Can you go hunting with an AK47?

[Calculated]

Is it legal???

[Christophe]

And exactly what kind of animal would you like to hunt with that AK?

[Calculated]

Deer. The ak is semi-auto.


http://hikingthecarolinas.com/wildlife/deer_munch.jpg

[Jurpula]

Sure you can. I have a friend at work who hunts birds with his RK.
But then again it depends on where you live, as different countries tend to have different laws.

[Calculated]

Virginia.....

[Silent 6]

The answer, ususally, is yes. But the real question is Why???
why use an AK for deer hunting? Here in Michigan you're only allowed 5 rounds in the gun and you better not get caught w/ a magazine that allows more than that.

[Hollis]

Most states, limit magazine size, I think 5 rds max is common, and you can buy a 5 rd AK mag.

FMJ are illegal to hunt with, you can buy "hunting loads"

Deer is about as big as you want to go and range not over 100M.

Best is to check with your state hunting laws. Some states are more restrictive than others.

[Calculated]

What is an FMJ?
Why do they restrict it to 5 rounds? It is not like the gun is automatic.......or it is not like I am going to unload 30 rounds on the thing.

[Jurpula]

5? you guys sure are packing lotp-) , we're allowed to have 3 rounds in a rifle.

Full Metal Jacket

[Jurpula]

@Hollis, What's your opinion on revolver hunting? Ever tried that?

[lightcav]

5 rounds max in CA. thats for all hunting. You can hunt with anything but you might have a harder time hitting anything if you don't use a weapon specifically designed for hunting a certain type of animal. If anyone sees you hunting with an AK they might laugh until you feel so embarrased you'll leave.

I wanted to get an SKS and use it for hunting because AK's are illegal in CA. The guy at the gunshop advised against it. Not as accurate as a nice remington 700.

[lightcav]

I knew some guys that would go wild boar hunting with .44 magnum revolvers. Pretty dangerous as youhave to get close to hit them and they are fast and have huge sharp teeth. But I've heard it is fun as hell and a real rush. Especially if you hunt them in a corn field and can hear them all around you but can't see 'em till they run out in front of you.

[StukaJr]

What is an FMJ?
Why do they restrict it to 5 rounds? It is not like the gun is automatic.......or it is not like I am going to unload 30 rounds on the thing.

Judging from your responses - age restriction would come in way before a firearm restriction :D

AK is a prefered weapon of poachers and poaching is something you do when you take game without knowledge/following the gaming rules and regulations... In some countries poaching will make you a hunt, in some countries it will just make your pockets lighter...

Or in your case - your parents' or legal guardians.


I knew some guys that would go wild boar hunting with .44 magnum revolvers. Pretty dangerous as youhave to get close to hit them and they are fast and have huge sharp teeth. But I've heard it is fun as hell and a real rush. Especially if you hunt them in a corn field and can hear them all around you but can't see 'em till they run out in front of you.

Knew a guy whose brother hunted boars with a knife - but then he was also a Seal, so go figure... Leaping down from a tree on a boar's back is something I've only read in books or heard remarkable individuals do... However, these animals were on the menu's long before the invention of the forges, leave alone gun powder.

Added: There is a reason for 5rd AR and AK mags though - just choose the right ammo.

[Silent 6]

I've been a hunter since I was 14 years old, 34 now. Taking an Ak to the field to hunt deer is not the norm. A bolt action rifle or a pump/semi-auto slug gun is more appropriate. I use a 30-.06 bolt action rifle from my Dad and my 12 guage Remington wingmaster w/ a slug barrel. That's more than enough firepower for deer hunting. Heck, here in Michigan you can only use a slug gun or muzzle loader in the lower 1/3 of the state (St. John's and south) because of the proximety of homes to hunting areas.

An AK will probably get you unwanted attention from the fish&game warden, DNR officer, etc. You may even be looking down the barrel of his gun if he's nervous. DNR in Michigan don't like to see assault rifles in the woods during gun season.

DNR= Department of Natural Resources.

I've seen people get their guns confiscated, trucks confiscated, etc. all for using legally owned but illegal to hunt with rifles. In 2001 I saw a young kid, first hunt, lose his brand new Remington 700 series rifle and Dad's truck (used to transport the dead animal) because they were too stupid to realize that they had just shot a Elk COW and not a MONSTER DOE as they thought. And if you don't know...THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE.

If you want to fire that AK, do it, by all means, but if you're a serious hunter don't bring it to the woods.

[Hollis]

@Hollis, What's your opinion on revolver hunting? Ever tried that?


Yes, it is a lot of fun, Javalina with a .357 mag is a blast. Rabbits with a 22... Can be Very illegal to do it from a moving vehicle but will really improve to shoot reactively. BTW, I can legally shoot from a moving vehicle.

