What Guns Use 7.62? A Comprehensive Guide to 7.62x39mm and 7.62x51mm Rifles
The question "What guns use 7.62?" is a bit ambiguous, as the caliber 7.62mm encompasses a variety of cartridges. The most common and widely recognized are the 7.62x39mm and the 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester). This guide will explore firearms utilizing these popular calibers, highlighting their key differences and applications.
Understanding the Differences: 7.62x39mm vs. 7.62x51mm
Before diving into specific firearms, it's crucial to understand the distinction between these two cartridges:
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7.62x39mm: This intermediate cartridge is known for its relatively short range, high rate of fire, and manageable recoil. It's commonly found in assault rifles and is less expensive to produce than the 7.62x51mm.
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7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester): This full-powered cartridge offers a longer effective range, greater accuracy, and more stopping power compared to the 7.62x39mm. It's frequently used in battle rifles, designated marksman rifles, and sniper rifles. The .308 Winchester is commercially available and nearly identical in ballistics to the 7.62x51mm NATO.
Firearms Utilizing 7.62x39mm:
This cartridge powers a broad array of firearms, including:
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AK-47 (and its variants): The iconic AK-47 is arguably the most famous firearm chambered in 7.62x39mm. Its numerous variants, including the AKM, AK-74M, and many others, share this caliber. Known for their ruggedness and reliability, these rifles have seen extensive use globally.
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SKS Carbine: This semi-automatic carbine is a popular choice among collectors and shooters. It's known for its relatively low recoil and ease of use.
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RPK Light Machine Gun: The RPK is a light machine gun utilizing the 7.62x39mm cartridge, offering sustained fire support.
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Various other rifles and carbines: Numerous other firearms, both military and civilian, are chambered in 7.62x39mm.
Firearms Utilizing 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester):
The 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge is used in a variety of high-performance firearms, including:
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M14 Rifle: A classic battle rifle, the M14 was the standard-issue rifle for the United States Army for a period.
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FN FAL (and its variants): The FAL, or Fabrique Nationale Fusil Automatique Léger, is a highly successful battle rifle used by numerous armed forces worldwide.
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M1A Rifle (Civilian variant of M14): The M1A is the civilian semi-automatic version of the M14 and is highly sought after for its accuracy and power.
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Various Sniper Rifles: Many sniper rifles are chambered in 7.62x51mm, including the M24 SWS, L96A1, and numerous other models.
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Hunting Rifles: The .308 Winchester is extremely popular for hunting various game animals.
Conclusion:
The 7.62mm caliber encompasses a range of powerful and versatile cartridges used in various firearms across military, law enforcement, and civilian applications. Understanding the differences between the 7.62x39mm and the 7.62x51mm is crucial for anyone interested in these firearms. This guide provides a starting point for further research into the specific characteristics and applications of the many weapons using these calibers. Always remember to prioritize safe and responsible firearm handling practices.
