7.62x39

[Glock4ever]

Lol.... I can assure you it takes more than that to drive me nuts.... It's a discussion forum, where people have different opinions.... it happens.. If everyone thought the same way and expressed it the same way this would be a pretty boring place....

You and I have differences in opnion, and that's fine... Personally, I would never take what appears to be a 4+ MOA gun (when shot off a rest) and put it into play in a hunting scenario......

Interesting outlook on hunting weapons - it might help other folks understand your position if you were more explicit about the distances you are hunting as I think many on here think you are being overly restrictive on weapon selection. I have hunted with 4+ MOA weapons but if you restrict your shots it really isn't a big deal - a kill zone on many big game animals is 8"-12". If you consider that most people will likely shoot 4+ MOA with an iron sighted lever gun or for that matter most iron sighted weapons, it is hardly fair to state that those weapons that should not be used in a "hunting scenario" as long as shots are kept within reasonable distances of the weapon.

 

[Gatehouse]

Exactly. The round hits hard within its limitations. VERY underrated. Within 75-100 I don't think it would be an issue for even black bear or moose.

Or elk!

Actually it's staggering the variety of animals hunted with a SKS. I've even seen pics of Russian grizzly hunters with SKS, which wouldn't be my first choice, but I guess sometimes you just need to bring what you got!

 

[Gatehouse]

Interesting outlook on hunting weapons - it might help other folks understand your position if you were more explicit about the distances you are hunting as I think many on here think you are being overly restrictive on weapon selection. I have hunted with 4+ MOA weapons but if you restrict your shots it really isn't a big deal - a kill zone on many big game animals is 8"-12". If you consider that most people will likely shoot 4+ MOA with an iron sighted lever gun or for that matter most iron sighted weapons, it is hardly fair to state that those weapons that should not be used in a "hunting scenario" as long as shots are kept within reasonable distances of the weapon.

Yup, many "traditional" rifles with issued iron sights aren't any more accurate than an SKS. Yet these 30-30's and Enfields have put lots of meat on the ground!

 

[Hitzy]

I would use an M85 or CZ in x39 for deer no problem using good commercial ammo or handloads with good solid bullets. M85 was under $400 to your door from CanAm during their sales so probably cheaper then an SKS with a bunch of aftermarket crap hanging off it lol.
I would not use an SKS even if it shot MOA because of the design. FF firing pins and commercial ammo can be an issue.
To each their own however.

 

[Superbrad]

Interesting outlook on hunting weapons - it might help other folks understand your position if you were more explicit about the distances you are hunting as I think many on here think you are being overly restrictive on weapon selection. I have hunted with 4+ MOA weapons but if you restrict your shots it really isn't a big deal - a kill zone on many big game animals is 8"-12". If you consider that most people will likely shoot 4+ MOA with an iron sighted lever gun or for that matter most iron sighted weapons, it is hardly fair to state that those weapons that should not be used in a "hunting scenario" as long as shots are kept within reasonable distances of the weapon.

It's not that it can't be done, or that it isn't "capable" under restriction.... and you are correct, maybe I should explain my position more....

This very thread is a perfect example... The hunter I quoted above shot what looks like a 4.5 MOA group with his SKS..... This was done off of a rest.... and he feels that this is applicable to a real life hunting scenario... What would that rested 4.5 at the same hundred yards look like offhand, standing, kneeling etc?..... Now add a heart pounding to that equation..... What does the MOA turn into then? is it still within the 8 inches? And deer don't have bullseyes on them so give or take an inch or two on point of aim to boot.....

How many people on here have spoken of the average shoot half a box a year hunter?.... Is that really the guy that should be shooting a 4.5 MOA off a rest rifle?

 

[Gatehouse]

It's not that it can't be done, or that it isn't "capable" under restriction.... and you are correct, maybe I should explain my position more....

This very thread is a perfect example... The hunter I quoted above shot what looks like a 4.5 MOA group with his SKS..... This was done off of a rest.... and he feels that this is applicable to a real life hunting scenario... What would that rested 4.5 at the same hundred yards look like offhand, standing, kneeling etc?..... Now add a heart pounding to that equation..... What does the MOA turn into then? is it still within the 8 inches? And deer don't have bullseyes on them so give or take an inch or two on point of aim to boot.....

How many people on here have spoken of the average shoot half a box a year hunter?.... Is that really the guy that should be shooting a 4.5 MOA off a rest rifle?

Every year, hunters go to the range to sight in thier rifles, and create targets that look remarkably like the SKS target picture4d above. They may be using iron sighted 30-30's or .300WBY's with hubble scopes, but their groups aren't much better. And they still end up with meat in the freezer, because animals are big with big kill zones and most of them are shot closer than 100 yards away.

 

[Glock4ever]

It's not that it can't be done, or that it isn't "capable" under restriction.... and you are correct, maybe I should explain my position more....