I have several pistols for hunting. One thought, in many areas most kills are done at rather close ranges. One should be competant at those ranges before hunting at it.

Stuka is right and added good point.......... AGE.

Both of my kids have taken the Hunter's safety Course, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially new hunters, and can legally start hunting at 12, here in Ecotopia. This year is my daughter's first hunt, my son's second.

Edit to add, a semi-auto are not the best rifle to start with. Semi-autos are a lot easier to have a accident with especially when you trying to learn a lot in a short time period.

[EMPEROR ATTiLA]

http://www.erzincankemah.com/haberresimleri/51357.jpg

a mayor from TÜRKİYE hunted a wild bear with ex DDR MADE AK47 ..

[StukaJr]

http://www.erzincankemah.com/haberresimleri/51357.jpg

a mayor from TÜRKİYE hunted a wild bear with ex DDR MADE AK47 ..

Sure it's not AK74?

[EMPEROR ATTiLA]

Sure it's not AK74?
no ..all kalashnikovs were delivered after union two germany 1992..all of them 7.62mm ...

[Jippo]

Sure it's not AK74?

It is quite clear if you look at the magazine, it is 7.62. And who would be so crazy that would go hunting wild boar with a .22??? ;)

Actually I would choose exactly the same combination as he did.


-jippo

[LtVacan]

You guys ever hear of a Saiga or a Valmet hunter? Those are hunting rifles made on AK receivers. Valmet hunters are in .223 or 7.62x39. Saigas are in .308, 7.62x39 or .223.

7.62x39 is just a little less powerful than a Winchester .30-30, the most popular rifle cartridge for hunting deer in North America. .223 is a popular varmint round and .308 will take most big game very efficiently.

As long as rifle hunting is legal in the jurisdiction you are in and and you use magazines that do not exceed local regulations (3-5 rounds depending on location) there is nothing wrong (or illegal) with hunting with a semiauto version of the AK.

[St Fubar]

Check out the Valmet Petra. Used to be available in at least .308 Win and .30-06 (many rebarrelled to 9.3x62).

You can actually get that 7.62x39 pumped up to the same level as a mild .308 Winchester, but that requires bolt action rifles, as most AKs aren't made to deal with that kind of pressure.

[EMPEROR ATTiLA]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/82/LCpl_Cheema_on_the_AK-47.JPG/800px-LCpl_Cheema_on_the_AK-47.JPG (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/82/LCpl_Cheema_on_the_AK-47.JPG)MPiKMS-72,MPiKMS-72,
http://www.erzincankemah.com/haberresimleri/51357.jpg
THEY ARE SAME

[joshfox0]

Where i'm from hunting is not for you unless you're part of the landed gentery and even that is being cut back on p-)

[Noble713]

If you want to fire that AK, do it, by all means, but if you're a serious hunter don't bring it to the woods.


Silent, would you say the same advice applies to the SKS as well? I've given some thought to deer hunting but am in no position to afford another rifle. :-(

[GazB]

Here in New Zealand I hunt goats and deer with an AK ripoff. (Chinese Type 56S). It is a very good cartridge for goat and deer sized targets within 150m or so. Was widely used along with SLRs and M16s for helicopter deer culling where shooters would ride helos up steep mountainous country after deer and goats, firing from the helos in flight. A good pilot could get you within 50m of the running target so long range accuracy was unimportant.
We are allowed 7 round mags on centrefire automatic weapons and having 7 shots is useful when culling pest animals, as a group of 3-4 animals with a bolt action would mean 2-3 gun shy animals and one probable kill, whereas with an automatic you might get 2 or even 3 before they reach cover.
The ammo for the AK is cheap and easily available and uses less powder than a 308 winchester or 7.62 x 54mm russian ammo. Less recoil and adequate hitting performance for medium to light game. (Note in NZ there is no such thing as heavy game... we don't have bears or bison or elephants or rhinos... in the medium game category I'd include wallabies and goats and smaller deer breeds.)

[LaoSexMachine]

I'm taking my AK to Arkansas next month. My firend has some land up there and it's stock with white tail and pigs. Beware you filthy animals the Great Lao/Texan hunter is comin' fo you ass.

[shocker1]

Silent, would you say the same advice applies to the SKS as well? I've given some thought to deer hunting but am in no position to afford another rifle. :-(
I have been using a Russian SKS for years, bagged a few does and a spike. Works very well at shorter ranges but my Remmington 30-06 is the choice for the long shot. As far as that goes though here in this area in a tree stand 300yards is the longest shot I have had to take and a well sighted SKS does the job. I do get the guy who says hey you can't bag a deer with that and I say it was made to bag people very well. And I can drop it out of the tree stand and not worry about damaging it except a scratch or two.

[gaijinsamurai]

X2 I've used an SKS for hunting in the thick brush of western Oregon, with a home-made block of wood to limit the capacity. I never shot anything with it, but it was a reasonably good rifle to carry.

