Just wondering who makes the best semi-autoloader in this caliber
I was thinking about a mimi-thirty ruger or a sks but dont know which one to pick and how is the accuracy of these guns and caliber, and are these guns accurit enought to hunt with?

i had a sks and sold it. i had a mini thirty and sold it also. i just realized i didnt like the caliber. it is weaker than a 30/30. but if i was going to get one for playing i would probably get a mak 90.

Well, it depends. I own the following and this will explain my own humble opinion in a minute:

1 Chinese SKS
1 Russian SKS
1 FEG Hungarian variant of the AK-47
1 Ruger Mini-30 (stainless)

For hunting under 100 yards, I'd go with the Ruger mini-30. I only say this because with a 5 round magazine, that's plenty of bullets. Also, the mini-30 has a longer stock which is more comfortable and easier to put on a decent scope as compared to the SKS'S.

The FEG I own, hold 5 or 30 round magazines but it like the SKS's aren't very accurate for hunting. They were designed to "spray & pray" for battle field conditions with a large amount of fire power. The philosophy was "who cares about accuracy when you're emptying a 30 magazine at your enemy?"

You must realize one thing...All of those guns mentioned above are NOT accurate rifles. That is why I limit the range to uder 100 yards. I was very disappointed with the Mini-30 when I bought it about 10 years ago. That's why it sits in the back of my safe now.

If you want a 30 caliber semi auto, try a Remington 7400. I have on in '06 and I belive it's also chambered in .308 and .243. Much better bullet and a little better accuracy than any of the semi autos chambered in 7.62x39mm.

Good luck.

Your best bet is an ARSENAL brand AKS made in or with Bulgarian parts. Cost maybe high but it will out shoot most Mini-30's. Only thing that handicapes it is the typical crapy sights.

I had a mini-30, and got rid of it. It would change zero from one day to the next. Shot small enough groups, but the group would be somewhere else tomorrow!! Also had two SKS, one a bring-back from the SE Asia Wargames, and the other a new Norinco that cost about $65.00. Both were more accurate and consistent than the Mini-30, but both "lacked charm". As to the 7.62X39mm being weaker than the .30/30, I suppose it is, but not enough to notice. For example, I have a load that shoots the Speer .311" 180 grain roundnose at about 1980 feet per second, which is more than the first .30/30 loads of a 165 grain at about the same muzzle speed. I like the 7.62X39mm cartridge. It is fun. But today, I'd be more inclined to look for a good bolt-action to shoot it in (CZ Model 527?? I believe).

Larry

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aren't Druganov sniper rifles chambered in 7.62x39? If so one of these might be the way to go if you have the cash. I've seen them listed for around $800 which is only a few hundred more than the highly overrated mini 30.

No, Dragunov rifles are chambered in 7.62X54R for the most part. With exceptions by other countries in 8mm/7.92mm Mauser and .308. it can be easy to think they are in 7.63x39 because they are basicly a "stretch" AK action.

"Lord, make me fast and accurate."

Any 7.62x39mm is fun as heck to shoot, but if you want one for hunting, don't get one. If you have to get a 7.62, get a long SKS, or ak-47. Mini-30's are about as accurate as a smoothbore shotgun and will cost you an arm and a leg. I'm not claiming that the SKS is amazingly accurate, but some are and you'll get one for $150. Mine is decently accurate. I get 2&quot; groups at 100 yrds through open sights when I shoot it, that's about as good as I can see. If I tie it down to a bench, it'll shoot 1.5&quot; at 125, but that's not too applicable to hunting, so I don't do that very often. A buddy of mine has borrowed it a few times, good shooter, not so much as me, but not bad, he can't get better than 5&quot; at 75 yrds to save his life. He doesn't ever borrow it anymore, I can't tell why <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> . What cal. is the Ar-15, you'll pay a lot, but they're accurate as they come in semiauto. I'd go with an SKS if you have to have a 7.62x39mm, if you find one that fits you well, you'll do really well with it, but don't expect a tack-driver.