Handi 7.62x39

[tmccray45]

Rumor has it that H&R used to offer this rifle, but discontinued it.   Does anyone know why?   

I would think that with the inexpensive ammo, this would be a popular rifle - but maybe that just me.   I know there are those that use it on whitetail and I would think that, given the fact that the round is similar to the 30-30, it could be used successfully as a woods rifle for shots under 100 yards.   I know that here in the woods of Central/Western Maryland, there's hardly any call for more than 50 yards, much less 100.   (Don't suggest buying a Handi 30-30.  I already have one and MAN!, for an out-of-the-box shooter, you cannot ask for more!)

So, anyone know why they discontinued the 7.62x39, or, more important, are they planning to re-introduce???   I'm not about to take my SKS into the woods, and I'm not going to buy a CZ for $500+, and I've not heard good things about the Remington spr-18. 

However, a Handi 7.62x39???  Well, now we talkin'!!

[quickdtoo]

The cheap milsurp ammo is why it was discontinued, the hard, recessed primers resulted in too may no fires, so H&R dropped it. Those that chose to shoot handloads or sporting ammo had no problems, but everyone wanted to shoot milsurp in them and complained about the no fires. Use the SMF search below the google search box, you'll find all of the posts on the subject.

Tim

[tmccray45]

Thanks for the reply, Quick.

That's a bummer, 'cause I'd want it for reloading only.   

As I said, my Handi 30-30 shot so very well with no modifications.   Any word on how the 7.62x39's shot?

[quickdtoo]

They shot fine even with cast bullets! Seems to me some may have had them rechambered to .303 and 7.62x54R too.

Tim

[PHATINJUN]

You and a multitude of others are looking for this gun . I got lucky last yr and got a tip on one in a store and was able to buy complete gun . It is very accurate with factory American Eagle ammo which is all I have shot out of it so far... couple more boxes and I will have enough brass to start and reload for it . But out of the box nothing more than good cleaning and this thing shoots one inch no problem. PS if you do find one don't waste money on the $5 a box stuff thinking oh yea sure not my gun.Been there done that I got a box with 9 primers punched no BANG. Kurt

[d_hiker]

That's why I have the SKS, to shoot the cheap stuff.  I ordered some reloads from Wisconsin Cartridge for the 7.62x39 NEF barrel I traded for.  That should give me some brass to reload.  I just haven't had a chance to get to the range with it yet.

[Duckdog]

I have a Rossi in this caliber and it is a real tack driver with cast bullets.  At least with mine, the headspace is probably more the problem than just the hard recessed primers.  Unless a person sets up the sizing die right, there can be some misfires.  I have found that Lapua brass hass 0 probems with misfires, and almost all of the others are pretty good, as long as the sizing die diesn't set the shoulder back too far.

A person could always just adjust the seating depth, or get a collet sizing die and I'm sure it would also solve the problem.

All in all, I would not hesitate to take it deer hunting, especially with the soft lead cast bullets I've been messing with.

If you get a chance at one, I would say go for it.

[OBXPilgrim]

I've got one.  Bought it as an accessory barrel - I sent mine in for a 30-30 & 44 mag.  Changed my mind after it was taking too long & they were out of those 2 calibers, got 7.62x39 & 357 mag instead.  I reload, cast my own - no problems now.  Let my 16 yr old hunt with it for deer - first time it misfired - he tried 3 times to drop a doe & finally switched rounds & then missed.  Kinda bummed him out over the whole deal.  Found about half my first reloads misfired - after it was all sighted in & tested. 

Now I've got a one-holing 311407 slug from Lyman doing 1880 fps & no more misfires.  Tried some "catsneeze" loads in it with Lee TL160gr GC slug pushed by 5grs of Unique.  Yes, a "golden arch" trajectory, but it was very interesting load - much quiter than you'd think.

Never tried the mil-surp stuff, but I'm sure it would be misfire madness.

Have you thought about the Remington 799 - the old Mark X Mini-Mauser?

[tmccray45]

The first week of February, I was noodling around Gunbroker and for the heck of it, I put in "NEF 7.62x39".   Darn if there wasn't one - and it was listed as NIB!   I didn't bother with the bidding process, I bought it outright.   I picked it up tonight from my FFL and couldn't be happier.  It doesn't look like it was ever fired, the barrel is bright, the wood is great.

As I said to Quick, I'm going to reload for it, so the "military misfire" shouldn't be an issue.   Matter of fact, I have about 40 loads that I've been working on - some 125 Gr loads and some 150 loads.

Now, if it would just warm up a little, I can take it out and send some of my bullets downrange.

[Saloon slug]

Its a shame they dropped it. I wouldn't mind having a 7.62X39 bbl so I could turn it into a .303 Epps. Guess I will have to keep an eye on the auction sites and wait for one to turn up.

[PHATINJUN]

What kind of wood was on it ? Mine came with Tupperware. Kurt

[carbineman]

I could never understand the appeal of the 7.62x39mm handi-rifle. I like the round and have some business type rifles in this caliber. If you wanted to stock just one caliber I could see that reason. With the 30-30 available and so easy to load for, plus the rimmed cartridge for positive extraction,I don't understand the draw, being that milsurp was not working out in the handi.

Don't get me wrong, I am a more the merrier type of guy, and if one wants the 7.62x39mm handi, I say go for it.

[FW Conch]

    ;)I Agree "Carbineman". The break action is ideal for a "rimmed" cartridge & someday I'm going to have a "Handy" in 30-40 Krag AI!

[troy5775]

I have noticed that Rossi still offers the 7.62x39. I know they are a little below the standard of a handi but the price isn't that bad (usually around $200 NIB)