5.45 x 39

Arizona Fusilier · October 2, 2013, 04:40 PM

I have had a Romanian AK 74 for over 10 years now. While I don't have a big round count, I am thinking of promoting this to my tertiary caliber (behind. 308 and. 223), since ammo seems to be even more cheaper and available then 7.62 x 39. At. 17 to .20 cents a round, I have scored four spam cans in the last few months.

Anyone else take note? Anyone take "the plunge" and dive into an AK 74 to take advantage of this? Did you buy out if curiosity, collectability, or a serious change in your overall defensive rifle battery?

Or are you satisfied to leave all that cheap ammo to me?

ttarp · October 2, 2013, 05:35 PM

I got a Waffen Werks AK74, partly because of cheap ammo and partly because I like the SKS better than the AK in 7.62X39. Pretty fun rifle to shoot, I'm curious to see how long the surplus lasts.

amd6547 · October 2, 2013, 05:42 PM

My Saiga 5.45 is my main rifle now. Not just because the ammo is cheap...I find I really like the round.

tahunua001 · October 2, 2013, 06:18 PM

a long time ago I was considering a bolt action in 5.45x39 as a cheap plinker but never followed through with it. 5.45 was kindof short lived compared to most military cartridges so the surplus is just not there. it will only take a couple ammo scares to completely run through the supply of 5.45 before it's gone and then you're stuck paying 40-50 cents a round for brown bear and wolf.

amd6547 · October 2, 2013, 06:28 PM

Good...keep thinking like that, and convince others, too...more for me.

ripnbst · October 2, 2013, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tahunua001

a long time ago I was considering a bolt action in 5.45x39 as a cheap plinker but never followed through with it. 5.45 was kindof short lived compared to most military cartridges so the surplus is just not there. it will only take a couple ammo scares to completely run through the supply of 5.45 before it's gone and then you're stuck paying 40-50 cents a round for brown bear and wolf.

Then buy it all up now while its cheap and sell during the next scare for 3x what you paid for it. Or when the Milagros dries up sell for a gain. At $180/1000 rounds I am considering picking one up. Not for the ammo hoarding for later resale either, more because 5.56 is $600/k for brass cases Fed XM193 Milsurp.

Mrgunsngear · October 2, 2013, 08:17 PM

The AK-74 is my favorite platform. Great, great guns.

Mobuck · October 2, 2013, 08:58 PM

I got a 5.45 AR upper and then an AK74 as a second in that caliber. I have 3-4 of those spam cans around somewhere for emergency needs but mostly shoot whatever steel cased FMJ is cheap. The AR is coyote accurate with Hornady 60 V-Max. I just scored a big pile of Silver Bear FMJ at $250 per 1000.
The biggest appeal beyond economy is being able to just go out and pop away w/o worrying about picking up the brass. If you watch the video demo's, you'll find that even the commercial FMJ gives some pretty wicked results soft targets.

Tucker 1371 · October 2, 2013, 09:59 PM

I got one when I was 19 (24 now). I've always had a draw towards guns that aren't quite mainstream (lots of 7.62 AKs out there, not as many 5.45s). Cheap ammo was just a bonus. I love my SAR2, either the sights or gas tube are canted but it shoots just fine out to 100yds with the Mojo microclick sight and I love the way it handles. Just picked up a spam can from Wideners so I'm sitting pretty on ammo right now, could use a few more mags though.

Mrgunsngear · October 3, 2013, 09:54 AM

RGuns has mil surplus '74 mags for $17 with $15 flat shipping no matter how many you order. Copes has Tantal steel surplus mags for $15 with $10 flat shipping. Good days for '74 mags as of late.

7n6 · October 3, 2013, 10:22 AM

I started shooting the 5.45x39 a while ago and love it I love the ballistics of the round and I ofcourse love how cheap it is.
I had always wanted a '74 , went to a gun show one time saw a century one while walking by and had to have it.
Its one of my favorite rifles to shoot now, also it has very little recoil so my gf likes it and my little brother who is 10 shot it a couple times and had a great time with it.

Boomer58cal · October 3, 2013, 10:24 AM

I thought about getting one for years. I never could get over the fact that it barely breaks a thousand pounds of muzzle energy. About 500 lbs less than 7.62. Its a flat shooter though.

If I didn't already have 7.62x39 and .223 I'd probably get one. I've already got too many chambers to feed if you know what I mean

But hey more for you right

Boomer

Tucker 1371 · October 4, 2013, 02:06 PM

Gotta love that über cheap spam can ammo but DANG! If it ain't dirty! Took a little trip to the sandbox in 2011 and my brother shot it while I was gone and didn't clean it

barrel was pretty rough but still shoots to my liking, I'll probably replace it another 2000 rounds or so.

