7.62x39 comparison Rossi and NEF single shots

[tallyho]

Hi guys, I made the posting below on the Rossi forum, and the H&R NEF forum, so to cover all bases I thought I'd try here too:

I've been hanging around the H&R NEF forum for awhile and have come across some people's experiences regarding the Handi rifle in 7.62x39 having problems with ammo, milsurp especially. Apparantly the primers on this ammo are extra hard in order to prevent slam-fires in auto and semi-auto firearms. This results in regular failures to fire in the Handi because the firing pin strike is not strong enough to set the little darlings off.

I am wondering if this is also the case with the single shot Rossi? Anybody have one in this caliber and is willing to comment?

By the way, I don't want this to turn into a discussion about which type of rifle is better, I am a happy owner of both, and don't think the subject needs to be beaten to death (again) - just specifically curious about the performance of the Rossi in 7.63x39 with milsurp ammo.

Cheers
Kerry

[kyelkhunter3006]

I had one for a couple of months.  Traded it for a scope to a guy who wanted to tinker with it.  Only thing it would fire was the Remington 125 grain hunting load.  Shot 3 shots in about 3" at 75 yds.  No Wolf, Golden Bear, Silver Bear, Brown Bear, Blalck Bear, Polar Bear (did I cover all the bears? ha ha) or anything else like surplus would fire.  I didn't try the Federal or Winchester hunting loads.  If my cheap rifle can't shoot cheap ammo, what's the point?

[tallyho]

Thanks for the reply. I kinda wanted a cheap rifle to shoot cheap ammo too ... guess I'll stick with NEFs in 223, 30/30 and 357mag... got ammo for them and lots of reloading supplies too.

[kyelkhunter3006]

I would love to have a decently accurate rifle in 7.62x39, single shot or bolt action, that I didn't have to shell out $500 or $600 for.  I had one of the CZ carbine's that was pretty nice, but I wanted a longer barrel than 18".  I keep debating doing something on a surplus mauser action, but even then, taking the cheapest parts I can get, I'm still spending $400 or more.