r/canadaguns • u/Significant_Step_517 • May 23 '26
Buy recommendations Ruger American Scout 7.62x39 or 5.56?
I’m seriously considering picking up a Ruger American Scout Gen. 2 in 7.62x39. I love the idea of shooting cheap surplus through it which I’m well stocked in. Might also be a great rifle to tag the odd deer.
But, I’m also thinking the 5.56 would be a great option too. Any major reasons I shouldn’t go with X39?
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u/Iokua_CDN May 23 '26
I'm a 7.62 x39 guy.
But I see reasons for both.
For 7.62 x39 There is still plenty of non corrosive available. Norinco is the cheapest but there are a few more creeping onto the scene too. And of course, brass case like PMC is only $1. And it's used by other countries as a military round, so assuming some more peace comes our way, there will be more Surplus, and more of it being made. Also, some provinces won't allow deer hunting with 223, so 7 62 x39 let's you deer hunt everywhere. And lastly, it's a nicer Boom in my humble opinion. I dislike the loud crack of the high speed 223, but 7.62 x39 is more tolerable.
But for 223 Longer range and flatter shooting mean your 223 can be a semi long range plinking round. Shoot out past 400 meters with no worries, where as 7.62 x39 is dropping too much. Small ammo, usually more common magazines and larger magazines available. And more manufacturers for cheap non corrosive rounds. Pmc is cheap, like 60 cents and plenty of other makers in the 60-80 cents range. Tons being made in the States especially for civilians, ans tons used in other countries as well. Super common ammo type, and probably will stay easier to find then 7.62 x39.
Ideally, I think you should have one of each, a 7.62 x39 gun and a 223 gun. Lots of Canadians already have an Sks, so getting a 223 bolt gun makes perfect logical sense to me.
That said, I have an sks, and i bought a 7.62 x39 bolt gun. Because I like the round and I'm confident it will remain decently available for a long long time. Maybe a 222 will be the next gun I get, with the Turkish semi autos available, or a lever action like the Henry supreme, there are more options for 223, where as 7.62 x39 is basically Sks or Bolt action only.