Do I need a threaded 7.62x39 bolt action Savage

[graycrait]

I'm sort of bored with all the usual suspects and don't care about shooting much beyond 200 yards.   Due to concussions or something I can't deal with a lot of recoil.  A fella suggested I get a 7.62x39 bolt gun (I've had AKs, Mak 90s and SKS - ain't going there again just because).  I started reading about reloading data on the 7.62x39 and saw that SP bullets up to 154 can be used, don't know how light one can go. 

 

Anyway a fella suggested a trade for a 7.62x39 bolt gun and although I am intrigued.  I'm not sure (because I don't know enough) if I should go this route.  

 

Also, how fast could I change the barrel and bolt head to 5.56?  I would imagine the barrel and bolt head combined would be 200.00 or so? If I am wrong tell me.  But I'm not sure on the cost of the tools to do this.  I'm thinking the wrench and a barrel block/vise, plus go/no go gauges.

[graycrait]

Hmmmmm.......?  This is almost intriguing enough to make me want to bite on the trade.  

 

Why can't I just take oak blocks and drill appropriate sized holes to clamp the barrel in a vise and then turn the bolt nut using a savage nut wrench?

 

There are no competent gunsmiths in the Clarksville area, least ways none that I know of.

 

I suspect I may never need to change calibers but being able to switch from 7.72x39 to 5.56 satisfies my inner being somewhat.

[KKing]

This is definitely something I'd consider as well. I'm not super familiar with savages, but this thread has my ears perked up

[samson7x]

Hmmmmm.......?  This is almost intriguing enough to make me want to bite on the trade.  

 

Why can't I just take oak blocks and drill appropriate sized holes to clamp the barrel in a vise and then turn the bolt nut using a savage nut wrench?

 

There are no competent gunsmiths in the Clarksville area, least ways none that I know of.

 

I suspect I may never need to change calibers but being able to switch from 7.72x39 to 5.56 satisfies my inner being somewhat.

 

 

I just did a rebarrel and it was a little bit of a pain getting the nut off.  I tried the wood block method and it just would not work.  I ended up buying an action wrench on sale.  Mine had a smooth nut and it would not come off even using an action wrench and smooth barrel nut wrench.  I had to use a pipe wrench and destroyed the factory smooth nut.  I replaced it with the older style notched nut so that won't happen again.  I suggest you consider doing the same.

[TNWNGR]

An inexpensive bolt action 7.62x39 isn't a bad ideal and FWIW I've been casually keeping an eye out for one but not been in any hurry. As to exchanging barrels, well no, if it were an H&R Handy Rifle then maybe so but with a bolt gun I'd just go with two rifles. One of my regrets was not having either the practical experience level and foresight to have snagged a Remington 788 in 30-30 as it a cast bullet shooter/reloaders delight. In many ways I view the Savage set  up in 7.62x39 as potentially versatile.

[graycrait]

Picked this up today.  7.62x39 Savage

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[Dolomite_supafly]

If you look at the bolt face you will see what I was talking about when I said open up a 223 bolt. That barrel shot VERY well for me with quality bullets. I would use a bullet puller and pull the factory bullets then seat a better quality bullet.

[Trekbike]

Picked this up today.  7.62x39 Savage

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Hopefully it will shoot as well as it looks!    I love that stock.