Is 7.62 x39 and good bug out weapon round and if so, which weapon for a bug out bag

[RiverBend]

I like the AMD65 side wire folder, short 14 1/2" barre; with 1 1/2" brake, accurate enough to hit clay skeet stationary of course for us non operators, at 100 yards,

 

[Wombat7]

Get an AR pistol for a bug out bag. If your friend hasn't shot the AK he may hate it. It's heavier, less accurate, and less ergonomic. There is also the real question about ammo availability. You can find .556/.223 just about anywhere. Ak ammo may be a little harder to source, even though it's very common. Also there is the issue of optics. The AK platform is not the most friendly in terms of optics. Learn to service and shoot the AR and leave the AK. On a personal note my bug out gun is an AR, but I also dearly love my Ak.

 

[mo mauser]

It's always comes down to the right tools for the situation. If you are bugging out then you are trying to get away from someone or something. Also you should have a prepared destination in mind. Roaming the apocalypse makes good stories but not a plan. I think light and handy are necessary. I'd pick a good handgun and extra mags. In fact I would substitute the weight of the rifle for night vision or thermal.

Now once I get to my intended location an ak is a good choice. An sks is a good handout rifle to family and friends to defend the fort. I'd still have something in 223 because it will last longer being our standard cartridge than 7.62x39 unless China or Russia begins meddling locally

 

[SOLGardener]

M92 Pap, Short and quiet.

Ha! Short, yes. Quiet? Never hear of her!

 

[Buckeye76]

Wish I had kept the Romanian SKS I used to have.

 

[Wheeler]

To me a good bugout round is one which:

- Can achieve the performance for the scenarios you are trying to protect from
- Is likely to be available in an emergency situation
- Ideally can be reloaded in event of emergency

If your scenario is just "escape the virus, hide out in the cabin for a few months" then chances are you'll want some game to feed yourself and some protection from two legged predators. For that scenario I think 7.62x39 is a solid choice. In GA you can quite readily take deer and smaller game with it and it's obviously got a long and storied track record against predators of the two legged variety. In an AK or SKS it's also in a platform that can go extended periods of time in harsh conditions and still function reliably.

For me personally I take into consideration if things REALLY melt down chances are bullets and even loading components may become extremely scarce. For that need I like 45 Colt as I can cast bullets, use black powder if I need to, can make the black powder, can make primers if I need to, and I have a pistol and a lever carbine. Works fine for deer albeit it within modest distance, maybe 150 yards. That way I have an option that doesn't rely on stores.

I also like 22LR just because of portability but not so great on larger game.

How does one go about making primers? Serious question.

 

[Seabass19x]

7.62x39 performs great in short barrels. A 12"bbl or less folder would be great, suppressed would be ideal.

 

[Freshly Minted Georgian!]

How does one go about making primers? Serious question.

Because you asked, there are different methods.....this is one of the simpler ones.

 

[SinFin01]

VZ58 or SKS in semi-auto. CZ 527 for bolt action 7.62x39.
SKS I would go with a modified bolt version to more easily accommodate higher-capacity duckbill magazines.
I prefer simplicity of VZ58 over the AK. Lighter, more accurate (in my opinion) and you get last-round bolt hold open.
The CZ 527 is just a beautiful, accurate and reliable rifle. Scope it.
Whatever you chose, have spare parts available.

 

[KZGHOST55]

Trade for glock 26