How Common is 7.62×39 Ammo?
The 7.62×39 mm cartridge is one of the most widely used and widely available rifle cartridges in the world. But just how common is it, really? In this article, we’ll dive into the statistics and examine the demand, supply, and distribution of 7.62×39 ammunition to answer this question.
What is 7.62×39 Ammo?
Before we delve into its commonality, let’s briefly discuss what 7.62×39 mm ammunition is. The 7.62×39 mm cartridge is a type of rifle cartridge designed for the AK-47 assault rifle and other similar rifles. It was developed by the Soviet Union in the 1940s and has since become one of the most widely used cartridges in the world.
Demand and Supply
The demand for 7.62×39 mm ammunition is relatively high, thanks to its widespread use in various applications, including:
- Hunting: The cartridge is popular among hunters for its versatility and effectiveness at taking down medium-sized game.
- Self-defense: The AK-47 and other rifles chambered in 7.62×39 mm are popular choices for home defense and self-defense due to their ruggedness and reliability.
- Military and law enforcement: The 7.62×39 mm cartridge is used by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
Global Supply
The global supply of 7.62×39 mm ammunition is quite vast, with numerous manufacturers producing this cartridge. Here are some of the largest producers of 7.62×39 mm ammunition:
| Manufacturer | Country | Production Volume (thousands of rounds per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Tula Cartridge Plant | Russia | 500,000 |
| Izhmash Cartridge Plant | Russia | 200,000 |
| Barnaul Cartridge Plant | Russia | 150,000 |
| Prvi Partizan | Serbia | 100,000 |
| Wolf Performance Ammo | USA | 50,000 |
These numbers are approximate and sourced from various online sources. However, they give you an idea of the massive scale of 7.62×39 mm production.
Distribution and Availability
Given the high demand and large supply, it’s no surprise that 7.62×39 mm ammunition is widely available in various parts of the world. You can find it at:
- Firearms dealers: Local gun stores and firearms dealers typically carry a variety of 7.62×39 mm ammunition.
- Online retailers: Online stores like Amazon, Palmetto State Armory, and Brownells offer a wide range of 7.62×39 mm ammunition.
- Shooting ranges: Many shooting ranges and clubs offer 7.62×39 mm ammunition for sale or rent.
Comparison to Other Calibers
To put the commonality of 7.62×39 mm ammunition into perspective, let’s compare it to other popular rifle cartridges:
| Caliber | Global Supply (thousands of rounds per year) |
|---|---|
| 7.62×39 mm | 1,200,000 |
| 5.56×45 mm | 500,000 |
| .223 Remington | 200,000 |
| .308 Winchester | 150,000 |
As you can see, 7.62×39 mm ammunition has a significant lead over other popular rifle cartridges in terms of global supply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 7.62×39 mm ammunition is extremely common and widely available. Its high demand, massive supply, and widespread distribution make it one of the most accessible rifle cartridges in the world. Whether you’re a hunter, self-defense enthusiast, or simply a collector, 7.62×39 mm ammunition is likely to be easily found.
Key Takeaways:
- The global supply of 7.62×39 mm ammunition is vast, with numerous manufacturers producing this cartridge.
- 7.62×39 mm ammunition is widely available in various parts of the world, including local gun stores, online retailers, and shooting ranges.
- Its demand is high, thanks to its versatility and effectiveness in various applications.
- Compared to other popular rifle cartridges, 7.62×39 mm ammunition has a significant lead in terms of global supply.
