The 7.62x39 is a Trash Combat Caliber ​⁠

Published on January 19, 2025
Duration: 21:00

This video critically examines the effectiveness of the 7.62x39mm caliber, particularly in AK platform rifles, for combat applications. Drawing on extensive training experience with Ukrainian and Georgian forces, the instructor argues that while the 7.62x39mm round is effective at close range, its performance degrades significantly at extended distances. The AR-15 platform, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, is presented as a more modular, user-friendly, and effective option for modern combat due to its ergonomics, ease of operation, and superior performance at range.

Quick Summary

The 7.62x39mm caliber faces significant bullet drop beyond 200 meters, impacting combat effectiveness at longer ranges. In contrast, the AR-15 platform with 5.56x45mm NATO offers superior modularity, ease of use, and better performance at distance, making it a more practical choice for modern warfare.

Chapters

  1. 00:12Introduction: 7.62x39mm and AK Platform Criticism
  2. 00:32Instructor's Experience: Training Ukrainian Forces
  3. 01:46Timeline: 2014-2015 Ukraine Training
  4. 02:04Issued Rifles: 7.62x39mm AKs and 5.45x39mm Krinks
  5. 02:26Optics Availability: Limited to SVD/Dragonov
  6. 03:43Training Scope: Basic Combat Tasks
  7. 04:16Rifle Qualification Challenges
  8. 04:28Zeroing AK Rifles
  9. 05:20Alternate Qualification (ALT C) Results
  10. 06:04Known Distance Qualification Setup
  11. 06:41Horrible Groupings and Caliber Limitations
  12. 07:18Sighting System vs. Caliber Issues
  13. 07:46Ergonomics and Formal Marksmanship Training
  14. 08:53Fast Forward: Republic of Georgia Training
  15. 09:30Georgian Forces and AR-15s
  16. 10:31Qualification Success with AR-15s
  17. 10:57Reasons for AR-15 Success: 5.56, Modularity, Ease of Use
  18. 11:33Safety Philosophy Differences: AK vs. AR
  19. 11:43Instructor's Deductive Reasoning
  20. 12:01AK Operation: Clearing and Loading
  21. 12:35AK Platform Limitations in Combat
  22. 13:095.45 Krinks Performance
  23. 13:25Message for US Shooters: 5.56 vs. 7.62x39
  24. 13:36Recommendation Against Bone Stock AKs
  25. 13:54AR-15 Ease of Training and Effectiveness
  26. 14:13AK vs. AR: Final Verdict
  27. 14:20Modern Combat Rifle Recommendations
  28. 15:007.62x39mm Effectiveness at Distance
  29. 15:105.45x39mm vs. 5.56x45mm
  30. 15:24The Fighting Gun: AR-15 All Day Long
  31. 15:40AK Optics and Furniture Updates
  32. 16:03AK vs. AR Competition Comparison
  33. 16:31AK as a Hype/Collector's Gun
  34. 17:13AR Superiority in 2014
  35. 17:23Anecdotal Evidence from Training
  36. 18:53AK vs. AR-15: Final Recommendation
  37. 19:05AK Effectiveness Up Close
  38. 19:35Difficulty of Mastering AK vs. AR
  39. 20:007.62x39mm Real-World Experience Summary
  40. 20:09Conclusion: 5.56 Enjoyer

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 7.62x39mm caliber considered less effective for combat at extended ranges?

The 7.62x39mm round experiences significant bullet drop beyond 200 meters, making it difficult to accurately engage targets at 250-300 meters. This ballistic characteristic, combined with the ergonomics of the AK platform, hinders its effectiveness in modern combat scenarios requiring precision at distance.

What are the primary advantages of the AR-15 platform and 5.56x45mm NATO for combat?

The AR-15 platform offers superior modularity, ease of operation, and user-friendliness. The 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge is readily available, and the platform's ergonomics facilitate easier and more effective marksmanship training, leading to better performance at extended ranges compared to the 7.62x39mm AK.

What specific issues did Ukrainian soldiers face with their AK rifles during training?

During training, many Ukrainian soldiers' AK rifles had rusted safety selector switches that required manual adjustment. Furthermore, the overall qualification scores were poor, indicating challenges with the platform's inherent design or the training methodology for the 7.62x39mm AKs.

Is the AK platform completely ineffective for modern combat?

While the AK platform and 7.62x39mm round are effective at close range for barrier penetration and immediate lethality, the instructor argues they are antiquated for modern combat. For overall effectiveness, especially at extended ranges, the AR-15 platform in 5.56x45mm NATO is considered superior due to its ergonomics and modularity.

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