7.62X39 Handi

[mbyoung72]

Does anyone have any idea where I may be able to find a handi rifle in this caliber. I think this would be an excellent caliber for the recoil sensitive and it is very unique. Thanks in advance.

[wtroger]

H&R made them at one time. But stopped due to FTF caused by using military surplus ammo with hard primers. They come up used from time to time but usually bring a premium.

[Spanky]

Don't buy into the "rare as hens teeth" nonsense when it comes to buying one of these. They're nothing special but some guys think they're worth their weight in gold and price them as such. They're not worth the hassle.
Do yourself a huge favor and get yourself a plain old run of the mill 30-30 Handi. They're one of the best shooting Handi's and good ammo is everywhere. Trust me... you and your wallet will thank me later.
 
 
 
Spanky
 

[theratdog]

#1 on the 30-30 

[Ol BW]

I agree with Spanky that you shoudn't overpay for one but it is a good caliber if that is what you want.  I don't believe they are all that rare.  Although like the 7x57 Mauser they no longer make along with 7x64 Brennek, 45 Long Colt and 450 Marlin, you don't see many of them up for sale.  On the other hand you don't see many .357's or .30-30's for sale either cause EVERYBODY WANTS ONE, but you can get one of those brand new.
 
The .30-30 is a good caliber and simmilar to the 7.62x39 unless you handload.  That is where the little .30 shines. (of course you can load up a .30-30 too)  Just ask Gendoc or a handful of others on here that have them.  Everyone that has a 7.62x39 is holding on to them for some reason!
 
All that said, you can get a .30-30 alot easier, just order one!

[hoytcanon]

I looked for a Russian for two years before I found one... it is a sweet little shooter with H 123 SST's and 29 grains H4895. Plenty of pep and accuracy... it may not be rare, but it took me longer to find one than any other Handi caliber I sought out. Here she is;
 

 
 

[Ol BW]

It's funny, I got an SKS and immediatly wished they made a Handi in 7.62x39.  Then I gave up on that and they started making them.  I didn't find out till after they stopped making them and was just lucky enough to find out from this forum how to get one through the barrel accessory program!!  Now they don't even do that.  I am glad I got mine when I did!    Thanks again to Brian56, Quick and Oldsoldja!    

[Dinny]

Don't buy into the "rare as hens teeth" nonsense when it comes to buying one of these.
Spanky

I had forgotten about that one for a while now. ROFL!

+2 on the 30-30


Thanks, Dinny

[PHATINJUN]

Even though I don't shoot mine much anymore it is one that will stay w/me. I shoot 123gr soft points and it is the easiest handi I got to shoot 100yrd cover w/a 1/4 every time. keep looking one will turn up and if you want one don't matter what you pay. Kurt

[Old Fart]

I stumbled across mine at a local gunshow. It was covered in dust and a little knocked around. It cleaned up real nice. Just have to keep your eye open for them, they're out there.

[gendoc]

it don't matter how much others bad-mouth tha "commie 39". they jus cud'nt get'um to shoot, or dunno how.......
we have 4 here. and 1 of them. maybe 2 will go against any centerfire for pinks anyday.
an ya know what, i've had tha 1 for years. its nuthin new by far.
oh-well, tha 30/30 is one handi i don't have and don't see aneed.
opinions are like ya bottom lip, everbody got one... even if itsa fat'un.
i hope ya find one and it'll prolly bea shooter too.............
 

[Guy Pike]

The 7.62x39 allows one to headspace on the shoulder instead of the rim. Might take some fiddling in a Handi to take advantage of it. A 30-30AI would give the same head spacing abilities and an easy mod  to get there. One could gain a bit of speed as well. I have used Chinese, Yugo, Serb, Russian, and Israeli made 7.62x39 in Kalashnikov design military applications with no problems. There are some good commercial loadings(before the panic) available and hand loading really makes the round shine. Best of luck, Guy

[OldSchoolRanger]

I agree with Spanky when he said:

Don't buy into the "rare as hens teeth" nonsense when it comes to buying one of these. They're nothing special but some guys think they're worth their weight in gold and price them as such. They're not worth the hassle.  ...
Spanky
 

But I disagree with his statement that they're not worth the hassle.  You can get the 7.62x39 to shoot accurately, you just have to invest a little time with it.

He was also correct when he said:

...
Do yourself a huge favor and get yourself a plain old run of the mill 30-30 Handi. They're one of the best shooting Handi's and good ammo is everywhere. Trust me... you and your wallet will thank me later.
 
Spanky
 

If you absolutely have to get crazy, there is a 7.62x39 on ebay right now going for a ridiculous amount.  If you feel rich, and have an itch to give your money away, enjoy yourself.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=111004460753&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

I recommend that you get the 30-30 first instead.  The performance and recoil is comparable, to the 7.62x39. A bonus is that the 30-30 barrel is one of the most accurate barrels that H&R makes.

Place a WTB ad in the classifieds, you might get lucky.  I was also one of those that wanted a 7.62x39 barrel for the longest.  I managed to finally get a 7.62x39 barrel recently at a reasonable price.  I recommend that you have a little patience, remember the old saying:  "Good things come to he who waits". 

[casca1]

4 years ago I purchased 2  new from BUD's,  traded 1 barrel off to a member here.  One of these days I am goona open up that other box and take that sucker out to shoot.
 
casca

[Ol BW]

Casca1 you're killing me!  That poor rifle trapped in that cardboard box not getting to fulfill it's potential!  Do you at least open it and let it breathe every once in a while?

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

[OldSchoolRanger]

4 years ago I purchased 2  new from BUD's,  traded 1 barrel off to a member here.  One of these days I am goona open up that other box and take that sucker out to shoot.
 
casca

Let the poor gun out!  If you don't have the time or inclination, I'll volunteer to do it for you.