*edited to add pic

Venom1956 · October 4, 2013, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Gotta love that über cheap spam can ammo but DANG! If it ain't dirty!

I'd think the corrosiveness would be more of a problem the dirt.

I got my 74 so I wouldnt need to get my brass after shooting...

Naw but i really like the AK and I love running it against an AR with 10lbs of stuff on it that my friends have.

seanc · October 5, 2013, 09:02 PM

Tucker1371:

Quote:

my brother shot it while I was gone and didn't clean it

Your brother deserves a kick to the balls!

I wouldn't say 5.45x39 milsurp is dirty. As long as it's cleaned up in a timely manner to rinse out the salts, it shouldn't be that bad. Like any corrosive milsurp ammo, you need to clean the rifle. You're brother needs to learn a lesson in firearm care, corrosive or not.

Per the OP: I bought because I already had a 7.62x39 rifle and wanted to try the AK74. I read good things about the round and the price of ammo was a definite plus. Also, I was able to buy my 1st Siaga for $299, so I jumped! This is definitely a "stack it deep" caliber, given the current price. The 5.45x39 has also become my home defense carbine because of it's easy shooting and the available ammo from Hornady.

Mrgunsngear · October 6, 2013, 07:20 AM

Your brother deserves a kick to the balls!

Agreed. My brother did a butchered stipple job on on of my Glocks when I let him borrow it---kicked him in the junk afterward of course

He's in his mid 30s now but that doesn't stop me from kicking him in the junk just like I did 20+ years ago

Back on topic....

More '74 gun **** from yesterday:

Pilot · October 6, 2013, 07:25 AM

I have a Romanian CUR-2 that I converted to an AK-74 clone. Nice rifle, but my favorite is my Polish Tantal which came in kit form, prior to the barrel ban. I had it built up on a U.S. receiver, and it is a heck of a 5.45 rifle. The side folding stock is a little funky so I put a butt extension on it to make the LOP fit a bit better.

Tucker 1371 · October 6, 2013, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Your brother deserves a kick to the balls!

Absolutely, I just convinced him to join the Marines instead of the Air Force though, I think 13 weeks on Parris Island should be punishment enough

seanc · October 9, 2013, 11:47 AM

Tucker:
Try RGuns for AK74 mags. They've got the best prices I've seen for quite some time.

http://www.rguns.net/

Also, look into getting some stripper clips. The AK74 stripper clip system was designed right. Period. Get several sets with spoons so you'll have plenty of spoons, just in case.

https://www.desertfoxsales.com/STRIP...p/dfs-097b.htm

October 2, 2013, 04:40 PM	#1
Arizona Fusilier Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2000 Posts: 1,082	5.45 x 39 I have had a Romanian AK 74 for over 10 years now. While I don't have a big round count, I am thinking of promoting this to my tertiary caliber (behind. 308 and. 223), since ammo seems to be even more cheaper and available then 7.62 x 39. At. 17 to .20 cents a round, I have scored four spam cans in the last few months. Anyone else take note? Anyone take "the plunge" and dive into an AK 74 to take advantage of this? Did you buy out if curiosity, collectability, or a serious change in your overall defensive rifle battery? Or are you satisfied to leave all that cheap ammo to me?

October 2, 2013, 05:42 PM	#3
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	My Saiga 5.45 is my main rifle now. Not just because the ammo is cheap...I find I really like the round. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

October 2, 2013, 06:18 PM	#4
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	a long time ago I was considering a bolt action in 5.45x39 as a cheap plinker but never followed through with it. 5.45 was kindof short lived compared to most military cartridges so the surplus is just not there. it will only take a couple ammo scares to completely run through the supply of 5.45 before it's gone and then you're stuck paying 40-50 cents a round for brown bear and wolf. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

October 2, 2013, 06:28 PM	#5
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	Good...keep thinking like that, and convince others, too...more for me. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

October 2, 2013, 08:17 PM	#7
Mrgunsngear Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2011 Location: Carolina Posts: 3,415	The AK-74 is my favorite platform. Great, great guns. __________________ Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel

October 2, 2013, 05:35 PM	#2
ttarp Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2013 Posts: 888	I got a Waffen Werks AK74, partly because of cheap ammo and partly because I like the SKS better than the AK in 7.62X39. Pretty fun rifle to shoot, I'm curious to see how long the surplus lasts.

