5.45x39 AK

[AdamJacksom]

I am not new to guns or their function. By schooling I am a theologian/philosopher, and by trade I am an "conceptualist"/ engineer (don't ask how that happend). And I have grown up around guns shooting avidly, hunting, Call of Duty, blah blah blah.

Having always stayed on this side of big pond, firearms wise, I have recently decided to venture into the world of AKs. I absolutely hate everything about the 7.62x39 round, excluding the price, and therefore never cared much for the traditional old-bloc 47s. However, I have become increasingly interested in the 5.45x39s. Therefore, I have no other choice than to purchase one and shoot the crap out of it.

I am posting here, because I need some advice on what to look for/ what to expect (from diff. mfg/countries/styles)/ what is the most reliable, what is the most accurate. I am leaning mostly towards a side-folding stock model. Having our own machine shop and access to tools, my brother is a material's engineer and machinist-wanna-be, and between him and I, we can custom create some nifty little gadgets and we plan on making the folding stock more comfortable to shoot, yet retain it's low profile and manuverability.

I also plan for this 5.45 to be my wife's primary assault rifle for training and different drills. She is strong enough to handle the weight of a gun, and isn't a sissy, but guns that recoil much more than my 14.5" AR really slow her down time wise in her target transitions.

So what is the recoil like?


Also, feel free to leave any comments or advice period. I appreciate everything.

SjF

 

[RegularGuy]

Re: 5.45x39 AK

Absolutely no recoil. Dirty rounds, but easy to shoot

 

[ORD]

Re: 5.45x39 AK

Recoil is negligible for all but the most extreme cases of those with recoil sensitivities who should probably stick to knitting or scrapbooking anyway!!

I am a big proponent of the Arsenal Inc. AKs. In my experience, they are some of the highest quality, best built, most accurate AK variants available. They have a variety of 5.45x39 models all of which can be seen here:

http://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/home.php?cat=24

Additionally, if you would prefer to "buy American" there are AR's available in 5.45x39 as well (particularly if she is already somewhat familiar with the operation of the AR/M4 platform).

 

[smokebomb]

Re: 5.45x39 AK

For accuracy, your biggest limiting factor will be the normal shit ammo available for 5.45x39. Recoil is very similar to .223 depending on the effectiveness of the muzzle break.

Arsenal makes some of the worlds best AKs. Hands down.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: 5.45x39 AK

Arsenal factory side folder and if you are in an SBR state by all means its worth the 200.00 tax stamp to go the SBR route.

Love Snipers Hide its my primary work distraction but the AK gurus are on M4Carbine.net

My only other advise would be to go with 7.62x39

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: 5.45x39 AK

You stated you hate the look of the AK itself. Have you considered an AR upper in this caliber?

 

[Tyler Kemp]

Re: 5.45x39 AK

Why wouldn't you just use a 223 in an AR?

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: 5.45x39 AK

I suggested this as an alternative if you just don't like the looks/feel of the AK.

For me, price of ammo vs. time spent reloading. If you just want a blaster you shoot a lot informally. I would reload .223 for SR in the AR or a bolt gun. I've heard of people laying in cases of 5.45 for carbine classes and comps. Not sure how it works out for them, but I'm hoping to find out soon for myself.