[PaulClift]

After reading this thread I've decided to move to America and become a redneck, it sounds fun :)

[Biglug]

Ignore the gun snob hunters who like to tell you what they feel is appropriate for you to use to enjoy hunting with. Just take the laws into mind and do it safely with concern for others and that's all that matters.

Some of your go to the range once a year just before season starts to sight their rifle in hunters are some of the worst shots I've ever seen and some of the most ignorant in using firearms safely.

Saiga's sporting version in .308 looks to be a great little hunting rifle and lots of guys seem to like them.
A semi-automatic gives you that opportunity to take another shot at a wounded doe quickly if you can or that boar that decides your bullet just pissed him off. It doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen.

This isn't unfriendly to my eyes.

http://club.guns.ru/images/saiga/sig3081.jpg

If I saw someone hunting with an Ak I could care less. I'd just say hello, wish him luck and go on my way.

My favorite rifle for hunting and pretty much everything from long range shooting to just shooting fun is one of these and I could care less too if someone doesn't like me using one. After all the Second Amendment was never about hunting.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/rifles/MA9106Large.jpg

[Calculated]

How long does it take you to take down a deer with your ak47?? Range? What tricks did you use to your advantage and eeehmmm the deers disadvantage.

[Roaming East]

Depends on the terrain. Ive brought done 12 hogs with my SKS because the country im shooting in is close in marsh habitat. i own a Weatheby but rarely use it since i moved to SC because the ability to drill neat holes in an object 600 meters away isnt as functional as the ability to quickly swing a carbine up for 20-30 meter shots. Though i have taken 2 with my M1A and 1 with my PTR-91

[Roaming East]

How long does it take you to take down a deer with your ak47?? Range? What tricks did you use to your advantage and eeehmmm the deers disadvantage.
never saw it done with an AK though ive seen plenty of them bite it from an SKS.
Same round. Its all about ammo and shot placement. Using any good ballistic ammunition from the major manufactures and shooting at ranges less than 100 meters you should be pleased with the results. If possible aim for the shoulder blade as ive found that destroying that and everything else near it results in an immediate knock down. Lungshot deer still have the ability to sprint away some 100-300 yards depending on terrain before they expire.

It should be noted that 7.62 russian is really only effective against Hogs and white tail. Your results start getting crappy if you try tagging elk or some big upstate Mulies.

[Seraphim]

How long does it take you to take down a deer with your ak47?? Range? What tricks did you use to your advantage and eeehmmm the deers disadvantage.

Seriously. :cantbeli:

[USMC Tanker]

Get yourself a .308 and get it done right.

[xEDGEx]

the deers disadvantage.

Well, to begin with, it's unarmed. Yes antlers could do some damage, but they'd run away before you got that close anyways. Secondly, the deer don't have any body armor. Or even the option of armor. I think if the deer were equiped with some kevlar,the playing field would be a lot more even.


*This post may have been a joke. With a little sarcasm.*

[Pete031]

Get yourself a .308 and get it done right.

308....7.62mm.... Depending on the round... Not much difference. AK is just a little shorter...

[California Joe]

You can hunt with anything that's legal and the place to ask about it is your states Fish and Game Department. I hunt with a .45 caliber flintlock on occassion. That being said, from your questions it sounds as if you have little knowledge of hunting and of firearms in general. The AK may be cool looking and affordable but the idea of you in the woods with a semi auto would scare the piss out of me. Like Hollis said, you really should take a Hunters Safety Course. Where I live it's mandatory for even getting a license.

[ShotOver]

You can hunt with anything that's legal and the place to ask about it is your states Fish and Game Department. I hunt with a .45 caliber flintlock on occassion. That being said, from your questions it sounds as if you have little knowledge of hunting and of firearms in general. The AK may be cool looking and affordable but the idea of you in the woods with a semi auto would scare the piss out of me. Like Hollis said, you really should take a Hunters Safety Course. Where I live it's mandatory for even getting a license.

.45 flintlock, like in the long rifle used in "The Patriot" ? Because that would be awesome man.

[California Joe]

It's a Tennessee "poor boy" iron mounted longrifle that I built. 42" barrel.

[PaulClift]

What tricks did you use to your advantage and eeehmmm the deers disadvantage.

The GP-30 of course :D

[Karo]

308....7.62mm.... Depending on the round... Not much difference. AK is just a little shorter...


:roll:

......ever shot with a gun in one of these calibers?

[LaoSexMachine]

308....7.62mm.... Depending on the round... Not much difference. AK is just a little shorter...


308 NATO kicks more than an AK IMO.

[Hollis]

Ezekiel, I am with you, We need to take Pete shooting, Let have a AK with 30 rds, and have him put all the rounds them down range as fast as possible.

