7.62x39 AR15 Pistol - Add Your Input for an Affordable Build

[Emptymag]

I figured I'd just start a thread to keep the clutter out of the "deals" thread.

I think want to build an AR15 pistol chambered in 7.62x39.

Some random background info to help understand what I want to do: (although what I want could change, based on input received)

The bolded points are not up for discussion - I will not be changing my mind on these points
- I will NOT SBR anything. Period. Not happening. Ever.
If pistol braces one day become verboten, "oh well" - I'm still not SBRing anything.
- I will not be adding a suppressor. Ever.
- No, what I "really want" is NOT 300 Blackout - I am not adding a new caliber - especially a useless (for my purposes) one that costs more.
- I'm open to other calibers, but not 9mm - I can get an Extar instead - and nothing that requires a dedicated lower - I already have a standard lower that will be used for this and will not buy another one. (.45ACP would be awesome, but I doubt it's an affordable choice)

- I prefer shorter barrels to longer - I won't rule out a 10.5" though since my need for a SHORT AR has been met with my 7.5" 5.56 build

- The "intended purpose/use"? Short range self defense/SHTF - I won't use it for a truck gun due to possible bullshit that could ensue from law enforcement who do not know the law.

- Although I'm on a budget, I may consider a SB-Tactical SBA3 adjustable brace.
I'm perfectly happy with the much less expensive Shockwave Blade I have on my 5.56 pistol, but wonder if the 7.62x39 would be harsher on the shoulder to shoot? (there isn't much difference in felt recoil on my 7.62 carbine vs 5.56)

- AR15s I already own:
5.56 carbine(s)
5.56 7.5" pistol
7.62x39 carbine
9mm carbine

I'm not an AR15 novice any more, but I still could use some pointers regarding "barrel length" (is there an "ideal" length in terms of reliability?) and I'm not sure what buffer requirements there may be in terms of pistol vs carbine.

I'm sure I'll have more questions and may need to give more info, but that's a pretty good start.

Anyone have a 7.62x39 pistol? Good idea, or not?

[Emptymag]

First of all, I'm trying to determine what length barrel to use.

I've seen a really short 4.5" and more commonly 7-7.5" or 10-10.5".

I'm told that "short" isn't as detrimental to performance as it is with 5.56, but any info in that regard would be helpful.
Not sure of a 4" barrel would be too damned short to even hold onto - there isn't much real estate on my 7.5" AR pistol.


Also, any suggestions on where to find an affordable barrel are appreciated.
Prefer to keep it under $100, but willing to consider slightly more.

I'm not looking for "budget gun" so much as an "affordable" one.
I try to buy "middle of the road" in terms of quality/price when I'm able.

[raxar]

A 4 inch barrel would just be for the gee-wiz factor, I would hazard a guess it would probably take some tinkering to get it to run correctly. x39 also keeps most of it's velocity in an 8" krink barrel. The heizer derringer in 7.62x39 with a 3.8 inch (ported) barrel is only supposed to be around 1,200 fps.

[USMC3531]

7.5" will do what you want. I run a h3 buffer in mine, recoil isn't bad at all but you will want a linear comp to me its louder than 556 in the same barrel

[Emptymag]

7.5" will do what you want. I run a h3 buffer in mine, recoil isn't bad at all but you will want a linear comp to me its louder than 556 in the same barrel

Meh. I'm not some pussy that needs a suppressor - I can handle it.



That's something to consider. Hadn't really thought about a linear comp and that was a factor when I built my 5.56 pistol. Actually, I was more concerned with flash mitigation than sound direction, because I didn't want fireballs.

Choice of muzzle device may factor into what barrel length I go with.

Do you get more fireball with a shorter barrel? I would assume so.

[Emptymag]

Is an adjustable gas block something I should consider, or will a standard gas block be fine?

[Hodgie]

I’ve always used aeroshell 33ms per the AR15 armors guide you only need a very small amount and it’s cheap.

If you choose to use regular grease then just use Walmart super tech.

[Emptymag]

I’ve always used aeroshell 33ms per the AR15 armors guide you only need a very small amount and it’s cheap.

If you choose to use regular grease then just use Walmart super tech.

I'm not spending $8 on a tiny tub of grease unless there's a specific reason to use that specific grease, I'll just use the Lucas Red n Tacky that I use for greasing the spindles on my commercial mower. I can't think of any reason the threads need grease other than making it easier to remove sometime down the road.
If it's anything like any of my other rifles, it's never getting changed anyway.

[JDA58]

I got some ( I believe) aeroshell grease from a member at last years Central pa group shoot... Im sure I could spare a dab if you really need it..

[JDA58]

And they say that grease ... Prevents the aluminum upper from welding itself to the steel barrel nut under the extreme heat and pressure of use. .