What Gun Shoots 7.62?
Introduction
The 7.62x51mm caliber has been a staple in military and civilian circles for decades. Its popularity stems from its versatility, reliability, and effectiveness in various scenarios. But what gun shoots 7.62mm? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of firearms and explore the various weapons that utilize this iconic caliber.
**What is 7.62x51mm?
Before we dive into the guns, let’s first understand the 7.62x51mm caliber. Developed in the 1950s, 7.62x51mm is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge designed for the NATO standard-issue rifle. The "7.62" refers to the diameter of the bullet, measured in millimeters, and "51" denotes the length of the case.
Guns That Shoot 7.62x51mm
Here are some of the most common guns that shoot 7.62x51mm:
Rifles
- Armalite AR-10: The AR-10 is a semi-automatic rifle developed by ArmaLite, a company founded by Samuel Fuller, the designer of the M14. The AR-10 was originally designed for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge and is still popular today.
- Ruger Mini-14: The Ruger Mini-14 is a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle designed by Bill Ruger. Although originally chambered in.223 Remington, many variants are now available in 7.62x51mm.
- M14/M1A: The M14 is a select-fire rifle used by the US military in the 1950s and 1960s. The civilian version, the M1A, is still widely used and popular among hunters and collectors.
Machine Guns
- M60: The M60 is a belt-fed machine gun used by the US military. Chambered in 7.62x51mm, it’s been a mainstay of military operations for decades.
- PKM: The PKM is a Russian-designed, belt-fed machine gun chambered in 7.62x51mm. It’s used by numerous military forces worldwide and is known for its reliability and durability.
Cartridges
- .308 Winchester: Although not strictly a 7.62x51mm cartridge, the.308 Winchester is a popular hunting and target-shooting cartridge that is functionally equivalent to 7.62x51mm.
- .308 Norma Magnum: Similar to the.308 Winchester, the.308 Norma Magnum is a European cartridge designed to produce a higher muzzle velocity than its American counterpart.
Comparing 7.62x51mm and 5.56x45mm
One of the most common comparisons in the firearms world is between the 7.62x51mm and 5.56x45mm cartridges. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, as seen in the following table:
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.62x51mm | 150-165 | 2,650-2,850 | 2,100-2,400 |
| 5.56x45mm | 55-62 | 2,900-3,200 | 1,200-1,600 |
Conclusion
The 7.62x51mm caliber has a rich history and has been used in various applications around the world. From its early days as a NATO standard-issue cartridge to its modern-day use in civilian firearms, 7.62x51mm remains a popular and versatile choice among shooters.
In conclusion, the answer to "What gun shoots 7.62?" is: many guns do! Whether you’re a hunter, a target shooter, or a military personnel, there’s a firearm that fits your needs. With its reliable performance and broad applications, 7.62x51mm is here to stay.
