Are AK74's Still A Good Buy? w/ Doodle (5.45x39mm Philosophy of Use)

TacticalDoodle and I hit the TNP Bunker for another Tactical Philosophy video! This time we share our thoughts and experiences on the 5.45x39mm caliber. It's not widely used by most guys and the AR15 still dominates the scene. But in the AK74-ish platform which we concentrate on here, it has some advantages and holds interest when other ammo might be unavailable. It's a key reason some are considering adding the platform.
We'll cover the ballistics, discuss Russian military ammunition, show you the penetration of 7N6 and commercial loads, discuss accuracy of the stamped receiver AK, highlight the SAWC of the usual AK platform, delight in its shootability and more. Though it's not a play by play against the ubiquitous 5.56x45mm, some comparisons will have to be made. Lots of TNP in-field shooting drills and testing is shown, all of which focused are opinions. As predicted in this video, the commies have cut off Russian importation of these calibers so supply has been affected. But you may still have or score the rec'd quantity in the future of this proven Russian war caliber.
Another feature length Tactical POU video only made possible by TNP Donors:
/ nutnfancy
You can now donate to TNP via PayPal if you'd prefer that method, humble gratitude from us for that support too: tinyurl.com/y5...
Magpul AK Zukhov furniture we love: shrsl.com/3bd6z
Corvette Model in Background:amzn.to/3z2dv8w

[@nutnfancy]

