What Gun Takes 7.62?
The versatile and popular 7.62mm cartridge has been utilized by numerous firearms around the world for various purposes. With a wide range of guns that can chamber, fire, and handle these ammunition effectively, it becomes challenging to pinpoint a specific answer. In this comprehensive guide, we will identify some of the most famous firearms that take 7.62mm ammunition. So, let’s dig into it!
Varieties of 7.62mm Cartridges
Before exploring the guns themselves, it’s essential to acknowledge the different types of 7.62mm cartridges:
- 7.62×39: Originally developed for the Kalashnikov AK rifle series, this cartridge remains the most widely used military grade. It’s noted for its high-temperature-resistant bullets and robust velocity (typically 2,100 FPS).
- 7.62×63: Popular among civilian sniper shooters and hunters, it is slightly longer and thinner than 7.62×39. This reduces expansion upon impact, benefiting from enhanced penetration and smaller trajectories. (Typical velocities are around 1,100 FPS).
- 7.62 NATO: Initially designed for Soviet sniper rifles, this intermediate-power cartridge is commonly applied to sniper rifles, automatic weapons, and hunting for game and varmints.
- 7.62x54R Russian: Widely used within former Eastern Bloc countries for their Dragunov SVU/SVD sniper-rifle design, this calibre often serves as either the base or an adjunct of cartridges.
Kalashnikov Rifles:
The iconic rifle manufacturer offers several models:
| Rifle Model | Designed to chamber | Effective Firing Range |
|---|---|---|
| AK-47 | 7.62×39 | Approx. 400-900m (437-980yd) |
| AKM | 7.62×39 | Approx. 600-1,300m (656-1,417yd) |
| AKSU-94 | 7.62×39 | 500-1200m (547yd-1,312ft) |
| SKS Carbine | 7.62×39 | About 200-500m (218-547yrd) |
sniper and designated marksman’s Rifles:
Focusing on sniper and marksmanship rifles, 7.62mm designs prove a popular choice when a compact, yet controllable fire, is beneficial.
- Dragunov SVD or SVD Dragunov Sniper Rifle: Although more associated with 7.62x54R Russian rounds, it did offer chambering for smaller-diameter 7.62 cartridges.
- Lahti L-61 rifle (Finno-French): Designed after WW II, this Finland-bought French design works both ways with 7.62×63 magnum & 7.62 NATO.
- 7.62×38 SKS (Special Kind Rifle) by Hungary
In the context above:
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SKS 762: Hungarian- Soviet-produced rifle for civil-defense usage;
Ruger 10-40XP: *Limited use to 7,6239**
Now for something a bit lesser:
– FN Mini 7.62 Rifles, M14 Variants (A1, LE and CQB) to utilize with appropriate cases as.243 Caliber.
From those gun types we’d include such rifles like :
— Winchester 70 Safari – to utilize with corresponding ammo boxes as.35 or other appropriate cartridges types to prevent misfire/mishandle
— Tikka and Sako; which generally can use specific round type (7/8). In case appropriate.7.62 mag for usage with these tools can prevent accidental firing
