vz 52 chamber question

[paradox998]

I came across a vz52 rifle in fair condition. I am having trouble determining if the chamber is 7.62 x 45 (as marked on the barrel) or converted to 7.62x39. Former owner says 762x39. What happens if you fire 7.62x39 in a 7.62x45 chamber? Kaboom? Any insight?

 

[TurtlePhish]

Nothing good, I would imagine. However, a good number of those were in fact converted to 7.62x39 after the Soviet Union adopted it as a service cartridge. Drop a cartridge in the chamber and see if it fits.

 

[Vaarok]

The case stretches, it's not going to grenade on you. But yeah, just drop a round in the chamber. The problem is there were two conversions- chamber insert and set-back barrel. The set-backs are easy to spot, the chamber inserts less so. Some were marked, some weren't.

Either way, get the gun! It's to a SKS as a Vz-58 is to a WASR.

 

[paradox998]

My problem is that 7.62 x45 cartridges are available, but expensive. A 7.62 x39 will drop in the longer chamber, so that will not confirm the size. I hate to buy ammo I can't use. The vz 52 is covered in black "truck bed" spray. I read one of the importers sprayed a lot of them. Guess I need learn how to slug the chamber?

 

[Sam Cade]

The vz 52 is covered in black "truck bed" spray. I read one of the importers sprayed a lot of them.

That often conceals a cracked stock.


Tricky tricky century monkeys.

 

[Vaarok]

A .220 Swift or 6.5x52 Carcano cartridge will also fit in a x45 chamber, as will a ballpoint pen. It's not hard to gauge a 6mm difference in chamber depth.