5.45x39 AR

[Shawn.L]

just saw this:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411535552

comments ?
I think its odd, and i wouldnt want to run the cheappo surplus CORROSIVE ammo that is the main reason to get a 5.45 through the AR's gas impingment system.

SMITH & WESSON INC Model MP15R Rifle

Smith & Wesson 30 + 1 Round 5.45X39 w/16" Black Barrel

This MP15 Rifle is similar to the other with the exception of the caliber.
Featuring 5.45X39MM, collapsible stock, 30 round mag, 16" 4140 steel
barrel, and T6 aluminum receiver.


SPECIFICATIONS:
Mfg Item Num: 811011
Category: FIREARMS - RIFLES
Action :Semi-Automatic
Caliber :5.45X39
Barrel Length :16"
Capacity :30 + 1
Trigger :Standard
Safety :Lever
Length :35"/32"
Weight :6 1/2 lbs
Stock :Collapsible
Finish :Black

P1D0

[PA Rifleman]

It might be viable for use in Afghanistan or Georgia if it took AK-74 magazines, but it doesn't look that way.

Looks like an answer to a question no one's asking.

[1832]

You can get non-corrosive ammo for it (Wolf, etc.), but the price is almost the same as the 7.62x39 stuff from the same mfg.

There's a lot of chatter out there on the ballistics of the 5.45x39. I think its just the appeal of variability. I guess if it comes down to it, the "I just want it" factor will decide for most folks.

[Mity2]

If you don't mind the cleaning, you can buy 1080rds of 5.45 for $140.

But other them prices, I see no advantage of 5.45 over 5.56.

Now, for me, I have AK74. SO I could see some use(same ammo for 2 gunz in case of Zombi apocalipse, so that me and my better half can arm ourself with 1 type of ammo), but otherwise, as PA Rifleman stated, its an answer for question noone asked...

[Shawn.L]

when you clean after you shoot the corrosive ammo what all would you have to clean?
I understand the corrosive agent is in the primer, would it just be:
pop out bolt and carrier and drop in cleaner (windex whatever)
run a snake (needed?)

or would the corrosion be in the gas tube too?
that would be a MFer !!!

[Kaos]

you'd have to clean the tube too man, dip your pipe cleaner in windex and have at it.

That's how the gas valve on the yugo sks's all got corroded.

[Shawn.L]

you'd have to clean the tube too man, dip your pipe cleaner in windex and have at it.

That's how the gas valve on the yugo sks's all got corroded.

damn that would suck

[mpett1]

Sorry to dig this up but right now I see big advantages to getting one of these with the price of 5.45 about half of 5.56. What are you thoughts. Are the ballistics about the same?>

[DPB]

I've got one on order, and here's why:

Right now, 5.45 is $313.37 for a case of 2160, delivered to central PA (Atoona), from RGuns. The same case is $326.15 from AIMSurplus. I know because I have ordered from both in the last month.

The last time I checked 5.56, both Federsl XM193 and Prvi Partizan were very close to $500/thousand, and my current internet research says a lot of places, it's more. For sake of argument, we'll use $500/K, or $.50 / round.

I'm not sure what a S&W15R goes for right now, but let's say $1200, which I think is a little high.

If you fire 3400 rounds, you have payed for the rifle in what you've saved shooting 5.45 vs. 5.56. Roll with my math:

313.27 / 2160 = $.145 / round

.50 - .145 = .355

1200 / .355 = 3380.28 and the gun is payed for.

Based on your shooting habits, it may or may not be advantageous. For me, it is. 90% of my AR shooting is done inside 100 yards. I can do all of that with 5.45.


As far as cleaning, take off anythign that won't stand up to it (optics, lights, whatever) and pour boiling water on it. The water washes off the corrosive agents, and it evaporates itself off.

If your gas tube corrodes, you replace it, it's a $15 part that can be replaced in 5 minutes. Eventually, you'll need to replace it on your 5.56 gun, as well.

[Virtus985]

hey, someone who does their 5.45 math!

For me, I don't shoot enough to justify the cost. It's all a matter of figuring out if you're above or below the magic number.

I get the sneaking suspicion the 5.45 market may explode soon, as 5.56 gets more and more expensive that magic number of break-even rounds gets lower and lower.