When it comes to firearms, one of the most important aspects that gun enthusiasts pay attention to is the caliber. This refers to the diameter of the bullet, which plays a crucial role in determining its power, range, and accuracy. One of the most popular calibers used in rifles is 7.62x39, a round that has a rich history and has been widely adopted in various firearms around the world. In this article, we will delve deeper into what 7.62x39 is, its history, its uses, and its popularity among gun enthusiasts.
What is 7.62x39?
7.62x39 is a cartridge that was developed by the Soviet Union during the Second World War. It was designed to be used in the AK-47 assault rifle, a weapon that was created to replace the aging Mosin-Nagant rifles and submachine guns that were still being used by the Red Army. The caliber of 7.62x39 refers to the diameter of the bullet, which is 7.62mm (0.30 inches), and the length of the cartridge, which is 39mm (1.5 inches).
One of the notable features of the 7.62x39 round is its intermediate power, which means that it is not as powerful as a full-size rifle round, but it is more powerful than a pistol round. This makes it suitable for use in short to medium-range engagements, such as in urban environments or dense forests, where the shooter needs to be able to quickly engage targets at a moderate distance.
History of 7.62x39
The history of the 7.62x39 cartridge dates back to the Second World War, when the Soviet Union was facing a severe shortage of firearms. The Mosin-Nagant rifles that were still in use were old and outdated, and the Red Army needed a new weapon that could be mass-produced quickly and cheaply. In response, Mikhail Kalashnikov, a Soviet tank commander and engineer, developed the AK-47 assault rifle, which would become one of the most iconic and widely-used weapons in history.
The AK-47 was designed to be chambered in the 7.62x39 round, which was a new cartridge that had been developed by a team of Soviet engineers led by Lev Kulikov. The round was designed to be short and lightweight, so that it could be used in a magazine-fed weapon. It was also designed to have an intermediate power, which would allow it to be used in short to medium-range engagements.
The AK-47 and the 7.62x39 cartridge quickly gained popularity among Soviet troops, and were soon exported to other countries around the world. Today, the 7.62x39 is the most sought after cartridge amongst all.