Most shooters are content to build (or even buy) a 5.56 AR, or if not, a .223 AR or one with a .223 Wylde barrel that can chamber and shoot both rounds.
Others are into something that will offer slightly different ballistics and terminal performance, like a 7.62 AR. But just to make sure we’re all on the same page, this post will offer a definition along with what you should (and shouldn’t) expect from the finished build.
A Note on “7.62”
First, in this context, we need to know what “7.62” means. In this case we are talking about the 7.62x39mm cartridge, also referred to commonly as 7.62 Soviet. This is the same cartridge that both the infamous SKS and AK-47 were built around.
It is not the same as 7.62 NATO, which is a cartridge that is actually very similar to .308 Winchester. Both are 7.62 caliber but they are very different cartridges.
With that said, there are still many advantages to building a 7.62 AR, some of which will be covered here.
Why Build a 7.62 AR: What You Get
Thinking about breaking the mold and building a 7.62 AR instead of a 5.56? Here are some of the best reasons to do so.
- Better stopping power than 5.56
Probably the main advantage of 7.62 Soviet, when compared to 5.56 NATO, is that it fires a much larger, heavier bullet that hits harder, especially at close ranges. This gives it considerably better stopping power, especially at ranges at which defensive encounters typically occur. To put it into perspective, consider your average 5.56 round, which will produce just under 1300 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. Compared to the average 7.62x39mm round, which will generate more than 1500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, that’s a bit lacking. Suffice it to say that the 7.62 will deliver considerably more stopping power, especially within 100 yards.
- High ammo availability and low cost
You could consider this a wash between 5.56 and 7.62 because both rounds are very widely available and fairly cheap. In fact, 5.56 is cheaper, but considering the advantages of 7.62 in terms of power, they’re comparable. Also, there are several producers of 7.62 that load them into steel casings. While these can’t be reloaded, they do keep costs down even further.
- Reliability
One need only look at the impressively long service history of 7.62, along with the fact that it continues to be widely used in civilian hands, as a testament to its staying power and reliability. Like 5.56, it is one of the most reliable and proven rifle cartridges out there.
- Relatively low recoil considering the stopping power
Don’t take this message the wrong way, and make no bones about it: 7.62 Soviet produces more recoil than 5.56. But if you consider how much more stopping power you get for that tradeoff, you should really consider it a win, because the stopping power is much higher in proportion to the meager increase in recoil.
What You Don’t Get
Don’t think that a 7.62 AR is going to be a magic rifle that can do it all. There are many limitations to this cartridge despite its many advantages.
- A long-range AR
There is one thing that a 7.62 AR will definitely do poorly, regardless, and it is shoot at long ranges. The 7.62 Soviet is not just bad at long ranges, it is abysmal, and realistically, you should keep all shots to 100 yards or even closer. Beyond that, things get questionable.
- A lightweight round
The 7.62 Soviet is a bigger, heavier cartridge than 5.56, and as a result, mags are bigger and heavier, too. You won’t be able to pack bulk ammo as efficiently or in the same space as you would with 5.56.
- A really low-recoil rifle like a 5.56 would be
We already said that one of the big draws of a 7.62 was low recoil, so allow an explanation here. If you need more stopping power and are building a defensive platform, then the recoil is worth it. If you are a smaller-framed shooter or a beginner, and you are only building a target rifle, then there is really no reason to shoulder the extra recoil, which makes it a drawback.
Shop 7.62 AR Uppers and Parts Here
Still thinking you want to build a 7.62 AR? We carry a wide range of assembled uppers for 7.62 Soviet builds along with many AR parts, and even AR15 build kits. Shop our collection here and if you have any questions about parts or compatibility before you buy, get in touch with us.