Merry Christmas TNPrs! Thanks for coming out to the video! This or course is thanks to my donors who make this expensive process possible, fully independent reviews: www.patreon.com/Nutnfancy You can also donate to the TNP independence with PayPal also, above. Here’s some of TNPP comments on this video!"Joshua Pulliam Yes! Hit me with some more philosophy Nutn! 3d The Nutnfancy Project You got it! 3d Austin Stidham Dabbled in the 7.62x39 game and just like you said, I was the only AK guy in this one class I took, and in general my family, friends, colleagues all run the AR/M4 platform. No room for the Ruski in the system. Have you dropped the MCX vid yet, I’ve not seen it?! I’m dying for a MCX! 3d The Nutnfancy Project Oh yeah: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp-yfquVfZZ7qtU. It's such a great gun. 2 3d Lon N Awesome GRV as always - thanks gentlemen. Philosophy points on buying ammo even better. Take it from someone who has been there, buy it now and learn to love ramen noodles. When 5.45 x 39 first came to the USA you could buy surplus 7n6 for $120 for either 2080 or 2120 rounds Ammunition will always go up in price (ignoring panic price spikes). When I got into 6.5 Grendel I ordered 2000 rounds of wolf at $260 / 1000. As soon as I crawled in bed I flashed back to the cheap 5.45. The next morning I had decided I like ramens and hot dogs a lot and ordered another 3000 rounds of Wolf. Magazines are consumables - they bend, break and get lost - and are cheap today,. I remember$120 30 round Mini-14 mags after Sandyhook happened - that's why I have a 40 liter tub of new in the wrapper magazines along with 7 loaded mags for each serious rifle. I wish I had understood this in my youth when you could buy a hemi Superbird for under $1500. 1 3d Schmuckatelli Excellent observations. But as they say, youth is wasted on the young. 1 3d Load 2 replies Hold Fast Joe Great info! I've been close to getting an ak but like you said, need to get several cases of ammo, mags, maybe red dot and brackets to mount it, money money money! I have several ARs and parts along with everything I want in an AR even duplicate scopes and triggers. All zeroed and ready. So instead of an AK I buy emergency food, water filters, save rest of my money and keep working hard hoping I'll never need them Who knows though, they keep pushing. Israel just made it mandatory for the 60+ age group to get their FOURTH vax shot! So get your first 2, then a booster, and now another booster?? Sheez.. Data came out recently showing chance of death for unvaxxed is 1 in 1 million. Chance of death from the vax (very best case here..) is 25 in 1 million! 25x more likely to die of the cure.. Lovely 3d Lon N Not to take the side of the scamdemic hysterics....but you are telling us only 330 Americans died of the WuFlu - you might wish to check where that data came from and ignore that source. 3d Load 3 replies Jake Droege Thank you so much Nutnfancy for the great video. I am one those silly people that did not listen to when you where talking about buying an AK ,loading up on ammo and so much of other things. I decided to put money in my car audio system at that time. So profoundly dumb ,I shake my head. I am slowly try to get myself set up but I is painful financially. Keep up the hard work and God bless! 3d Charles New TD has it figured out. wife might not let you buy your gear, so buy everything before you get married. 2 3d andrew billings When my LGS was out of 556 they still had 7.62x39 and 5.45x39. I live in Alaska and we are a little behind the times but even during the panic buying last year I was still able to pick up 7.62 and 5.45 cases for a decent price. All common calibers were cleaned out but you could still buy the odd calibers: 10mm, 7.62x39, 5.45, 6.8 etc etc 3d Gilberto Esquivel You know who would beg to differ about 5.56 being too light weight to win battles or wars?...Messieurs Rosenbaum, Huber (roasting marshmallows) and what is left of Mr. Gosskreutz communist (no longer masturbating) right arm...and every damned narco, militiaman, insurgent, terrorist, or soldier that ever made the mistake of stepping up to challenge this caliber with their commie rifles... 3d C Cooke Amazing video. I went with 12.5 AK 47 and been stocking 5.45 and ammo while I wait for PSA to restock the 74 3d C Cooke Love to see a review on the PSAK 47 3d Moe Mansour Hey, Nutn'. Got my TNP Endura the other day. 149 of 1009. Not much chance of you gear checking me... unless your planning a trip to Alberta or BC. But if you do, expect to see some honest wear on it. 1 3d hoplite ⚔️ Cheers from Nova Scotia 🍻🦞 Waiting in mine to show up. Psyched. 2d Load reply Ed Hoss Love 5.45 but I sold all mine after they banned the import of 7n6 and we basically standardized on the AR15 for ammo and parts compatibility. Also I’m seeing wolf 55 grain 556 in stock and currently at about 33 cents a round which is already cheaper then what I’m seeing wolf 545 for. Awesome video! Thank you. 1 3d Aaron Brockman Love it, keep it up! Big Bore AR POU please! 3d Andrettski I had to pick an AK platform when I finally took the dive which 7.62 was the way I went. Not that I don't think 5.45 isn't cool, but I got a ton of mags and 7.62 ammo so I'm staying in this lane. When I got my WASR 10 immediately swapped out the paper mache balsa wood furniture for the Magpul Zhukov I love it. Great full length GRV. 3d Robert Fuller Hey,Nutn! Loved this vid. Bought an Adams Arms ar in 5.45 about 6 yrs. ago.I picked up the last spam can of 76n at the same time. Had to drop in a Hyperfire fcg to handle those pesky hard primers.Love it! Over the years I've stached away about 6k rounds to feed it. 1 3d Josh Winkler I don't think I've seen a lot of reviews on it yet but I think another interesting alternative to 5.45x39 would be the Zastava M90. It's a AK with an 18" barrel chambered in 5.56. With that barrel length I'm wondering if it could do certain POUs most AKs couldn't and in a caliber that most folks already have. 1 3d Wayne H I'm saving all my cash for the Sig .568 PigMolester system here. Maybe less 5.45x39 video, and more slingshot video... wink wink... I get the zombie incursion ammo share point for sure. I expect any zombie incursion ammo prime cartridge to be 30-30, 150 gr, corelokt. (Nope, none here, why do you ask?) 3d Ty I did see 5.45 Hornady projectiles. Vmax or amax believe, in the clearance box at Ron's sporting goods down here in cedar city. So hornady makes projos but I have never ever seen any others before seeing these two boxes. 3d Jardine You guys did a nice job of furniture selection on the AK example for this video. Very nice! 1 3d Boxed1n I fell down that NATO caliber trap a long time ago. If I got an AK it would be just to have an AK. Saying that I would go 5.45, but I’ll let y’all keep that ammo so you don’t have 1 more person drying it up. 1 3d Rob Miller Another great video. Thanks for the excellent content. Confirmed what we see w/ak platform and I Learned a few things as usual. Did not know corrosive ammo attacked so fast! We rarely shoot it but when we do we clean them immediatly, sometimes we give them a few patches before we even head home. Keep em coming! 3d Rick Grad Clicked on the video and saw 58 minutes…excellent. Wrapped my family’s Christmas presents while watching another great bunker video. Merry Christmas Nutnfancy and all of you in the Patreon donor community! 2 2d hoplite ⚔️ Thanks Rick. You too!! I’m wrapping present watching large fixed blade and LBE vids. Cheers to TNP! 2d Mark Raasch Another great video from the bunker. Thanks for all you guys do. Hoping you have a Merry Christmas. 2d Steve Ouellette I never took the ‘74 5.45 plunge when it was cheap and easy to do so. This satisfied my curiosity so thanks. 1 2d Downtrodden Keep hitting us with data and philosophy! I think the lesson here is that ammo price and availability should drive your system. I’d love to add other calibers but need to stay focused and pretend that Colt Pythons are not a thing. 2 2d Shelby bullard Love the guns, love the vids. Keep ‘‘em coming. That’s what she said. 1 2d hoplite ⚔️ Shiiiiiiit 2d Harrison Nobles I got my psa74 and it's been running well. At 1k rounds and have 3k in the stash 1 2d William P Rizer Excellent content. Pulled the trigger on that glycine after the review. Love it 1 1d Tacticaldoodle It's a classic, a while back someone showed me his grandpa's from vietname. It was popular back then, a bit like the GMT rolex for y'know, normal guys 1 18h Jayrod Loved it! 1d Clint Allison Merry Christmas, guys. Thanks for the video. I've always thought the 74 was the AK to own if you were going to run one. Admittingly, I don't own any of them. I just never got that into the AK platform. I thought they were overpriced when they were selling for 450. I'm sure as hell not buying one these days 😂. 1 19h Steelhorses The only thing that the AK platform appealed to me was the cheap ammo. For plinking I honestly prefer my SKS's."

[@Highway9mm]

What ever happened to PFI Dude?

[@user-dy3uy2bv7r]

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well, sir. I was wondering what sort of cold weather multicam clothing you had on at approximately 6:45? The hood looks very practical.

[@georgewashington92]

We never had issues with corrosive ammo. The only thing we used to maintain the guns until about 7 to 8 years ago when supplies ran out was east german W22 oil. CLP oil, alkaline and neutralized the corrosive salts. Worked like a champ. Dont wany to know however how much liquid cancer that stuff had

[@steelhorses2004]

I remember when these first became available. Wasn't really attracted to caliber because to me it had very similar ballistics to 5.56 but the super low ammo cost was tempting. Lowest I ever saw was around $0.10/rd in bulk. Should have just bought the ammo.

[@nutnfancy]

It was easy to let this one slip by, you're not alone in this!

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

Yup, it was on my radar, just not as much. Messed up. Should snagged more 7.62x54r too.

[@TacticalDoodle]

A lot of the time, when friends talk about buying crypto, or gold, silver, I just tell them to buy good ammo, specifically mil surplus of near any country. I have yet to see even crap like that old spam tin lose someone money (if they can store it long enough)

[@germaxicus6670]

@TacticalDoodle Surplus ammo has been my best investment. 5.45x39, 7.62x54r, and 7.62x25 have really boosted my portfolio :)

[@ryanjones4917]

@@TacticalDoodle Solid advice, I tell my wife the same thing.