Then with a M14 with 30 rounds... A m14 is completely unmanageable in full auto with anything more than a 2 rd burst.

or

If he can not tell the different... I am not going to mess with him...

[Karo]

Ezekiel, I am with you, We need to take Pete shooting, Let have a AK with 30 rds, and have him put all the rounds them down range as fast as possible.

Then with a M14 with 30 rounds... A m14 is completely unmanageable in full auto with anything more than a 2 rd burst.

or

If he can not tell the different... I am not going to mess with him...

:lol:

123456789

[shocker1]

One thing I have to admit about using my SKS for hunting. While sitting in my tree stand I have had a few chances at a good buck and had to pass them up because they were out of range. Many cold days sitting there then seeing a trophy wishing I had my 30-06. My dad sets up about a mile away and he borrows my 30-06 (he gave it to me) leaving me with the 7.62. You have to be absolutly sure of your shot when using a 7.62 so as not to miss or just wound the deer and spend the rest of the day tracking it down. That is not going to happen this season I hope. I hinted to the wife awhile back that I want a Remmington .308 for my birthday, maybe she got the hint.

[California Joe]

That is a great point.

Part of being a hunter is a humane kill. It's not spray and pray. You're not there to put 8 bullets in a deer and then pick up the pieces.

[shocker1]

That is a great point.

Part of being a hunter is a humane kill. It's not spray and pray. You're not there to put 8 bullets in a deer and then pick up the pieces.
One shot one kill is the goal. My dad and I have headset radios and one time I passed on a six point told him about it and 10 seconds later I hear him take a shot. Now the damn thing is on his wall, he reminds me of that day all the time.:|
EDIT: To add something about the topic hunting with an AK. I have fired both an AK and an SKS at the range and the SKS provides better accuracy than the AK IMO. So if you are going to hunt with a 7.62 round buy a Russian SKS with a good scope An AK is only good for putting lots of rounds down range and SKS is meant to be used with a little more skill.

[Hollis]

One shot one kill is the goal. My dad and I have headset radios and one time I passed on a six point told him about it and 10 seconds later I hear him take a shot. Now the damn thing is on his wall, he reminds me of that day all the time.:|

Your dad should have told you, "youth and exuberance is easily over come by old age and treachery."

[shocker1]

Your dad should have told you, "youth and exuberance is easily over come by old age and treachery."
He waits until we are heading home with his kill in the bed of my truck before he brings that up. Old fart!rofl

[ZaakM433]

One shot one kill is the goal. My dad and I have headset radios and one time I passed on a six point told him about it and 10 seconds later I hear him take a shot. Now the damn thing is on his wall, he reminds me of that day all the time.:|
EDIT: To add something about the topic hunting with an AK. I have fired both an AK and an SKS at the range and the SKS provides better accuracy than the AK IMO. So if you are going to hunt with a 7.62 round buy a Russian SKS with a good scope An AK is only good for putting lots of rounds down range and SKS is meant to be used with a little more skill.

Here its illigal to use radios to communicate about the deer's position, or any other hunting details either.

[LaoSexMachine]

When I go up to Arkansas next month I'm also bring the Mosin Nagant. I'm pretty good with the Mosin IMO.

[James]

...and one time I passed on a six point...

Why on earth did you do that?

[Hollis]

Here its illigal to use radios to communicate about the deer's position, or any other hunting details either.


Interesting. garmin has a GPS, Rhino, that is also a radio and sends your GPS data to the other receiver in real time. Not only staying in touch but also knowing where the other person is.

In Oregon using airplanes are illegal, not radios. We use radios to stay in touch and not to loose a person. I think the deer have better radios and human finders.

[shocker1]

Here its illigal to use radios to communicate about the deer's position, or any other hunting details either.
Not in Tennessee and not on private land either, either way that is a dumb law IMO.

[shocker1]

Why on earth did you do that?
I did not want to miss or wound the deer with my 7.62 he was over 300yards away from me. I could have got him but the chances were not good enough IMO. But ole dad got him so it turned out ok and we did not have to track the thing down.

[Hollis]

Why on earth did you do that?


James, not to be lippy.... but why not? Killing is only a tiny part of hunting.

[LaoSexMachine]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/NATO_7.62x51.jpg/180px-NATO_7.62x51.jpg
308 NATO


http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8744/1000275ek2.jpg

7.62x39(Left) 7.62x54R(Right).

You know the difference when you shoot it.

[TacoDelRio]

I bought a Mosin Nagant M44 (7.62x54R) with the intention for use as a brush/boar rifle. Haven't had a chance to do that yet. Definitely a handy little rifle with a sh*tload of muzzleflash. Bacon express.

[Pete031]

:roll:

......ever shot with a gun in one of these calibers?

