[Shattered]

A magazine (SGN?) stated that Russia is approaching it's "twenty year cycle" and will be purging stocks of ammunition and replacing with fresh ammo. Expect massive quantities of 5.45x39 to hit the market.

This might be a nice break from high prices... if you have something to use with it. May have to rethink the caliber of the 53 I haven't built yet.

 

[brassmagnet]

That stuff has been relatively cheap compared to the 30 russian for awhile. Maybe it's already here??

 

[mt-ac]

5.45x39 cheaper ammo for AR's

If the 5.45x39 stays at the current price or drops even lower another use for it is there is an AR conversion for it. Check www.ar-15.com for more information. Pro is really cheap shooting, con is shooting corrosive in a rifle not designed for it.

 

[phalanx]

I don't know, Russia is going through another one of her PMS identity crises again.

 

[kzguns]

They are'nt using 7.62x39 anymore? i have to think they still have s loads of that stockpiled so hopefully we'll see more of that.

 

[AaronHorrocks]

5.45x39 is the only cheap surplus/military caliber left on the market today.

The Russians haven't used 7.62x39 in decades. That caliber was phased out with the introduction of the AK74 (5.45x39)

 

[kzguns]

I did'nt realize they completely got rid of it.

 

[RetVet]

I've been stocking up on crates of it over the last year or so. I'd be happy to see the price on it drop even lower if a boat load more is due to flood in. Not holding my breath though.

 

[AaronHorrocks]

I did'nt realize they completely got rid of it.

It's not well known. At least not in the states. I've had to clear this matter up with several of my friends that are knowledgeable gun guys. The topic started on the 5.56 vs the 7.62x39 and squad on squad tactics. For whatever reason, they thought the 7.62x39 was still a primary caliber for the Russians. 7.62x54 certainly is, but 5.45x39 is now the #1 caliber, and has been since the mid/late 70's and even during (especially during) the Soviet-Afghan War.

The AK47 and SKS were in 7.62x39.
They improved on the AK47 in the AKM, which was still 7.62x39

Then the Russians learned from America's experience in Vietnam with the 5.56, and developed the 5.45x39. They improved on all the ballistic characteristics. Smaller, Faster, more accurate, and the steel core was installed toward the rear of the bullet to increase yaw once it hit tissue - thus increasing injury, and earning the term "poison bullet" by the Mjuihadeen.

Since the AK74, all the AK and even PRK firearms produced have been in 5.45x39. Of course the SKS is still used in ceremonies, like the M1 Garand is here. And you may still find some AKMs in service somewhere by a few minor poorly equipped forces. But all in all the 7.62x39 has simply been phased out of the military, much like the .30-06 has been phased out of the U.S. Military.

 

[storage_man]

Has the U.N. lifted their Ammuntion Importation Ban ? If they haven't, don't expect much of anything from Russia.

 

[jeff47]

What about the RPD, that's chambered for 7.62x39? Anyone know if it is still in service over there?

If it's a 20 yr stock pile though, it's likely that they might still have a fair amount of 7.62x39 I would think, but I guess we'll find out eventually.

 

[jmann]

Bring on the 54r.

 

[COPE]

Aaron, Russia still produces and fields AK's in x39. There was a period of time when the round took a back burner to the 5.45, but it has never completely gone away. Before you accuse me of being wrong, you should go do a little reading. Look up the AK103 (which is chambered in 7.62x39), the history behind it, and it's production dates.

As far as Russia purging their stock of ammo, I say bring it on. We'll take all we can get. I don't think the price will get any cheaper though. Eleven cents per round is probably the bottom.

 

[COPE]

AK-103 Porn

 

[AaronHorrocks]

COPE,

I'm taking about the Military only. Not production for export or civilian markets.

Yes there are some "AK"s produced in 7.62x39, but those are not for internal forces.

 

[COPE]

I really don't want to get into a drawn out arguement about this point, but the 7.62 caliber round is currently in use in Russian MILITARY Service.

The AK-100 series of rifles is just the latest incarnation of the Kalishnikov line, and has chamberings in 5.45, 5.56 NATO, and 7.62. I can assure you that the AK-103, and 104 are being used by Russian troops, if only in limited numbers. I don't dispute that most Izhmash produced 7.62 rifles are produced for export, particularly to Venezuala, but that point does not negate the fact that Russian troops use the 103 and 104 as well. Like I said, I'm not trying to start an arguement, you may have just overlooked a few facts.

This topic has been discussed ad nauseum on various AK boards, and it has been confirmed that the 7.62 round is alive and well within the ranks of Russian military service.

 

[franks71vw]

My thing on this is with so many millions of rifles made in this calbier why would they then stop making it (762 x 39)

 

[AaronHorrocks]

Once again, I'll reffer back and compare it to .30-06

Why did the U.S. Military give up on it? It's a great round, and was used in a wide rage of infantry weapons.

There's a bit of politics involved... Warfare changes... and Advancement in calibers. .30-06 was given up in place of 5.56 for regular infantry and 7.62x51 (.308) for snipers and machinegunners.

7.62 was given up for the smaller, lighter, faster, farther reaching 5.45x39 - while the marksmen and machinegunners stick to the antique 7.62x54R developed in 1891!

 

[panaceabeachbum]

. .30-06 was given up in place of 5.56 for regular infantry

Close but 06 was givenup for 7.62x51 well before the 556 , you forgot the m14


Janes ran an article a few years back and quite a few com blocs were dropping the 545 to go back to 7.62 , article also mentioned its still in active service with russian military depending on where they are deployed

 

[AaronHorrocks]

No I didn't.

calibers. .30-06 was given up in place of 5.56 for regular infantry and 7.62x51 (.308) for snipers and machinegunners.

And like I've said before, the AKM is still in limited service.