[@Re.Configured]

PFI Dude... so nostalgic seeing him again. Even if it's just archived footage

[@aew0aew0]

What happened to that guy?

[@usmcvet0313]

@@aew0aew0 Nutnfancy had said in a vid a while back that when the yt ad money dried up, he couldn't pay him for helping out like he did previously. So he stopped coming around.

[@AnAxetoGrind]

I remember Fitzen.

[@makevelicustoms]

PFI dude is to busy playing with Lady boys to come around 🥴🥴

[@TheTrueNorth11]

@@AnAxetoGrind Fitzen was the dumbest person I’ve ever personally witnessed speak.

[@freedom_seed5.45x39]

PSA is bringing the tooling to start commblock ammo production in the USA. 5.45x39 is included.

[@ritotron5752]

This makes me moizt

[@steveeab2364]

I hope they do. I can only imagine the level of scrutiny they'll face by the commies in the ATF

[@ritotron5752]

@@steveeab2364 abolish the fedbois

[@3o5wasabii]

Nu uh no way??

[@freedom_seed5.45x39]

@@3o5wasabii G&G did a video on it. Hopefully they do stick to it but I haven't heard anything else after this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnOre6Shaah1i9k

[@JohnTurner69]

After watching your vid on AK-74's years ago I purchased a Definitive Arms Veper AK-74 with Mag-pul furniture, dropped in a ALG trigger and never looked back...by far my favorite AK and I have several. Thanks for another informative vid from the bunker.

[@SgtSly]

PFI Dude. Now there is a name I have not heard in a long time.

[@Brimwald]

Rumor is PSA is going to start producing AK ammo themselves. I believe they purchased an ammo brand recently, was it one of Remington's pieces? Hopefully they add 5.45x39 to the mix

[@ccooke8935]

Yes they are and so is KUSA

[@ElTejon47901]

JJE who owns PSA bought Nodak Spud in MN and Rem ammo.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

No, they didn't get Rem Ammo, but Vista Outdoors did. I heard they were doing steel cased. I'm guessing they got some sort of contract with some normally imported company? Remember it can be produced in Russia, but if its produced in USA, if you get my drift. Just a theory.

[@ElTejon47901]

@@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill Thanks!

[@Deuce_Dufresne]

Truth, though we may not see it until 2024-2025 or so

[@RosaParksWasWyt]

I’m glad everyone seems to think 5.45 is all gone because of the ammo ban. I’m continuing to buy 1000 rd cases for 37 cents a round so more for me

[@poolee77]

Thats the same price as steel cased 5.56.

[@zubdub2506]

I'm still buying from the LGS who has pallets of it for .29/round. I'm okay with people thinking AK-74s are a waste because of ammo availability.

[@DeltaSig80121]

As someone who has multiple ARs but zero AKs I appreciate this content! If anything it is good to learn about a potential future purchase!

[@Matt_Moore]

I’m the total opposite…. 5 AKs all in 7.62x39 until just very recently. I was looking for something different and in a smaller caliber for the ballistic advantages it offers. I got an AR-15. AK-74s are just too hard (or expensive) to come by these days + the ammo availability…even though I love the AK platform I just can’t justify a 74. BTW…my ownership experience of an AR as an AK guy very early: On the manual of arms the best way I can describe it is that it feels like I’ve been playing on an original NES controller my whole life, and now own and hold an Xbox controller. Tons more buttons!!

[@RARufus]

@@Matt_Moore I own several AKs and I love the AK system, but the AR is a more practical system for the US consumer. You can assemble an AR with minimal tools if you want and there are infinite options available at a decent price.

[@donovanchilton5817]

I went to four academy this weekend and could've left with literally tons of 5.56x45. Tons. Know what I didn't see? A single box of 5.45x39.

[@kangaroo1207]

I see lots of both in all the gun stores I go to. I guess it’s very regionally dependent.

[@Win8pc]

Almost like this vid was filmed awhile ago especially before the ammo ban

[@jeffwilcox9987]

It does seem like it’s filmed a little while ago. 556 is back. Not cheap, but back.

[@jeremiahcherry5283]

My area it’s the same story. Over priced 556, nonexistent 545

[@kangaroo1207]

@@jeremiahcherry5283 that’s unfortunate. I live in the south and the prices for 5.56 have come down a lot recently. It’s around 13 dollars a box and there’s a pretty good selection (223 rem included). There’s usually only a couple options for 5.45 though.

[@poibbn]

I've picked up 3 AK pattern rifles over the last 18 months. I love them, but really all they did was make me love my ARs even more

[@nickemerson6934]

Poor guy

[@VictoryOrValhalla14]

@@nickemerson6934 he’s a smart guy, the AR is a better tool in every way. Better manual of arms, better accuracy and more reliable. The AK has the bad guy factor and that’s it.

[@nickemerson6934]

@@VictoryOrValhalla14 more reliable? Bud you sure about that?

[@nickemerson6934]

@@VictoryOrValhalla14 the 5.56 is obsolete man why do you think the military is getting away from it.

[@VictoryOrValhalla14]

@@nickemerson6934 yea 1000% the closed system is superior to the loose open of the AK. These tests and videos have been done thousands of times. People still believe in the Cold War propaganda that has followed the M16 series since Vietnam, that problem was fixed in Vietnam(the ammunition). The AK is easier to maintain and that’s it because it doesn’t have the small parts the AR has. Now is it a large enough percent for it to matter much ? That’s up to you.

[@spacetruckin6555]

Hindsight is indeed 20/20. If I could go back to 2010, I would just buy ALL the 7n6 I came across. The return on investment today outstrips some precious metals.

