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Thread: 5.45x39 AR15 as a primary rifle

  1. #11
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    I don't have a AK74 (want one) but I have a S&W 5.45x39. I also have the 5.56 and reload for it too. I buy a 1,080 for $151 shipped at that price I find myself shooting the 5.45 a lot more than the 5.56.


    "Real liberty is never found in despotism or in the extremes of democracy"- Alexander Hamilton

  2. #12
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    I see no issue in making the 5.45x39 AR your primary weapon. Have burned 1000s of rounds through both my S&W 16" and 10.5" SBR without really any other issues than some ammo stability. SBR has been veted at EAG class. At almost 1/3 the ammo cost its really a no brainer and the return on the componets pays for itself pretty quick. With over 10K rounds I dont think I would hesitate at all to take it out the door myself.

    As far as the HYDRO thing I think I would stay away from that. While it gives you some options I think it goes just to far from what the OP was asking. IMO that mag well thing just sucks. reason you want an AR AK is to get the controls of the AR platform. Why run the AK mags at all and loose the benifits of a better mag system? Reloads just suck with the AK!

    Just get the S&W upper while you can and a quality lower and you can set it up anyway you wish today and tomorrow.

    5.45 is my main blaster and will more than likely keep me shooting while ammo sky rockets yet again.

  3. #13
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    I run the Spikes 16" middy on a DD lower and have really come to love the setup. I kitted it out to match my 5.56 upper and it has become my primary range weapon these days. There is nothing more fun than 500+ rd range trips for $70. However, would I use it if my life depended on it? Absolutely not. The magazines are the weak link in this system. I'm running ASC exclusively and every 6-7 mags or so I'll end up with a problem, usually a double feed. I'm also having some spotty bolt lock on empty but I'm attributing that to the BAD lever barring further testing. Conversely, I've run a couple thousand rounds through my DD M4v4 upper with exactly zero malfunctions, can't argue with that dependability.
    I'd say to get one for high volume range practice, it'll pay for itself on the quick and actually allow you to afford to get proficient with the platform. If you want to have a SD gun, pick up a 5.56 upper and swap it out when you leave the range.

  4. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by crossgun View Post
    I see no issue in making the 5.45x39 AR your primary weapon. Have burned 1000s of rounds through both my S&W 16" and 10.5" SBR without really any other issues than some ammo stability. SBR has been veted at EAG class. At almost 1/3 the ammo cost its really a no brainer and the return on the componets pays for itself pretty quick. With over 10K rounds I dont think I would hesitate at all to take it out the door myself.

    As far as the HYDRO thing I think I would stay away from that. While it gives you some options I think it goes just to far from what the OP was asking. IMO that mag well thing just sucks. reason you want an AR AK is to get the controls of the AR platform. Why run the AK mags at all and loose the benifits of a better mag system? Reloads just suck with the AK!

    Just get the S&W upper while you can and a quality lower and you can set it up anyway you wish today and tomorrow.

    5.45 is my main blaster and will more than likely keep me shooting while ammo sky rockets yet again.
    I agree with all of the said above. Ive run a 5.45 upper with nearly 10k rounds on it and the only problems Ive had were mag or bad ammo malfunctions. Ammo price and consolidation is a huge advantage, the only problem is that you're pretty much stuck with 7N6 which has mediocre performance when compared to any of quality 5.56 defensive loads out there considering that the hornady 5.45 hasnt really been tested. Also, I stay away from the MGI lower set up. I don't know of anyone who uses it on a fighting gun as its more of a novelty than a real piece of kit. Reagans Rascals is more of a theorist around here and I would take his recommendations with a grain of salt.
    Last edited by vicious_cb; 04-12-12 at 09:27.

  5. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by vicious_cb View Post
    Reagans Rascals is more of a theorist around here and I would take his recommendations with a grain of salt.
    care to elaborate? you know... since we've had so many conversations together and all
    Last edited by Reagans Rascals; 04-12-12 at 09:38.
    When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.. - Ronald Reagan

    smoke and drink and screw..that's what I was born to do.. - Steel Panther

  6. #16
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    The ammo prices are great. Having used ARs and AK pattern rifles this is my thought.

    For training the 5.45 price is amazing.

    For ergos on an ar (mag change, safety operation etc) > ak style rifles.

    For well rounded and tested defensive ammo 5.56 > 5.45.

  7. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Will545 View Post
    I'm looking to buy my first ar15. The thing is I don't currently own any other 223/5.56 rifles. I do however have two ak74's and a ton of 5.45x39. I'm strongly considering getting a s&w 5.45 upper to keep ammo commonality. I just can't see the point of buying 223/5.56 when its so similar to the 5.45 which I already have. So with all that said, is an ar15 in 5.45 something that you feel is reliable enough to be a primary rifle? If I go through with this and end up liking the AR better than the AK I would want to make it my primary rifle. Any input would be appreciated, thanks.
    Why do want an AR?

    To insure primary quality use the charts posted here to insure you are buying from quality manufactures.
    Todd
    Colt/BCM

  8. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by Will545 View Post
    I'm looking to buy my first ar15. The thing is I don't currently own any other 223/5.56 rifles. I do however have two ak74's and a ton of 5.45x39. I'm strongly considering getting a s&w 5.45 upper to keep ammo commonality. I just can't see the point of buying 223/5.56 when its so similar to the 5.45 which I already have. So with all that said, is an ar15 in 5.45 something that you feel is reliable enough to be a primary rifle? If I go through with this and end up liking the AR better than the AK I would want to make it my primary rifle. Any input would be appreciated, thanks.
    I have had both a S&W 5.45 upper and an LWRC piston upper, both have had their ups and downs, ALL of it magazine related. Back then I was using C-Products 5.45 mags.

    Few years back there was a fellow who built some 5.45 specific followers. Those helped, but didn't fix the problems 100%. Then I replaced the mag springs with some SS springs from Brownells, and dry lubed the inside of the mag body.

    Now ASC is building mags for the 5.45 in the AR and they have been getting generally good reviews. I'd suggest reading the last few pages of the long running 5.45 thread, get some ASC mags and have at it.

    Last Range day my 5.45 AR ran through several mags flawlessly.

    You already have the ammo...give it a try.

    FN in MT

  9. #19
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    If you already have 2 AK74's, why get an AR in 5.45 as well? I am not saying go for 5.56 since they are similar, but why not try something different to add to the arsenal like a 300blk?

  10. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by fallenromeo View Post
    If you already have 2 AK74's, why get an AR in 5.45 as well? I am not saying go for 5.56 since they are similar, but why not try something different to add to the arsenal like a 300blk?
    I have a 74 and it's the reason I have an AR. Fact is, the ergos are horrendous when compared to a personally configured AR. If you want to get into the AR platform and intend to actually shoot the thing, the 5.45 cartridge at $0.14/rd makes complete sense, especially if you're sitting on a few cases of 7n6. I love the 300blk but I think I'm like a majority of the shooting public that just can't afford to feed the stupid thing any respectable quantity of ammo.

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