This very thread is a perfect example... The hunter I quoted above shot what looks like a 4.5 MOA group with his SKS..... This was done off of a rest.... and he feels that this is applicable to a real life hunting scenario... What would that rested 4.5 at the same hundred yards look like offhand, standing, kneeling etc?..... Now add a heart pounding to that equation..... What does the MOA turn into then? is it still within the 8 inches? And deer don't have bullseyes on them so give or take an inch or two on point of aim to boot.....

How many people on here have spoken of the average shoot half a box a year hunter?.... Is that really the guy that should be shooting a 4.5 MOA off a rest rifle?

Don't quite get what you are pushing towards as part of being an ethical hunter is knowing your weapon and when to release the shot. As an example, with my 300 WSM, I know that I need to take a prone position or rest the rifle to accurately hit a deer in the vitals at 300 yards. My rifle is easily sub-moa but that is just what I have set for myself when I shoot. I also know that I could poke at animals with the WSM up to 600 yards with my current set up but as I don't practice enough I don't. That may change in the future if I can get to the range to shoot more often at longer ranges but for now that is what I do with that particular weapon. I also have a compound bow that I shoot quite a bit and I know that I can confidently put it into a deer's vitals from a standing position all day at 50 yards. That being said my groups at 50 yards are probably 6-7" which is much greater than 1 MOA. Are you suggesting that particular weapon is not relevent to a "hunting situation" because of its accuracy?

 

[Superbrad]

Don't quite get what you are pushing towards as part of being an ethical hunter is knowing your weapon and when to release the shot. As an example, with my 300 WSM, I know that I need to take a prone position or rest the rifle to accurately hit a deer in the vitals at 300 yards. My rifle is easily sub-moa but that is just what I have set for myself when I shoot. I also know that I could poke at animals with the WSM up to 600 yards with my current set up but as I don't practice enough I don't. That may change in the future if I can get to the range to shoot more often at longer ranges but for now that is what I do with that particular weapon. I also have a compound bow that I shoot quite a bit and I know that I can confidently put it into a deer's vitals from a standing position all day at 50 yards. That being said my groups at 50 yards are probably 6-7" which is much greater than 1 MOA. Are you suggesting that particular weapon is not relevent to a "hunting situation" because of its accuracy?

Exactly.... So how does someone Know their weapon if they only ever shoot a few rounds a year or, like the hunter I quoted, don't test it under true hunting circumstances?

 

[Glock4ever]

Exactly.... So how does someone Know their weapon if they only ever shoot a few rounds a year or, like the hunter I quoted, don't test it under true hunting circumstances?

But that isn't an issue with the weapons inherent accuracy that is an issue with training. How does having a more accurate weapon prevent overstepping the hunter's capabilities?

 

[Superbrad]

But that isn't an issue with the weapons inherent accuracy that is an issue with training. How does having a more accurate weapon prevent overstepping the hunter's capabilities?

First off, I am an advocate of having both an accurate weapon and hunting / shooting ability.... I shoot both restricted and non restricted, and unlike most, my non restricted see more rounds at the range than their counterparts....

Secondly, I don't think anyone would argue that a rifle's inherent built in accuracy (Take away the human factor) will help with hitting closer to point of aim....

 

[ratherbefishin]

My original question was not 'what CAN a 7.62x39 round do? but what was the BEST USE of the 7.62x39? and if the anser was cheap fun shooting' vs hunting or target shooting then what was the advantage of buying an expensive rifle to shoot when an SKS would serve the purpose handily and the money saved might be put towards a couple of cases of ammunition.I have an SKS, nothing wrong with it but I'd be just as happy with an H&R single shot in the same caliber,and put the diference to a nice full stock M85 in a 65x55 that I could pretty much take anything in North America with at ranges up to my shooting ability

 

[Hitzy]

My original question was not 'what CAN a 7.62x39 round do? but what was the BEST USE of the 7.62x39? and if the anser was cheap fun shooting' vs hunting or target shooting then what was the advantage of buying an expensive rifle to shoot when an SKS would serve the purpose handily and the money saved might be put towards a couple of cases of ammunition.I have an SKS, nothing wrong with it but I'd be just as happy with an H&R single shot in the same caliber,and put the diference to a nice full stock M85 in a 65x55 that I could pretty much take anything in North America with at ranges up to my shooting ability

What's the "best use" for .22lr? What's the "best use" for .223?
Would you just by the cheapest gun you can because there are limitations to the cartridge or the ammo is cheap in bulk?

 

[ratherbefishin]

Nothing wrong with an SKS....goes bang when you pull the trigger and hits what you're aiming for if you hold it straight...great truck gun

Let's put it this way, would you buy a Rolls Royce if your main purpose was going to the building center to pick up sacks of cement ,2x4s and half a yard of gravel or would you buy a older Toyota pickup truck that you could just throw stuff in the back?... the Rolls most certainly can do the job....and if you just won the 649,why not?....but most of us aren't in that catagory

 

[Can-down]

Would you buy a semi auto if you prefer bolt action rifles?