[@AnAxetoGrind]

If I could go back to 2010, I would buy Bitcoin lol

[@VanquishMediaDE]

I bought roughly 10,000 rounds of 7n6, I sold my Arsenal SLR104FR about 4 months ago and I sold the ammo last week 8 out of the 10 cans) by the time I added up the sell of the rifle (2K) plus the ammo that was close to 6 grand all together. I only paid 750 for the rifle way back in 2010 and give or take 100 per can!

[@spacetruckin6555]

@@AnAxetoGrind FTW! It was LESS than a dollar per bitcoin in 2010! We would have crushed it.

[@spacetruckin6555]

@@VanquishMediaDE Yes! Good for you, you crushed it!

[@elliottbutts153]

I appreciate any type of AK talk and video. Thanks for your time. Merry Christmas. Had the opportunity many times to get into the 5.45 game but just never did. Already was well invested in 7.62x39 and 556. Taking on another caliber with the rifles was just more than I wanted to get into at the time. Wish I would have but no regrets, not really.

[@RARufus]

Me too. I was intrigued but 5.56 is so ubiquitous in the US and is also a great cartridge. I picked up a 5.56 AK some time back instead. No regrets with that decision. Like you, I don’t need another caliber.

[@Timespartan111]

There was a time where I would be buying anything I liked no matter the caliber, in this time period I picked up Bulgarian ak74 on a waffen works reciever. Great gun real tack driver was the type of gun where you could really just point at anything from a can 50 yards away to a bottle 200 yards and hit it first shot with iron sights. Loved the recoil impulse and reliability of the gun, however as time went on and 5.45 dried up I decided to sell it and moved onto a system where I stock the least amount of calibers possible. (7.62x39, 5.56, 308, 9, 45, .22lr, 12 guage) was enough of a hassle to keep stocked up. The more calibers you have to keep on hand the more headache your going to be dealing with in terms of keeping track of mags/ammo/ cleaning kits, etc.

[@elliottbutts153]

@@Timespartan111 Those are the same 7 calibers I decided to stick with several years ago too. I do have some 38/357 for a couple revolvers and some 35 Remington for my Marlin. 7.62x39, 556, 308, 9, 45 22lr and 12 gauge took a lot of time and resources

[@Timespartan111]

@@elliottbutts153 I actually like the idea of having a bit of 38/357 around especially since you don’t need much and you don’t have to worry about magazine purchase/storage. But I couldnt agree with you more on caliber choices, you really have all your bases covered with these calibers, intermediate rifle cartridge for those precision shots (5.56), inbetween intermediate and large rifle cartridge for its collateral damage capabilities (7.62x39), large rifle cartridge for touching out to longer ranges (308), 9mm for your small pistol caliber round, 45 for your large pistol caliber round, .22lr for the kids and the women, and 12 guage for Miscellaneous needs haha! Its really the perfect assortment and you can manage to reasonably stock up on all these calibers over time and magazines for most of these caliber guns are common to come by. Out of curiosity what primary weapon systems are you running for each caliber? I am running a scar 17s (308), 10.5” Ar15 (5.56), PSA AK103 (7.62x39), Benelli m4 (12g), glock 19 (9m), glock 41 (45), and I was running a ruger 10/22 until it got stolen from my truck! Need to replace it soon. I used to keep a lot of 5.7x28 on hand as my “oddball” round for my ps90 but after never taking the ps90 shooting much because it was so expensive and unsatisfactory to shoot I ended up selling most of the ammo after realizing it is mostly a toy/novelty piece. Couldn’t quite part ways with the gun itself though so it stays around as a show and tell piece.

[@RARufus]

@@Timespartan111 I’m sticking to all of those calibers too except my 45 is 45LC and is used for single action revolvers. A couple of years ago I picked up parts for a 6.5CM AR but lost interest in the build due to the price of ammo and other projects around the house. I’m now selling all of those parts since I had switched gears to a 308 AR instead. I’m sticking with 308 for the foreseeable future for large caliber. I still have a 30-06 Browning BAR Lightweight I’ve had for quite some time, and I’m undecided on that one: keep or sell.

[@JohnnyTwoStep89]

"...and its only now theyre getting a job where they can purchase..." 100%. Hit the nail on the head. Picked you up in 2008. I was 19. I had a hi point 9mm cabine and a Marlin xl7 30.06 hunting rifle. 2020 i bought my first Aero/BCM Ar15 and added a 12.5 BCM 300 blackout in 2021. 2022 i finally own the Scar 17 of my dreams.

[@theycalledhimfred17]

The corrosive ammo thing with 7n6. All you need is water. It doesn't need to be nice water. Flush out the gas tube and barrel. Then run oil of some kind through it real quick. I prefer ballistol. I have several guns I shoot surplus through. You can even combine the ballistol with water and hit it all at one time.

[@ritotron5752]

Hot water and dish soap works perfectly fine as well. Wham bam thank you ma’am

[@cayman9873]

I got out of ak rifles 10 years ago due to horrible accuracy.. I picked up a couple well worn chinese SKS rifles for historical fun. I only bought 500 rounds of 7.62 x 39 for testing... but with covid have not even done that. I remember when you could get 2000 rounds and a SKS for 150 bucks. The rifles were 70 bucks alone. And those rifles looked ten times better than mine do.

[@VanquishMediaDE]

Although I like 5.45x39 if it is not an easy caliber to get there is no point in owning a caliber that is not easy to come by, 5.56 or 7.62x39 will be much easier to find.

[@VanquishMediaDE]

@@anthonyarcher7268 Obummer started that trend and sloppy seconds Biden finished the rest.

[@nelsonr1467]

Most common calibers in U.S is 9mm 5.56 12 gauge and 22lr

[@paraglidingnut26]

Now from Biden's own words, "Let's Go Brandon!"