October 2, 2013, 08:58 PM	#8
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	I got a 5.45 AR upper and then an AK74 as a second in that caliber. I have 3-4 of those spam cans around somewhere for emergency needs but mostly shoot whatever steel cased FMJ is cheap. The AR is coyote accurate with Hornady 60 V-Max. I just scored a big pile of Silver Bear FMJ at $250 per 1000. The biggest appeal beyond economy is being able to just go out and pop away w/o worrying about picking up the brass. If you watch the video demo's, you'll find that even the commercial FMJ gives some pretty wicked results soft targets.

October 2, 2013, 09:59 PM	#9
Tucker 1371 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 2,649	I got one when I was 19 (24 now). I've always had a draw towards guns that aren't quite mainstream (lots of 7.62 AKs out there, not as many 5.45s). Cheap ammo was just a bonus. I love my SAR2, either the sights or gas tube are canted but it shoots just fine out to 100yds with the Mojo microclick sight and I love the way it handles. Just picked up a spam can from Wideners so I'm sitting pretty on ammo right now, could use a few more mags though. __________________ Sgt. of Marines, 5th Award Expert Rifle, 237/250 Expert Pistol, 382/400. D Co, 4th CEB, Engineers UP!! If you start a thread, be active in it. Don't leave us hanging. OEF 2011 Sangin, Afg. Molon Labe

October 3, 2013, 09:54 AM	#10
Mrgunsngear Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2011 Location: Carolina Posts: 3,415	RGuns has mil surplus '74 mags for $17 with $15 flat shipping no matter how many you order. Copes has Tantal steel surplus mags for $15 with $10 flat shipping. Good days for '74 mags as of late. __________________ Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel

October 3, 2013, 10:22 AM	#11
7n6 Member Join Date: January 8, 2013 Location: missouri Posts: 51	I started shooting the 5.45x39 a while ago and love it I love the ballistics of the round and I ofcourse love how cheap it is. I had always wanted a '74 , went to a gun show one time saw a century one while walking by and had to have it. Its one of my favorite rifles to shoot now, also it has very little recoil so my gf likes it and my little brother who is 10 shot it a couple times and had a great time with it. __________________ Never trust a man who doesn't clean his guns.

October 3, 2013, 10:24 AM	#12
Boomer58cal Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2013 Location: closer than you think Posts: 967	I thought about getting one for years. I never could get over the fact that it barely breaks a thousand pounds of muzzle energy. About 500 lbs less than 7.62. Its a flat shooter though. If I didn't already have 7.62x39 and .223 I'd probably get one. I've already got too many chambers to feed if you know what I mean But hey more for you right Boomer __________________ The number one cause of death in the 20th century. 290,000,000 citizens were first disarmed and then murdered by their own governments. This number does not include those killed in war. We're from the government, we're here to help

October 4, 2013, 02:06 PM	#13
Tucker 1371 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 2,649	Gotta love that über cheap spam can ammo but DANG! If it ain't dirty! Took a little trip to the sandbox in 2011 and my brother shot it while I was gone and didn't clean it barrel was pretty rough but still shoots to my liking, I'll probably replace it another 2000 rounds or so. edited to add pic __________________ Sgt. of Marines, 5th Award Expert Rifle, 237/250 Expert Pistol, 382/400. D Co, 4th CEB, Engineers UP!! If you start a thread, be active in it. Don't leave us hanging.* OEF 2011 Sangin, Afg. Molon Labe

October 6, 2013, 07:20 AM	#16
Mrgunsngear Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2011 Location: Carolina Posts: 3,415	Your brother deserves a kick to the balls! Agreed. My brother did a butchered stipple job on on of my Glocks when I let him borrow it---kicked him in the junk afterward of course He's in his mid 30s now but that doesn't stop me from kicking him in the junk just like I did 20+ years ago Back on topic.... More '74 gun ** from yesterday: __________________ Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel**

October 6, 2013, 07:25 AM	#17
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	I have a Romanian CUR-2 that I converted to an AK-74 clone. Nice rifle, but my favorite is my Polish Tantal which came in kit form, prior to the barrel ban. I had it built up on a U.S. receiver, and it is a heck of a 5.45 rifle. The side folding stock is a little funky so I put a butt extension on it to make the LOP fit a bit better. __________________ Pilot

October 9, 2013, 11:47 AM	#19
seanc Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 1998 Posts: 590	Tucker: Try RGuns for AK74 mags. They've got the best prices I've seen for quite some time. http://www.rguns.net/ Also, look into getting some stripper clips. The AK74 stripper clip system was designed right. Period. Get several sets with spoons so you'll have plenty of spoons, just in case. https://www.desertfoxsales.com/STRIP...p/dfs-097b.htm

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