In the end...... paying $500 more for a rifle that you enjoy is peanuts. Specially if that rifle shoots inexpensive currently available ammo into decent sized groups. ( less then 3 inches@ 100 yards.)

A few people have commented that they are not interested in shooting guns or ammo that won't test their ability due to the fact that they can shoot better then their equipment..... I'd say that a creative person would come up with shooting scenarios beyond bench rested and make the best of it.
Sprint 100 yards and then shoot off hand and see if you can still keep your sub 1 MOA rifle shooting sub 1 moa.

If your nice little CZ carbine or AIA or Zastava can keep cheap surplus inside of 2 inches at 100yards even better. I don't really see a nice little carbine like the CZ as a bench resting type gun anyways so why not use it offhand or basic field positions and improve your shooting flexibility using inexpensive ammo?

 

[Kevan]

Nothing wrong with an SKS....goes bang when you pull the trigger and hits what you're aiming for if you hold it straight...great truck gun

Let's put it this way, would you buy a Rolls Royce if your main purpose was going to the building center to pick up sacks of cement ,2x4s and half a yard of gravel or would you buy a older Toyota pickup truck that you could just throw stuff in the back?... the Rolls most certainly can do the job....and if you just won the 649,why not?....but most of us aren't in that catagory

If an SKS is well looked after ( as in cleaning ) it will work like a charm, mine shoots very well although I only use the American Eagle stuff ( non-corrosive ) so that I can reload it.
Another 7.62 X 39 to consider is the Czech VZ 52/57, surprisingly accurate if in good condition and easy on fired brass.

 

[coleman1495]

I think the biggest reason a person would want a bolt action 7.62x39 gun is the ability to mount a scope without screwing around with fancy mounts. Having a scope on a target/hunting firearm is something that in my opinion can make the firearm practical. Its kind of a pita shooting paper at a range with iron sights. It gets hard to know where you are hitting after you have a few holes. For hunting it definitely helps you get a clearer picture before you pull the trigger.

 

[madashell]

My original question was not 'what CAN a 7.62x39 round do? but what was the BEST USE of the 7.62x39? and if the anser was cheap fun shooting' vs hunting or target shooting then what was the advantage of buying an expensive rifle to shoot when an SKS would serve the purpose handily and the money saved might be put towards a couple of cases of ammunition.I have an SKS, nothing wrong with it but I'd be just as happy with an H&R single shot in the same caliber,and put the diference to a nice full stock M85 in a 65x55 that I could pretty much take anything in North America with at ranges up to my shooting ability

Ok, if you want it right to the point ...

The 7.62 x 39 is a very effective round for target practicing, kill'in bad dudes all over the world, and hunting up to certainly medium sized game and even larger .... out to IT'S and YOUR effective range with it.

It is NOT just for target shooting whether an SKS or a good bolt. Almost everyone seems to think the x39 is a target round only. Absurd.

 

[madashell]

I think the biggest reason a person would want a bolt action 7.62x39 gun is the ability to mount a scope without screwing around with fancy mounts. Having a scope on a target/hunting firearm is something that in my opinion can make the firearm practical. Its kind of a pita shooting paper at a range with iron sights. It gets hard to know where you are hitting after you have a few holes. For hunting it definitely helps you get a clearer picture before you pull the trigger.

Assuming you are referring to an SKS here (as opposed to a more accurate bolt)...

SKS is generally accepted to be a 4 moa rifle.

Zero your SKS irons at 19 m first intersection, 170 m second intersection.

Get yourself an 8" x 8" steal plate. Set the plate out at 200 m.

If you can hit the plate with almost every round you know where you're hitting, and you can EASILY hunt with it at 100 m .... it's more than just a deer rifle too.

Obviously working your way out to 200 is the way to go but if you can reach that goal you can easily hunt ethically with it within it's and your effective range.

There is so much Bulls**t non-sense about the SKS and the x39 and how useless it is.

 

[Superbrad]

Any SKS fanboys want to take brobee's challenge?...... The target is only 100 yards away, and you only have to land your rounds in an 8 inch circle...... Sounds reasonable for a "hunting rifle" to me...

I posted my results.....

 

[madashell]

Any SKS fanboys want to take brobee's challenge?...... The target is only 100 yards away, and you only have to land your rounds in an 8 inch circle...... Sounds reasonable for a "hunting rifle" to me...

I posted my results.....

Not an SKS "fanboy". Just know it's a more capable rifle and round than most think. I challenge myself and am comfortable with what I can/cannot do. Couldn't care less what others are capable of or not.

Try it with the SKS. Might be surprised at what YOU can do.

Don't get me wrong, I'd take a good accurate bolt over the SKS for hunting any day, but that does NOT mean the SKS isn't capable within it's limitations.