[@VanquishMediaDE]

@@anthonyarcher7268 I could give a shit less what that hair sniffing gun grabbing Goblin wants.

[@gsxr1189]

@@VanquishMediaDE Can you define what you mean by "not easy to get" because my understanding is that we just use an ammo search engine that has prices from hundreds of retailers, pick the best prices & order online then have it shipped to our door. Seems like a very easy process to me. Am I doing it wrong? Is it supposed to be difficult?

[@stefanknie9011]

Great content from the best father-son duo! Amazing as always!!!

[@ryanjones4917]

Philosophy/life lessons, call to action, and predictions/rant videos are my favorites.

[@C0RRUPT3R]

Especially with TD! :D

[@speter83]

I did manage to get a SGL 31-74 back in 2012, awesome rifle and really enjoyed your old videos on the AK's. Also, I really miss the days of buying 7N6 spam cans of 1080 rds for $139 at Fleet Farm. The good old days indeed.

[@SuspiciousGanymede]

I have an M&P sport in 5.45x39 that I rarely if ever shoot. Had a bad round kaboom and destroy the upper and S&W replaced it a long time ago. They recommended only shooting American brass case but 99% of all 5.45 is steel case imported stuff. Less recoil than 5.56 steel case, very nice to shoot but ammo availability is drying up fast

[@SHOOTSHOW00]

I have never seen brass 5.45x39 ammo ever. Edit, I see Horaday is making some now but that use to be steel case, right?

[@SuspiciousGanymede]

@@SHOOTSHOW00 hornady makes vmax/sst in brass case but that stuff is non-existent. Only steel case I trust is barnaul, I've run dozens of spam cans of their 7.62x39 and their 5.45 has been the most consistent among all manufacturers (COAL, velocity, etc.)

[@snaker9er]

@@SuspiciousGanymede I've got a bunch of that vmax I never considered it brass it looks kind of funky

[@pineyhills9066]

When did S&W make 5.45x39 M&Ps?

[@zarAK471]

what kind of ammo blew it up?

[@oc2419]

I’m fully invested into 7.62x39 AK’s. It feels like they were made to be that and they rock.

[@D5quared91]

The major advantage of the 5.45x39mm is its full-auto controlability. Considering that’s not a factor for U.S. civilians, the 7.62x39mm makes much more sense. And given recent political events, 5.45x39mm will be a tough cartridge to find in coming years, much more so than 7.62x39mm.

[@donovanchilton5817]

5.45 is straight up dead and buried. It was already a dubious ammo source.

[@nelsonr1467]

7.62x39 isn't viable either. It's not common enough to justify owning. Logically it makes sense to use common calibers.

[@URBANAMERICANTAC]

Palmetto state armory purchased all the tooling from “over seas” to start up a steel ammo production line. They think they will be up and running 100% by 2023. They plan on being the replacement supplier for all that steel case that is going to be hard to get when the import licenses expire in 2 years.

[@BB_Shark]

@@nelsonr1467 disagree…. I think enough people own 7.62x39 rifles that a lot of ammo manufacturers are making it… there is a much larger demand for it, compared against 5.45x39

[@ritotron5752]

@@nelsonr1467 imagine being the guy saying the most popular rifle cartridge in the world isn’t available enough

[@ColeDedhand]

That KVAR brochure reminds me of Shotgun News from 20+ years ago. It was a simpler world. Before the dark times...

[@CQCMachine]

If people say they can't find 556 ammo, they're full of it! What they really mean to say is that they don't like the prices that they're finding. 60 cents around might not be ideal but you can't say there's not ammo out there

[@mrguiltyfool]

In canada, 7.62 x 39 surplus is more available than 556. In usa it is the reverse

[@donovanchilton5817]

5.56 is literally everywhere right now. Could buy it by the pallet.

[@gsxr1189]

@Florida Man It already has come down to the price you mentioned. Wolf 223 is $0.33/round online right now.

[@Slap0ho]

It’s Christmas and Nutn posted an AK related video, it going to be a good day.

[@jtaylorb88]

LoL I had some of those mags, funny I had AK's decades before my first AR. 1000 rounds of China sports ammunition for $35! Those were the days!

[@kaveman9]

This is the last caliber I ever bought. Local board had 2160rds still in the case of 7n6 for $235 in April of 2020 right when everything was going nuts. I've only got the one 5.45 gun and this case doubled my stock on hand,....and it's enough. Definitely wedded to the 5.56 for serious purposes. The 5.45 Krink is just for giggles.

[@johngifford7725]

A PHILOSOPHY VIDEO?!?!? ON CHRISTMAS! OMG... It's a Christmas miracle! God bless us, every one!

[@renovatio1257]

I would choose the 5.56x45 over the 5.45x39.

[@spacetruckin6555]

As well as the AR over the AK74 for GTW situations. But around the home property, the AK47 is still the king.

[@nelsonr1467]

@@spacetruckin6555 lol no it's not. AR-15 is king.

[@spacetruckin6555]

@@nelsonr1467 Yes, for females.

[@newdefsys]

SGAMMO has Wolf 5.45mm (1000 rd case) for $399.50. They also have Wolf 5.56mm (1000rd case) for $359.50. Both in stock

[@SamuelA3]

Not sure if you posted this earlier but Merry Christmas to the nutnfancy family and my fellow TNP fam.

[@unkulwilly]

Doodle and I think alike when it comes to remodeling. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

[@whomagoose6897]

Never cared for the AK platform. My choice is either an AR platform, or, the absolutely perfect Robinson Arms XCR-L rifle. Including the Rob Arms XCR-M platform. Four changeover cartridges for each of the two rifles. A special place in my heart and mind for the M-14. I certainly appreciate the history and development of the AK platform has been an interesting development.