Yes I have shot both... I was a gpmg gunner for a year, and am qualified on the C3 Parker Hale.
In afghanistan I got to fire the AK and RPK.. So yes I have a little experience with both calibres.

[shocker1]

When I go up to Arkansas next month I'm also bring the Mosin Nagant. I'm pretty good with the Mosin IMO.
How much does the Mosin weigh? I have never had the opportunity to handle one but sounds like a sweet weapon.

[LaoSexMachine]

How much does the Mosin weigh? I have never had the opportunity to handle one but sounds like a sweet weapon.


I have a 91/30 so it weighs about 9 ponds. Good shootin' rifle. You can get them at gun shows for like $100.

[williamoforange]

I'm taking my AK to Arkansas next month. My firend has some land up there and it's stock with white tail and pigs. Beware you filthy animals the Great Lao/Texan hunter is comin' fo you ass.

Arkansas? where at exactly?

[shocker1]

I have a 91/30 so it weighs about 9 ponds. Good shootin' rifle. You can get them at gun shows for like $100.
Not bad, I will have to check one out at the next show in town and for that price will most likely purchase one.

[LaoSexMachine]

Arkansas? where at exactly?

He said it's about an hour north of Jacksonville.

[Karo]

Not bad, I will have to check one out at the next show in town and for that price will most likely purchase one.

Go and buy a G98 or K98k..had the best results with these guns! p-)

[ZaakM433]

Go and buy a G98 or K98k..had the best results with these guns! p-)

Isnt the ammo for the K98K significantly more expensive?

[Canuck Farrier]

AK calibre is fine for deer u dont need that much ammo though.Ive bagged two bucks with a 303 enfield,one with Remington 870mag.Right now im trying to get one with a compound bow.Theres a sport.p-)

[williamoforange]

He said it's about an hour north of Jacksonville.

No ****! Jacksonville is my hometown, the LRAFB is there in town. If you're going an hour north, it's probably somewhere in the Ozark National forest. Lots of BEAUTIFUL land up there, but that's NWish. If it's NEish/N there is Searcy and Loanoak Co., which are also renowned for whitetail and boar.

Good luck on your trip, you'll really like Northern Arkansas.

[shocker1]

I would love to get my hands on an M1 Garand, when I was on the rifle drill team we used them and I fell in love with it. It is heavy but when you toss and spin those things everyday they get easy to handle. I used to get a kick out of the freshman getting their thumbs smashed in the bolt trying to act like they knew what they were doing. Sorry for the off topic.

[williamoforange]

Right now im trying to get one with a compound bow.Theres a sport.p-)

x2.

Bow hunting is one of the most extreme adrenaline rushes i've ever had.

[shocker1]

Isnt the ammo for the K98K significantly more expensive?
I would think a 7.92(8mm) round would be but those old German rifles are very nice.

About bow hunting that takes some real hunting skills to get close enough. I have a Baehr compound bow and have hunted it many years with only one doe to show for it. Kudos to those who are good bow hunters.

[Karo]

Isnt the ammo for the K98K significantly more expensive?

No, not really..but i think the price differs from trader/country..again i would say that hunting with a military rifle isnt the best idea.

[Karo]

I would think a 7.92(8mm) round would be but those old German rifles are very nice.

8x57 IS

and yup they are.. and they are shooting again better than they are looking ;)

[Canuck Farrier]

x2.

Bow hunting is one of the most extreme adrenaline rushes i've ever had.

Ya for sure,do you guys have white tail deer down there??What kind of bow do you have?im using a Mathews Black Max

[shocker1]

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/1980/deerintreezc4.png
Damn deer, where are they? I should have stayed home and watched football!rofl

[Death.]

I want to go hunting sometime, but what can you hunt with 8MM Mauser? Seems kind of overkill on most small game...deer maybe?

[Hollis]

[quote=D3ath;2018073]

edited, Actually Karo had a much better answer(see below), mine was pretty bad.

8 MM is close to 30-06 in the USA, or 303 for UK people. Great potential, especially if you reload.

[Karo]

I want to go hunting sometime, but what can you hunt with 8MM Mauser? Seems kind of overkill on most small game...deer maybe?


8x57 is one of the most popular hunting rounds, enough energy and the round doesnt destroy too much of the deer (or other animals in this category, but of course when you shoot at rabbits, then you could say "OVERKILL" p-)). Also the (hunting-)rifles which are built on the G98 system and thus fed the 8x57 are popular for their reliability.

[Andrew116]

F the AK this is how I go hunting
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/the-red-baron/xtreme_deer_hunting-1.jpg
:roll:

And for the heck of it, heres a pic of me fishing,
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/the-red-baron/360443084_l.jpg

[shocker1]

And for the heck of it, heres a pic of me fishing,
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/the-red-baron/360443084_l.jpg
That pic gets around, last month it was the Iranian Navy.:)

[Death.]

