I got a 7.62X39 to use a a grandkid rifle. Acquired a second stock and cut it down so we all could use it. I tried handloads with 308 and 310 bullets in various weights and the little carbine shot them ALL well.
Then, two years ago, well before my grandkids got big enuf to hunt, I made the mistake of loaning it to a coworker for his son's first deer hunt. Of course, he busted his first two deer with it (using my handloads with 150 gr 30-30 FP bullets) and insisted his dad buy it for him! This was after I told his dad he could borrow it, but that it WAS NOT for sale!
The dang kid begged me to let him have it so, in a weak moment, I did. Then I had to turn around and find me another one. It is shooting just as well or better than the first one and is waiting for the oldest gk to use, maybe this year.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, I think the 527 in 7.62X39 makes a dandy starter rifle.....as well as an old geezer rifle, too!