[@longpoint17]

So glad you guys did this video!

[@TheHuskers1995]

I still have my cugir ak-74 that I bought from a pawn shop around 2012. I also have more mags than I'll ever need and enough ammo for 10 of them.

[@nemisous83]

5.45x39 is only really making a comeback because of PSA making 74 variant rifle. I still have my Arsenal SGL 31 that I bought because TNP's video way back in the day circa 2012. since then I've chopped it down to 12.5 inches and run it mostly suppressed. Honestly I still love it more than my AR15's 5.45x39 plus a KNS adjustable piston and ALG trigger is borderline game changer the gun is so smooth and so fast to shoot.

[@knightforge13]

Absolutely love the bulgy 74 I built off a kit. Thankfully was able to get a couple cans of 7n6 before they disappeared

[@justinpingman2049]

Down to my last 2 cans of 7n6 and the end to 8 years of cheap fun

[@johnrichardson6142]

Great video loved "dicking around in the desert!" Hysterical!

[@georgestreisel7920]

I wish i bought into the platform earlier. Built my bugy 74 last year mid plandemic. Shoots as smooth as butter. Truely a luxurious experience compared to my wasr10.

[@mohawk3371]

I have an Sgl-31 and a Vepr FM74-11, and I've been able to stockpile 2k+ of 7n6 and other lacquered and sealed mil spec stuff. I really like the cartridge and platforms, and I enjoyed being able to shoot regularly during the 5.56 shortage. However, with 5.56 ammo coming back, the Russian ammo ban, and with so many non-Russian manufacturers of 7.62x39, now is not the time to get into this cartridge. Stick with 5.56 and 7,62x39 for now. Also 7n6 is hotter than commercially available Russian ammo, but it is definitely WAY less accurate than the Barnaul and Vympel mil-spec commercial ammo.With good commercial ammo, a quality AK and magnified optic you can expect 1.5-2.5 MOA 5 shot group average.

[@65Grndl]

Hey. Inadvertent Smell! Now that's old school.

[@InexorWoW]

I'm 26 now making nearly 6 figures with a house, only been able to start really collecting the last two years because I was in the military and I'm buying up surplus and ammo whenever I can.

[@dragonstalk86]

thanks for your blog post

[@LouisFullerton]

A harmless man is not a good man. A good man is a very dangerous man who has that under voluntary control. -Jordan Peterson

[@AnAxetoGrind]

Is that the pill-popper?

[@stonecoldnegan281]

One the best University professors in the world. Easy to judge from the sidelines isn't it?

[@AnAxetoGrind]

@@stonecoldnegan281 I mean, yes? Not sure what you’re getting at.

[@AbsoluteKelvin]

5.45x39 my all time favorite round. The ballistic gel the 5.45 tumble immediately with the longer bullet and hollow front cavity krinkov barrel to DMR length it tumbles immediately. The 5.56 will need specialty defensive round and or 20 inch barrel to do the same. 5.56 out of 16" and below especially 7 inch with just FMJ its just punching holes with little to no tumble. If just FMJ ball 5.45 wins all day. Hypothetical Zombie time. Just own 5.56 rifle or upper, their dirt cheap and readily available. If you don't have a 5.56 rifle by hypothetical zombie time you'll find one easily.

[@rickeco4tango33]

The guys shooting 55gr 5.56 out of M-16A2 W/iron sights are called MARINES!! Standard QD course in boot camp!! Ouuuraaaah! 😜

[@Ratkill9000]

I've been tempted to get an Adams Arms AR in 5.45x39mm just because why not. Before Fleet Farm was bought out from the Mills family from a firm out of New York, they had a lot of Huldra AR-15s, now they barely have a single AR.

[@TheAirSofterblaster200]

My FF is stacked with ARs they even have “cheap” ones for like $800

[@TheAirSofterblaster200]

Man but I do remember FF having pallets of 7n6 even after the ban for like $100 a can, didn’t have a reason to buy so I didn’t

[@5150Eddie5150]

I added the 5.45 just have another ammo option. A short time ago 5.45 was the cheapest centerfire cartridge available with the crazy events happening lately. 5.56 and 9 mm was hard to find being most people have firearms chambered for those cartridges. Hence it was hard to find 5.56 and 9mm ammo. Plus it’s fun to shoot.

[@northman77]

"It's getting it done". I was watching a 9 hole video the other day and he said the same thing. Garand thumb with the svd also said the same. Grouping are aweful but it will get the job done which, honestly, is what you want at the end of the day!

[@freedom_seed5.45x39]

Rob ski recommends to wash the gun with water right after using corrosive ammo to wash away the corrosive salts. then relube

[@jamescreek1319]

Just picked up a brand new Chinese sks with composite stock and a nice little Anderson AR15 short barrel rifle I need to upgrade it with a couple better accessories and I am looking forward to acquiring my next firearm I’m thinking about buying a century arms Ak47 like that in your video. Have a good day and I enjoy your video and information thanks

[@SolomonSamson747]

Adams Arms 5.45 piston upper and ASC mags are a winning combo. Barrel is intruded not chromed so 7n6 is out but run non corrosive ammo and you’re good. My best friend calls it my laser rifle. It’s nothing special accuracy wise but in terms of practical accuracy it does FEEL like you’re shooting a laser. You hit what you aim at especiallly coupled with the ACSS reticle on the 1-6x scope. I would say if you’re going to run this, be sure to buy a couple extra firing pins and an extra bolt. It’s not standard shit and you need spares.

[@CQCMachine]

I walked in the Bass pro shops yesterday and saw thousands and thousands and thousands of rounds of 556 and 308 for pretty good prices

[@whomagoose6897]

Do you remember the bullet weight of the .308 Winchester? Always looking for 175 grain, match grade, boat tail tail, .308's.