8x57 is one of the most popular hunting rounds, enough energy and the round doesnt destroy too much of the deer (or other animals in this category, but of course when you shoot at rabbits, then you could say "OVERKILL" p-)). Also the (hunting-)rifles which are built on the G98 system and thus fed the 8x57 are popular for their reliability.

But I can't use FMJ right? That's the only ammo I have... :(

I have a yugo M48 btw, no optics..plain jane.

[Hollis]

But I can't use FMJ right? That's the only ammo I have... :(

I have a yugo M48 btw, no optics..plain jane.

Don't you have a video game to play?

[California Joe]

F*cking DW58 is really being remiss in his duties as a hunter to educate people(retards) correctly in the use of proper calibers for different game..... p-)

Listen, if you don't even know what you should be shooting at what game you shouldn't be hunting. Because you have access to some surplus rifle and you have a hardon to shoot it at something that's living doesn't mean you should.

[Death.]

F*cking DW58 is really being remiss in his duties as a hunter to educate people(retards) correctly in the use of proper calibers for different game..... p-)

Listen, if you don't even know what you should be shooting at what game you shouldn't be hunting. Because you have access to some surplus rifle and you have a hardon to shoot it at something that's living doesn't mean you should.

Erm, so you consider asking a question before going to take a hunter's safety course and gain the proper knowledge to be a stupid thing to do? Sorry, I thought this was a board of information.


Would you prefer that I just don't ask any questions, pursue no interest in learning about it and just go out there and illegally kill whatever I want with whatever caliber I want, CJ?

Get it out of your head that every guy that's under 20 who isn't in the armed forces is an immature jerk-wad that fascinates over movies like BHD and wants to go out and kill stuff like some shoot-em-up video game.

About the FMJ question, I have near-around 1,000 rounds of FMJ, the last thing I wanted to find out was that I have to buy more ammo. ;)

I don't have a hardon to shoot anything, I've been wanting go out and try hunting for some years now, mostly all of the men out of my immedaite family have hunted/ still hunt. But they all live in another state and are most of the time unavailable for conversation.

Sorry for asking an honest question.

[Hollis]

D3ath Take the hunter safety course.

I sat through the class my kids took. They cover all of that and more. At least the one I went too. Maybe ask you local sportsman shop for a reference.

The net is a great place for information and DISinformation.. sorting it out can be "rub".

Plus there are plenty of reference books available. Also Check with the NRA..hunting and shooting safety classes.

[Death.]

D3ath Take the hunter safety course.

I sat through the class my kids took. They cover all of that and more. At least the one I went too. Maybe ask you local sportsman shop for a reference.

The net is a great place for information and DISinformation.. sorting it out can be "rub".

Plus there are plenty of reference books available. Also Check with the NRA..hunting and shooting safety classes.


Gotcha, Thanks.

[Saranof]

Here you have to take a loong course before you can even get your mits on a (legal) hunting gun. And when you do, there are strict regulations on what you can and can't shot, and woe be you if you do shoot anything out of season.

Boarhunting is something I'd like to try some time, even though people give you those stories about how evil they are

[WARPIG]

Erm, so you consider asking a question before going to take a hunter's safety course and gain the proper knowledge to be a stupid thing to do? Sorry, I thought this was a board of information.


Would you prefer that I just don't ask any questions, pursue no interest in learning about it and just go out there and illegally kill whatever I want with whatever caliber I want, CJ?

Get it out of your head that every guy that's under 20 who isn't in the armed forces is an immature jerk-wad that fascinates over movies like BHD and wants to go out and kill stuff like some shoot-em-up video game.

About the FMJ question, I have near-around 1,000 rounds of FMJ, the last thing I wanted to find out was that I have to buy more ammo. ;)

I don't have a hardon to shoot anything, I've been wanting go out and try hunting for some years now, mostly all of the men out of my immedaite family have hunted/ still hunt. But they all live in another state and are most of the time unavailable for conversation.

Sorry for asking an honest question.

I would prefer you not waste forum space to ask a question you could research on your own. I can look up information about what hunting season, what weapon, and what limit for the rest of the year in my area faster than I could create a stupid post. Try using that search engine that helped you find MP.net. Or, ask the guy at the local gun store you buy ammo from about it. There should be posters all over the place.

On the other hand, if the intent of the post is to play devil's advocate and create conversation about odd or extreme hunting laws.. that would be different. Instead, you'r lazy or just argumentative.

[LaoSexMachine]

Took the Ak and 1911 shootin' today.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6665/1000279ey2.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6843/1000277pv5.jpg

[Canuck Farrier]

nice weapons and good shooting,what range were you shooting at.??

[LaoSexMachine]

nice weapons and good shooting,what range were you shooting at.??

Indoor and the max range 25 range.

