said already a CZ858 is great for throwing cheap surplus down range. I want a 7.62x40 upper because i love the idea of shooting a 7.62 projectile out of ano AR without going all the way to a 7.62x51.

 

[Grapeshot]

AR barrels doesn't come off that quick or easy.

I've got an XCR in .223 that I do like, so I've considered a 7.62mmx39mm conversion but I'd like something handier.

I was talking about the XCR conversion kit the OP mentioned. A conversion kit seems like a logical choice if OP likes his XCR. It's less expensive and time consuming than buying a new rifle/accessories and takes up less space. I'm looking into a 7.62x39 conversion kit for my XCR right now.

 

[Grapeshot]

OP could also buy an XCR upper and conversion kit if he wanted a toolless caliber swap.

 

[Brordo]

Eventually im going to add a dedicated 7.62x40 upper to mine. 7.62x39 is fun and cheap to shoot and like someone said already a CZ858 is great for throwing cheap surplus down range. I want a 7.62x40 upper because i love the idea of shooting a 7.62 projectile out of ano AR without going all the way to a 7.62x51.

Could always go to 7.62x35 (aka 300BLK)...just a barrel change then...but not cheap to shoot at this point.

 

[Ar180shooter]

Why do that (get a 7.62x39 AR) when you can get .223 for $.40/round or less? It's a little more expensive than 7.62x39, but non-corrosive and doesn't require the same level of maintenance.

 

[hbean]

Surplus 7.62X39 can be had for less than $0.20 round, the cleaning routine isn't that much more than any other ammo.

 

[Stevo]

Surplus 7.62X39 can be had for less than $0.20 round, the cleaning routine isn't that much more than any other ammo.

Exactly.

I can shoot my XCR twice as much as one of my AR's for the same cost and can pick up my empties wholesale with a big magnet on wheels.