Bolt action 7.62x39

morp

morp

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Looking for a bolt action in 7.62x39. Sorry if this has already been covered in another thread. Currently deciding between the Howa 1500, Ruger American Ranch and the CZ600, although open to any other suggestions.

Main requirements are;

* Ability to cycle surplus ammo (I have a decent stock of red box Norinco and steel cored surplus corrosive rounds).
* Ease of quick cleaning/stripping if shooting corrosive.
* Weight and length. Looking for something relatively light and compact with an ~18” barrel ideally.
* Aftermarket support/upgrades. I’m a sucker for tinkering, although my wife and wallet would probably prefer a more limited aftermarket!
*Availability and affordability of spare mags.

This will be used as a plinker, bush gun and light hunting rifle.

Any input, experiences or recommendations very much appreciated 👍
 
I own a Ranch in .223/5.56. Love it! Bought it mainly because of the AR mags. The Ranch in 7.62 takes mini-30 mags, but you can get a well conversion for AR 7.62x39 mags...so pistol mags are an option.
 
I have a savage axis in this caliber. No complaints. I’ve had 2 ftf with surplus ammo so far. Rec0ck and went bang
Only tinkering I’ve done is put a traditional scope rail on it vs the scout rail. With 3x9. And remove the god awful muzzle brake and front sight
 
I’ve got a gen1 ruger ranch and a cz527 in 762x39 the factory stock on the gen 1 leaves a lot to be desired I replaced it with a Boyd’s and ar mag adapter I prefer the handling of the cz and smoother bolt ,
I’ve heard the gen 2 rugers have a better stock and fluted barrel witch might solve my problems with it
 
Ruger also has the 16 inch barrel which is the best length for 762. Start to get diminishing returns after 16. And pretty sure you only have to worry about the barrel and bolt face when cleaning up after running corrosive. I could be wrong though. Finding mini 30 mags in canada seems pretty tough. I also have my eye on one lol.
 
I can only speak for the Howa since I have one. It works, is accurate, and shoots corrosive surplus just fine. The mags can be expensive/hard to find if that matters though.
 
Thanks guys, I’ve read that the Gen 1 Ranch doesn’t like Norinco red box - anyone experience this? Ive held the Gen 1 and am not too keen on the stock, although I like the size and weight otherwise.
The Gen 2s seem a bit like hens teeth; only heard murmurs of their whereabouts and most sites I see they’re out of stock, although I’ve heard reports of them cycling red box fine. That stock again though.. 🤷‍♂️ Also haven’t seen any on the used market.
 
As it stands I’m leaning toward the Howa - can find them for a reasonable price in good condition on used markets it seems and I gather they seem to swallow anything. Accuracy seems to be similar across all of these models. The Howa also allows the possibility of a stock change where as the CZ/Ruger options seem more limited - at least in 7.62. However, if anyone has more beans to spill on the Howa, I’m all ears.

Thanks for all the responses so far 👍
 
morp said:
Looking for a bolt action in 7.62x39. Sorry if this has already been covered in another thread. Currently deciding between the Howa 1500, Ruger American Ranch and the CZ600, although open to any other suggestions.

Main requirements are;

* Ability to cycle surplus ammo (I have a decent stock of red box Norinco and steel cored surplus corrosive rounds).
* Ease of quick cleaning/stripping if shooting corrosive.
* Weight and length. Looking for something relatively light and compact with an ~18” barrel ideally.
* Aftermarket support/upgrades. I’m a sucker for tinkering, although my wife and wallet would probably prefer a more limited aftermarket!
*Availability and affordability of spare mags.

This will be used as a plinker, bush gun and light hunting rifle.

Any input, experiences or recommendations very much appreciated 👍
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I have both the Howa Mini Action with a heavy barrel #6 and Ruger Ranch in 7.62x39mm for like about 2 years. IMO the Howa is more accurate than the Ruger. I've been shooting red box Norinco and any Chinese or other surplus without any problem. The only problem with the Howa is a plastic trigger guard/bottom "metal". It eventually cracked at the holes for stock screws when I tried to increase the torque. I bought from MTD a replacement bottom metal/trigger guard (aluminum alloy) and their 10-rd metal/polymer magazine (the plastic Howa mag does not fit). I torqued the stock screws to 50ft/lbs and everything is solid like a rock now. The accuracy also improved. Both MTD parts are not cheap but of a very high quality.
 
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I like the look of both the Howa mini and Ruger ranch, I’d likely go with the Howa. I have a 1500 in .308 and it’s a very well made rifle, qc and fit and finish is great. As mentioned there’s a couple bottom metal options available now, they seem to be accurate and don’t have any issues with surplus x39.
 
morp said:
Thanks guys, I’ve read that the Gen 1 Ranch doesn’t like Norinco red box - anyone experience this? Ive held the Gen 1 and am not too keen on the stock, although I like the size and weight otherwise.
The Gen 2s seem a bit like hens teeth; only heard murmurs of their whereabouts and most sites I see they’re out of stock, although I’ve heard reports of them cycling red box fine. That stock again though.. 🤷‍♂️ Also haven’t seen any on the used market.
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Cabelas.ca has the gen 2 in stock online now. I know people like to talk accuracy, but for the caliber, barrel length, surplus ammo, I would never expect the rifle to be sub-MOA, or MOA for that matter. I have other rifles for that. Easily minute of deer, if you wanted to hunt with it. Price being what it is for most firearms these days, the ruger is a great value...especially if you get the AR MAGwell.
 

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I have a Zastava bolt gun (M85 ?) that I shoot occasionally. Nice light little rifle. Kind of cheesy to cycle but it works.
 
Cz527...look for used, very nice little rifles.
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5HoursNorth said:
I’ve got a gen1 ruger ranch and a cz527 in 762x39 the factory stock on the gen 1 leaves a lot to be desired I replaced it with a Boyd’s and ar mag adapter I prefer the handling of the cz and smoother bolt ,
I’ve heard the gen 2 rugers have a better stock and fluted barrel witch might solve my problems with it
Click to expand...
I'm curious how did you get that muzzle break off? My friend has one and cries every time he looks at it.
Jesus it's ugly and useless
 
morp said:
Looking for a bolt action in 7.62x39. Sorry if this has already been covered in another thread. Currently deciding between the Howa 1500, Ruger American Ranch and the CZ600, although open to any other suggestions.

Main requirements are;

* Ability to cycle surplus ammo (I have a decent stock of red box Norinco and steel cored surplus corrosive rounds).
* Ease of quick cleaning/stripping if shooting corrosive.
* Weight and length. Looking for something relatively light and compact with an ~18” barrel ideally.
* Aftermarket support/upgrades. I’m a sucker for tinkering, although my wife and wallet would probably prefer a more limited aftermarket!
*Availability and affordability of spare mags.

This will be used as a plinker, bush gun and light hunting rifle.

Any input, experiences or recommendations very much appreciated 👍
Click to expand...
I would only ever consider a CZ 527 or 600. They are simply class leading int eh bolt action space.
That 600 is some nice. My friend has one and it shoots aces.
 
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