[gaijinsamurai]

Nice weapons Ezekial. I've got a Springfield .45 and an AK (Romanian) too. What kind is yours?
By the way are you former USMC too?

[GazB]

Well I have an AK, an SKS, an SLR (FN FAL made in Australia) and a few 303s and mosin nagant rifles and know the difference in performance.
I know if you hit a deer in a place that will only wound then you will only wound it with any of these calibres no matter what the bullet used.
Before you go hunting anything learn a bit about its anatomy. Find out where its heart is. Work out how big it is on a full grown animal and then make a target that size and shape. When you can reliably hit it then try it for real at the ranges you can reliably hit it in practise. I personally prefer full metal jacket rounds for larger game to ensure penetration. Lighter slower bullets are more likely to wound than kill if they don't have the penetration capability to get through heavy bone to the heart. If you are actually interested in hunting rather than just sitting and waiting for live targets to come to you then it is actually more fun to get within 125-100m of an animal before you try to shoot it rather than fire from the next county. At such ranges the difference in accuracy and velocity between an AK and an SKS is negligible.

[St Fubar]

Took the Ak and 1911 shootin' today.

[IMG]http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6665/1000279ey2.jpg[IMG]

[IMG]http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6843/1000277pv5.jpg[IMG]
Nice shooting, did you aim at all? p-)

[shocker1]

Well I have an AK, an SKS, an SLR (FN FAL made in Australia) and a few 303s and mosin nagant rifles and know the difference in performance.
I know if you hit a deer in a place that will only wound then you will only wound it with any of these calibres no matter what the bullet used.
Before you go hunting anything learn a bit about its anatomy. Find out where its heart is. Work out how big it is on a full grown animal and then make a target that size and shape. When you can reliably hit it then try it for real at the ranges you can reliably hit it in practise. I personally prefer full metal jacket rounds for larger game to ensure penetration. Lighter slower bullets are more likely to wound than kill if they don't have the penetration capability to get through heavy bone to the heart. If you are actually interested in hunting rather than just sitting and waiting for live targets to come to you then it is actually more fun to get within 125-100m of an animal before you try to shoot it rather than fire from the next county. At such ranges the difference in accuracy and velocity between an AK and an SKS is negligible.
I only set up my stand after many days of scouting, looking for deer sighn, watching the habits of the deer and trying to become one in thought with the deer. The act of killing a deer is 10% of hunting, once I have an understanding and respect for my prey do I take a shot. When I bow hunt I track the deer for days, if during the rut then I try to wait until after he mates once, if a doe I make sure she has no fawn. So hunting is much more than just sitting in a tree stand waiting for whatever comes by. This is why I have not killed alot of deer because my criteria for duing so is so high.

[gaijinsamurai]

For the most part, I agree with you, GazB. In open country I'd prefer a scoped, bolt-action .30-06 or other traditional hunting round over a carbine that fires 7.62x39. But for thick brush, where a scope is counter-productive and the range of a .30-06 or .303 is unnecessary, I think the SKS would have a place in hunting. Still, if I had the choice, I might prefer a Winchester M94 in .30-30 or a .300 Savage lever action.
As far as using a Kalashnikov goes, as long as local and federal laws are obeyed, I see nothing inheritantly wrong with it. Still, I'm a bit of a traditionalist in these matters, and I think that in the eyes of most old-school hunters, an AK-toting hunter would be looked on with some scorn. It would probably give the impression that the Ak owner is relying on spraying a bunch of rounds, rather than the respected skills that go with hunting.

[shocker1]

For the most part, I agree with you, GazB. In open country I'd prefer a scoped, bolt-action .30-06 or other traditional hunting round over a carbine that fires 7.62x39. But for thick brush, where a scope is counter-productive and the range of a .30-06 or .303 is unnecessary, I think the SKS would have a place in hunting. Still, if I had the choice, I might prefer a Winchester M94 in .30-30 or a .300 Savage lever action.
As far as using a Kalashnikov goes, as long as local and federal laws are obeyed, I see nothing inheritantly wrong with it. Still, I'm a bit of a traditionalist in these matters, and I think that in the eyes of most old-school hunters, an AK-toting hunter would be looked on with some scorn. It would probably give the impression that the Ak owner is relying on spraying a bunch of rounds, rather than the respected skills that go with hunting.
You are absolutly right, I prefer a 30-06 or .308 but I must say I have taken a few deer with my SKS w/standard hunting rounds and have never had to shot twice or track a deer. I think I am a good shot with it and my methods for deciding when to shot are why I have been succesfull. If I see a guy in the woods with an AK hunting my first response is to go back to the truck and head to my buddies land on Lookout Mountain where I am alone.

[DeltaWhisky58]

OK fellas - let's get this straight. The title of this topic is "Can you go hunting with an AK47?" When is all reality it should be "Should you go hunting with an AK47?"

