You might think the 7.62 Soviet, which is nearly 100 years old at this point, would be obsolete. You’d be wrong. It is still an immensely popular rifle cartridge with a wide range of use cases. And even if the cartridge itself weren’t really that great, there are so many surplus rifles on the market chambered in it, demand is not going to disappear any time in the near future.
But while most of the demand for 7.62 comes from rifle shooters, presumably those with old SKS rifles and sporters patterned on the AK-47, there are some who might be wondering, “does it even make sense to build a micro ARP in 7.62?”
Potentially, yes, even though it’s definitely not the most popular cartridge for that application. Here are some of the strongest arguments in favor.
Why the 7.62 Soviet?
When there are cartridges available like 5.56, .223 and .300 BLK, as well as a slew of common handgun cartridges paired with micro ARP builds like 9mm and 40 S&W, it might seem like an ARP in 7.62 has no place. Think again.
● General availability and low cost
It is not the most available cartridge out there, and truthfully it’s generally less accessible even than 5.56 and 9mm, but considering the low cost and relatively better performance at closer ranges, it’s a good bet. It’s not like it’s some arcane and esoteric rifle cartridge from half a world away that you can’t get at most gun shops. Well, it is from half a world away, but you can get it at most gun shops, and cheap, and that counts for something.
● Reliability with steel-cased ammo
The 7.62, despite its relatively poor intermediate and long-range performance, is a highly reliable cartridge, and there are steel-cased options available, which further drives down the cost, which is a big deal if you’re doing this for cost-related reasons.
● Range and accuracy are not really concerns here
The biggest detractor in the performance of the 7.62x39mm cartridge is that it has a severely drooping trajectory and performs very poorly at extended ranges. But since we’re talking about a micro ARP here, that shouldn’t be a concern since you can’t really engage targets at extended ranges like that anyway.
● Significantly better stopping power than 5.56 or handgun rounds
Even though 7.62x39 only produces a modicum more recoil than 5.56 and .223, it produces much more stopping power and penetration, especially at close ranges. The effect is magnified all the more when you compare it to handgun rounds. This makes a micro ARP in 7.62 a good alternative to handgun chamberings as well as common rifle chamberings.
● Similar performance to .300 BLK
They’re not exactly the same, but a lot of what drives interest in .300 BLK applies to 7.62. They perform similarly at close ranges, produce similar recoil and stopping power, and are not good at greater distances. With that said, 7.62 ammo is far more available than .300 BLK and much more popular, making it a much more accessible alternative.
Why a Micro ARP in 7.62?
Whether you build a micro ARP in 7.62 or not, there are several significant advantages to a micro ARP anyway. Here are some of the best.
● It’s smaller
Micro ARP builds, such as 5 inch AR pistol builds, are smaller and more compact than their larger counterparts. A few inches can make a big difference in handling. (And yes, we carry 5 inch AR pistol uppers for 7.62 builds).
● It’s lighter
A lighter ARP is more nimble in the hands. If you can control the recoil it will perform better.
● It’s better in tight quarters
The smaller, more compact footprint of a micro ARP like one built with a 5 inch AR upper will handle better in tight spaces, even if it is harder to shoot one-handed.
● It’s easier to conceal
Micro ARPs make excellent platforms for home defense or as truck guns, as they can easily be concealed in tight spaces, even with a minimal risk of printing.
● It’s something you haven’t done yet
Lastly, building a micro ARP in 7.62 is something fun and new to try, especially if you’ve never built a micro ARP before, or don’t have any sort of sporting rifle chambered in 7.62 Soviet.
We Have the AR15 Pistol Upper for Your Build, Whatever It Is
Here for an AR15 pistol upper chambered in 7.62? We have several options, as well as assembled uppers in more conventional chamberings like 5.56, .223 Wylde, .300 BLK, 9mm, and many others. Check out our collection and if you have any questions get in touch with us before you buy at Sales@MCSGearup.com.