[@Mkvine]

I think the 5.45 has so much untapped potential. It hasn’t had the modernization of the 5.56, where they tinkered with different grain bullets, match grade ammo, etc.

[@Income591]

Started watching at the age of 12, just started making real money, but now that I have money to spend, the wife always has something that needs changed just like doodle said new furniture and kitchen.

[@merc6]

I use to buy Tapco mags for my 47 when I had it. I had 12 mags I believe. 3 of them were 20 rounders. I went through thousands of TulAmmo rounds and those cheap mags through my Wasr 10 with zero issues.... Ever.

[@sanders194539]

YES! an AK video! Its always a good day when Nutn has an new AK video.

[@TheWickedclownz123]

I sold my Ak a few years back because I needed money. But I kept my sks. Which is still viable, maybe not 5.45. But I got plenty of ammo still and plenty of stripper clips on tap lol

[@takingbacktoxic7898]

I was just at the store, and the "common calibers" we all low stock and priced at a premium, with box limits. 5.45 was fully stocked with no limit buy. For my area it wouldnt be a bad idea if you actually wanted to go out and shoot every now and then. When it comes to the ammo ban, PSA paid one of the Russian factories (Tula i think) for the tooling required to make domestic steel case that will make the import ban less painful.

[@KevinMay71]

A swing and a miss, Nutn! Totally neglect to consider the Russian ammo ban. If you can’t afford to buy a lifetime’s worth of 5.45 within the next 2 years, don’t even think about getting into it now.

[@mr.gunzaku437]

You guys helped me make the decision on my rifle and pistol. I appreciate the years of hard work and helping to Stick it to the Man. 5.45x39 isn't as popular outside Russia but it's a great round for it's operational range. It's lack of popularity means it's more available. You can carry a lot more ammo and you get effective firepower

[@CCXRS7]

I have no 556 guns at all. The only center fire 22's I own are 5.45x39, AK's and AR's. This year is great bc I can finally start handloading 5.45 thanks to Hornady.

[@roc5291]

My very first rifle that I bought it was a Smith and Wesson M & P Sport II. Love it and still have it to this day. My friend who goes to the range with me most often, came to the range one day with a Bulgarian 104ur. Shot it. Loved it. Went on gun broker and got a parts kit for a 1988 Russian Izzy in the beginning of 2020. Got it back the week of Christmas last year. It’s easily my favorite gun I have and the 5.45 X 39 is what I take people out to learn how to shoot on. Soft recoil. Accurate. Cool looking round. That same kit that was $900 at the beginning of 2020 was selling this year for between 2-3 thousand dollars. I hope gun manufacturers in the US start making it and hope it catches on more and more.

[@shojus]

Merry Christmas EVERYONE!

[@AlwayzPr0]

I wasn't old enough when they were popular. My dad wasn't interested and I had no idea

[@Travis-kw3mo]

Probably one of the biggest reasons for ak ownership was because cheap ammo and that's been nullified pretty much. I seen 300 blk for the same as 762x39. That's insane

[@jw8901]

I love that this video was an hour but it only felt like 25 minutes. Nothing beats a good feature length nutn video.

[@ethan5.56]

I’ll get some kind of AK eventually but I can’t stop building ARs lol. Great video as always. Merry Christmas!

[@mastodonxrp5314]

Same. I try to focus my personal defense budget into only AR15 carbine builds and Glock 9mm pistols. That way magazines, ammo, spare parts, optics are all interchangeable. The AR and AK are both excellent short to medium range weapons.

[@hindsight2022]

I had a bulgy ak74 with 3 bakalite mags . Traded it for a 1918 luger p08 with holster and an unfired 1970 in box colt python .felt like the KING of GUNS for a month afterwards ... (And still do to a curtain extent ) lol Edit : in dudes defense i also through in an unopened case of 7N6 so 2 spam cans full .

[@echoesofmalachor3700]

For me it just comes down to market saturation. The 556 dominates the 545 in availability and number of mass producing manufacturers. It’s easier to drop by a random gun store and pick up ar parts vs ak parts.

[@Frenchthighs]

One of the things I love about this channel is these long vids.

[@keithrobicheux4749]

If some people are waiting for ammo to come back down, I’d say that you may be waiting in vain. Ammo may go down a little, but it’s probably never going to be pre 2020 prices.

[@VanquishMediaDE]

Way back in 2010 I bought roughly 10,000 rounds of 7n6, I sold my Arsenal SLR104FR about 4 months ago and I sold the ammo last week (8 out of the 10 cans) by the time I added up the sell of the rifle (2K) plus the ammo that was close to 6 grand all together. I only paid 750 for the rifle way back in 2010 and give or take 100 per can!

[@mpett2]

Wow I still have about 5k of 7n6.

[@jameswheat4225]

I'll always support this channel.

[@SolomonSamson747]

Loving my Adams piston 5.45 upper!

[@KevinMay71]

The reduction in recoil vs a 5.56 has more to do with the gun weighing 8 pounds than it does with anything else

[@poolee77]

And the decent break on the end.