The answer to the original topic is I suppose yes - were it is legal, however in reply to my revised topic title the answer is a definite NO!

OK, you might say what gives me the right to make such a statement? Firstly I will qualify this with some details of my personal experience:

1. I have been training deer hunters here in the UK for over 20 years.
2. Bearing in mind the deer overpopulation situation in the UK and the fact the we do not have bag limits and need very heavy culls, I have personal experience of shooting many hundreds of deer. I have shot into double figures in a single day on numerous occasions - don't care of you don't believe me, I'm only one of hundreds in a similar position here in Scotland.
3. I have extensive experience of ammunition ballistics relating to use on deer and similar targets.

OK, so why not an AK47 (or similar) in 7.62x39mm?

1. Lack of accuracy at normal hunting ranges with this type of rifle.
2. Assuming military ammunition - lack of stopping power with non-expanding ammunition.
3. Lack of muzzle velocity/energy owing to relatively under-powered ammunition.

To give an example, the 7.62x39mm round would be illegal for deer in both England/Wales and Scotland (different deer legislation), not sure about Ireland but I would guess so. I suppose the AK47/AKM etc. is suitable for smaller game, but why would you want to use one

So, in conclusion - Can you go hunting with an AK47 - yes, should you do it - a definite no unless in a survival situation. The responsible hunter uses the proper weapon, this does not include this product of Mr Kalashnikov, however there is a very suitable hunting rifle from the same stable, a variant of the SVD called Medved ("Bear") in 9x54Rmm (basically a necked up 7.62x54Rmm round).

Get yourself a better rifle.

[shocker1]

Thanks for posting that DW, I got the wife to read it in hopes she will get me that .308 I want for my birthday tomorrow. She just smiled so I think Tuesday will be a good day. I have a 30-06 but ole dad bogarts my rifle when we go hunting (he gave it to me). You are right about a 7.62x39 round, not the best choice but if you understand it's limits and are a responsible hunter you can be successful using it. I have had to pass on many deer because of it though because I would have just wounded the animal. If my wife does not get my wished for gift, I will have to quit being such a tight wad and buy it myself.

[St Fubar]

OK, so why not an AK47 (or similar) in 7.62x39mm?

.....


2. Assuming military ammunition - lack of stopping power with non-expanding ammunition.
3. Lack of muzzle velocity/energy owing to relatively under-powered ammunition.

I don't question the rest, especially not that last part about getting yourself a better rifle.

But these two.. You can't assume it would be military ammunition, or any other non-expanding ammunition. The possibility of loading your own cartridges eliminates problems 2 and 3 and the species of deer as well as the distance determines how much velocity/energy/power you really need. Assuming that you are hunting whitetails, you are probably right, the 7.62x39 is not the best choice for deer that size, but it's still a good close range cartridge. I just know my own hunting grounds, which rarely allow you to take shots beyond 50 meters.

[DeltaWhisky58]

It's all down to hunting ethics etc. - yes, we all know that the 7.62x39mm will kill deer sized animals at sohrt ranges - especially with expanding bullets - but let's face it, it ain't really adequate is it?

I love my .308 - I have used heavier calibres (7x64mm, .30-06, .300 Win Mag ec.), but the .308 is adequate for all European game given the right choice of bullet, but for the larger North American species (Elk, Moose, Bears etc.) I might be inclined to go for something a bit heavier. Let's be honest, if you wanted something capable of taking almost anything/anywhere bar the Big Five .338 Lapua Magnum would probably do the trick, and with proper bullet choice/placement would do those as well.

At the end of the day it's all down to using the right bullet with the right powder charge behind it in an accurate rifle - in my opinion 7.62x39 from an AK ain't right.

[gaijinsamurai]

I think you've summed it up well, DeltaWhisky.

[St Fubar]

It's all down to hunting ethics etc. - yes, we all know that the 7.62x39mm will kill deer sized animals at sohrt ranges - especially with expanding bullets - but let's face it, it ain't really adequate is it?
I can't really agree with that. What about it makes it inadequate? It does produce about the same energy at the muzzle as the .308 has at 100 meters (naturally, depending on the load), so it's not really that different.

[DeltaWhisky58]

I can't really agree with that. What about it makes it inadequate? It does produce about the same energy at the muzzle as the .308 has at 100 meters (naturally, depending on the load), so it's not really that different.

If you think that makes it "not really that different" then there is no point in trying to explain anything to you further. It is that first 100m which makes all of the difference. What 7.62x39mm produces at the muzzle doesn't kill deer 100-200m down range does it?

7.62x39mm from an AK or any other weapon is NOT an adequate hunting cartridge - FULL STOP.

This topic is going nowhere. At the end of the day, using an AK for hunting - assuming it is legal - is down to the conscience/ethics of the hunter - a responsible hunter will use a more adequate rifle.

End of topic.