Talk to me about a 5.45x39 upper

[Ram Rod]

I've been recently interested in getting a 5.45x39 upper for my AR15. I was interested in a 7.62x39 upper a couple of years ago, but I do have an AK47 perfectly capable. I've been sort of loathing over a Spike's Tactical upper lately (which might be hard to find from distributors right now....but I can still find them). At this time I have no 5.45x39 ammo, but liking the prices I see for 750 rounds just to get going. Asking for opinions (door is wide open). $600-800 for one of these at this time. Low range if from manufacturer or distributor......high end from owners. Those who have one I would appreciate reviews...pros and cons. Not looking for a completely new firearm because I know that would likely lead to hundreds of dollars in mods. Thanks all.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[10thmtn]

$600-800 for half a gun? To save money on ammo? No thanks. That $600-800 buys a lot of ammo. I'd pass.

[Ram Rod]

Well, I see your point.
Maybe I could explain further. That caliber interests me, and it's less costly than 5.56x45 and 7.62x39. Sure I could buy any number of new or used (whole) firearms for that price, but I'd be modular with one I already have. Definitely not interested in any 22LR uppers. So....anybody gone with a 5.45x39 upper?

[J0eyg86]

Personally dont have one but really have looked into the same thing in the past i like the cost of this round also. I will be watching this post to see what is said hopefully someone will have a review of this.

[HotGuns]

If you want it,get it.
It was the Russians answer to the .223 and is about par with it.

As long as ammo is cheap,it wouldnt be a bad thing to have. Thats about the only positive that I see to owning one...cheap ammo.

I've put a few on AR's and have heard of no issues with them.

[bxny10455]

My S&W has been flawless, other than the annoying heavy hammer spring is a great setup.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1344064518.414489.jpg

[Kiowa]

I've been recently interested in getting a 5.45x39 upper for my AR15. I was interested in a 7.62x39 upper a couple of years ago, but I do have an AK47 perfectly capable. I've been sort of loathing over a Spike's Tactical upper lately (which might be hard to find from distributors right now....but I can still find them). At this time I have no 5.45x39 ammo, but liking the prices I see for 750 rounds just to get going. Asking for opinions (door is wide open). $600-800 for one of these at this time. Low range if from manufacturer or distributor......high end from owners. Those who have one I would appreciate reviews...pros and cons. Not looking for a completely new firearm because I know that would likely lead to hundreds of dollars in mods. Thanks all.

Well, I see your point.
Maybe I could explain further. That caliber interests me, and it's less costly than 5.56x45 and 7.62x39. Sure I could buy any number of new or used (whole) firearms for that price, but I'd be modular with one I already have. Definitely not interested in any 22LR uppers. So....anybody gone with a 5.45x39 upper?

If you want it,get it.
It was the Russians answer to the .223 and is about par with it. As long as ammo is cheap,it wouldnt be a bad thing to have. Thats about the only positive that I see to owning one...cheap ammo. I've put a few on AR's and have heard of no issues with them.

Not familiar with the specs for the 5.45×39r'd but from what I've read about using the A'K"47r'd in A'R's the problem is with the magazines because of the case-shape/taper: they don't work at all reliably in even heavily modified A'R' magazines. I think that the '74r'd is smaller case-body diameter but does it still have issues because of the case-taper? Does this upper use unmodified A'R' mag's' or does it require ones that are either difficult to obtain or require them to be extensively modified? If it uses unmodified A'R'mags: does the the thickest pair of foward-most internal-ribs in the A'R'mag' bear on the bullet itself, on or behind the ogive, rather than the case-neck? & wouldn't that probably cause either accuracy &\or feeding problems? If you can't use even modified A'R'mag's then wouldn't the mag'-well on the lower need to be modified to accept A'K"74 mag's?

[Ram Rod]

There are specific magazines made for the AR15 lower with the 5.45x39........they are not AK magazines, and are readily available.
Now......I've also heard that the 7.62x39 magazines/uppers for the AR15 have had some issues. This may be what you're thinking.

My S&W has been flawless, other than the annoying heavy hammer spring is a great setup.

I knew someone would mention the S&W. Centerfire Systems has those in stock right now for $589 I think. But..........I've promised myself to never want, need, nor own a S&W anything.