[@mattgeiger9988]

As I heard a guy on iraqveteran8888 say "two different animals the AR and AK, one is a prom queen and the other is a biker bitch"

[@Timespartan111]

I loved my bulgarian ak74 built on a waffen works reciever, for some period of time it was my “go - to - gun” Felt really well balanced, could hit just about anything within reasonable distance with it down to a can size out to about 300 yards with iron sights. Reliability was incredible. As time went on and 5.45 ammo Dried up I sold it and while I do miss shooting the 74, I haven’t looked back. Having to stock 5.56, 308, 7.62x39, 45, 9mm, .22lr, and 12 gauge ammo is hassle enough, so having to keep a stock of hard to find ammo for just that one weapon system is not worth it IMO. Over the years I’ve learned its best to keep all your platforms in as few as calibers as possible with as few mag types as possible, IE make sure your 5.56 guns take ar15 mags and your 308 guns take ar10 mags, you will have a lot less headache at the end of the day. To recap, while its fun to shoot the 5.45 round, realistically your not going to have any strategic advantage by using the 5.45 over the 5.56, and you might as well drop the 5.45 from your arsenal and save the headache unless you have budget and storage are of no concern to you.

[@renovatio1257]

Good luck finding affordable 5.45x39mm in the future.

[@Rupan-rx]

I love 5.45 but it’s not my go to. Bought a few more right before the ammo ban. Hopefully some us ammo manufactures can make some fancy loads for us. I kinda wish I ran a krink as a truck gun but that is wild fantasy haha.

[@Gunner-ll1zd]

Psa is supposed to in the near future

[@taylornutt]

I was planning on using my SLR 104 FR as my primary rifle because it was pretty light weight and ammo was plentiful even during the shortages. Post- Russian ammo ban, I have switched to my Saiga .223 until I can assess what future ammo availability of 5.45x39 will be. I believe most new AK owners are not super steeped in traditional AK calibers which is why 5.56 AKs are gaining popularity.

[@19cohiba75]

Love my Arsenal SLR105 5.45 !!

[@thuan123red]

I uses the ammo in the tuna cans and it is true I always clean with hot water right away. And some type of lube. Bought my first ak74 in 2010. Bought 4 ammo cans at aimsurplus for $110 each 1,000+ rds ber can.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

I remember I think Adam arms, or Hyrda maybe they were same company, did a piston 5.45, and S&W did a 5.45 M$P sport.

[@trapperscout2046]

I wish I could find an AK-74 for sale out there. I have lots of 7n6 lying around but no gun to shoot it with.

[@mdogg6491]

I picked up my first AK in 5.45 in the redheaded stepchild of the bunch - the Polish Tantal. It was a Century import and it actually had the correct barrel! (Look into the 5.56 barrel fiasco) It was without any issue and was zeroed out of the box. I picked up 4k rounds that week and a dozen Tapco mags. Then I scooped up several Bulgarian and Polish mags for the "serious times" that, thankfully, didn't ever happen. I must've stacked 8k rounds that year alone. And the majority was the span can of 7n6. Most of which is still sealed to this day. I enjoyed it until I handed it off way down the road to a great friend. Who, coincidentally, shot the same rifle as his first AK. He wouldn't leave me alone about it after. Lol. It was by no means a better round, but it would always blow the 7.62 AKs out of the water when it was range time. I put plenty of cash in my pocket when we would place our bets. And I'm sure I helped sell several rifles along the way as well. It was a boutique round that I could pass around my AR buds and share with minimal cost at the time. I will always have fond memories with that piece of hardware.

[@joshuataft5541]

Great video...I don't know how I all if a sudden missed your channel I watched religiously ..well I'm back now..I hope you and the family are well. I've grown up alot in the past few years so it's probly best I'm back now . Love ya guys God bless you and yours..

[@Deuce_Dufresne]

I bought a PSA AK-103 and AK-P based on lack of 556/223 availability.

[@davidv.3135]

I bought all that great stuff back when it was available!

[@J0k3rl]

That kitchen remodel comment hit hard 😂. So true.

[@A.Mad.Lad89]

5.45 went the way of the man bun, if you didn’t get into it in 2010ish that train is long gone.

[@georgestreisel7920]

As someone who got into 5.45 in 2020 and has a manbun i wholeheartedly agree

[@fadugleman]

ZPAP M90 in 5.56 makes more sense to me as 5.45 dries up. I can find bulk 5.56 pretty easily for less that .40 a round

[@codyself6988]

Where?

[@fadugleman]

@@codyself6988 multiple online stores now have steel case for less than .40 a round

[@Blankford777]

What TD said at 4:59 - holy crap, my life.

[@BattleBean762]

Absolutely love 5.45 I got an arsenal 104fr and that was it, i fell in love. I recently also picked up a 13" galil ace in 5.45 and its my go to rifle. It being a milled receiver it is heavy, but all my 74 mags work in it and it chews every ammo I have tried with it. Another plus of the ACE is the accuracy, it totally rivals my ARs at similar ranges. Loved the video! Merry Christmas to TNP and all its viewers.

[@AnAxetoGrind]

You aren’t allowed to criticize the Galil. Take it back or antisemitism.

[@BattleBean762]

@@AnAxetoGrind lol i just praised it! AND called it my go to rifle! Or do you mean that me saying its heavy is fat shaming :) Honestly though, its my favorite gun I have!

[@jamesconner1639]

Back on KZbin again glad to see you're still here nothing fancy Merry Christmas and happy New year brother!!!

[@SwheatCents]

Preach it Doodle! Hope yall had a Merry Christmas from NC! Patriots Unite!

[@marktucker6749]

I love you guys, have for a long time. Your golden age was back in the day of Red Skies and M1A’s. Wish times were more conducive for that style adventure.

[@gsxr1189]

He's too old and he take care of himself meaning he doesn't go to the gym and doesn't eat healthy and follow a diet. He can't do it anymore.

[@angelgutter8249]

I brought my sar2 to my family Christmas shoot today. Haven’t pulled that out of the safe in years. I forgot how much I like the 74. Those sgl rifles are something special. Merry Christmas fellas

[@mattmorrison9379]

Agreed, the 545 was snoozed on for a long time then104frs go away and boom The 545 is sought after like never before and prices sky rocket . Kits, aims 74, anything 545 people goble it up