7.62 x 54R auto

[ted65]

Is there a 7.62 x 54R semi-auto out there that is not a dragonov?? Sure hope so. How bout an ak version? That would be nice. I've been looking but no luck.

[Mikey]

Ted - if it isn't a Drugonov or one of the variants I don't know if there is another 7.62x54R semi-auto.  The standard AKs come in the shorter Russian round of 39mm length.  Saiga has been running a few 308 and, I believe, even 30-06 versions of their AKs formats and possibly one of those can be re-worked to the 7.62x54R cartridge. 

However, I believe with the AK platform, going up from a 39mm length cartridge to a 51mm length cartridge (308 = 7.62x51mm) that the AK is stretched to about the total length of its platform.  I do not know if there are really any 30-06 versions out there and if the are still on the AK platform but to me that would be an incredible stretch by going up from a 39mm length cartridge to a 62-3mm length cartridge (06). 

I think 1911Crazy is one of our Saiga guys and may know more.  HTH.  Mikey.

[cbxboy]

As you are in the Milsurp Forum the answer is YES....it is an SVT-40 and not really an AK action.  A real sweetie of a rifle....essentially "Russia's Garand" of WW2.

That being said I am unsure if Saiga has tooled a x54r yet.  I have one in x39 and in .308.......depending on price (350 area) I would buy one in 54r as well.

[Joshua M. Smith]

There is the SKS-41, the predecessor to the SKS-45 (the one we know and love in 7.62x39).  However, I believe the SKS-41 is pretty rare... though I've been wanting one.

As a side note, this is why the SKS is so tough:  It was originally designed for a much more powerful cartridge than the 7.62x39, and is therefore overbuilt for the smaller cartridge.

Josh <><

[Mikey]

cbxboy - dang Son, you're right.  I forgot all about those SVTs.  I have seen a couple and handled them but long ago and far away.  I understand they were not the best of battlefield rifles, either being finiky or not up to the rough conditions of the battlefield. 

I am sure however that if properly cared for by a decent mil-surp kinda guy and outfitted with one of the scope mounts I've seen advertized on occasion, a SVT-40 would make an excellent choice.  JMTCW.  Mikey.

[cbxboy]

Mikey,

Thank you sir, I forgot to meniton its predecessor the SVT-38 which was full auto...had a selector switch on the trigger.

You know I've realy only shot my SVT-40 twice.  I was extremely hesitant as for the longest time all I had for fodder was surplus 54r.  I have no problem shooting corrosive in a rifle I can fieldstrip and clean confidently.  The SVT-40 seems scarier than it is.

I acuired a nice stach of the JMS-02 headstamped NON corrosive Boxer primed 54r and went shooting.  The rifle is a DREAM....seriously.  There is a gas adjustment valve which is indeed finicky.  It can soot up pretty easily and will require you to open more gases to operate the action.  The gas adjustlment is just like a Hakim...or Ljungman (that was you correct?) more gas is MORE gas to operate the bolt.

My example is pretty common factory but is in above average original condition with a very nice bore.  I was snapping bowling pins at 100 yds like I was shooting dads .22 at cans.

If you ever have the chance....take it!

[ted65]

Thanks for the great info, I really want to get an ak for the reliability factor but I don't like the lack of power and limited range. The 7.62 x 39 just doesn't quite do it for me. I'm going to take a close look at the 308's. I would still prefer an ak in 7.62 x 54R, but I think a 308 is much better than the 7.62 x 39. I figure I can find good milsurp ammo that's not to expensive. ( I hope) Can I expect the same degree of reliability with a 308 ak? Are there problems with feeding? How well will the barrel handle heat? sorry so many questions..

[cbxboy]

Ted I am EXTREMELY pleased with my 22" barreled Saiga in .308.  I have added a Belarus mount with Leupold 3x9-40.  Wicked and shoots awesome with Portugese ammo.

I am only about 200-250 rounds downrange but I can't recall a single hiccup.  It is noticeably harder to keep "on target" if you are fast on the finger.  The .308 is just substantially better than the x39 ....as you are aware.

Look for a decent FFL to order you one in.  I bought reasonable at $350 I think...or roughly in that range.  I did 2 Saiags and he did not break out pricing.

[will36]

That is a evil round.  We had a machine gun shoot here at my house. browning 1919, m14's, Ak47's and countless 9mm and 45cal..    We took a break and a guy broke out a dragunov. With one clip full he shot the front brake rotor , hub and bearing OFF the car!!!   where the others just bounced off. Ill see if I still have pics. get a dragunov and cut it down and convert it to more ak platform.  we shot 13,000 round into a ford tempo.

[fastbike]

I can't imagine someone cutting down a $2000+ dragunov. Hard enough to even find one for sale.

"get a dragunov and cut it down and convert it to more ak platform.  we shot 13,000 round into a ford tempo."

[mcwoodduck]

The Shop in Pacifica CA has three of them on thier wall now.  The feed from a box mag,  I don't think that it is a detachable mag like the AK but FN 49 but i could be wrong.
Give the guys a call at City Arms if you want one.

[Badnews Bob]

If it cost less than $2500.00 It's not a dragunov but probably a romainian copy and truly not near the rifle. Lots of fun to shoot thou.

Alot of gun shops are selling this rifles and calling them Drags incorrectly and if they are asking much more than 700.00 they are asking too much.

[will36]

I can't imagine someone cutting down a $2000+ dragunov. Hard enough to even find one for sale.

"get a dragunov and cut it down and convert it to more ak platform.  we shot 13,000 round into a ford tempo."

OK,  My bad !   Get a cheap $599 .00 Romanian copy of a dragunov  from Center fire arms and cut it down and refit it with AK furniture.

You can count the holes if you like , but there was 13,000 rounds shot at it.





 

[ted65]

Too bad, it would be the perfect weapon...I would chop down a ROMAINIAN drag but they only have 10 rd mags. Not good enough.