5.45x39mm a good choice or is ammo going to get scarce?

[TGO David]

I've been thinking about picking up a 5.45x39mm upper receiver for our other AR15 lower and using it as a way to shoot cheaply. Current prices for 1,000 rounds of 5.45mm are around $110 which is quite a bit cheaper than 9mm even.

The problem is that I keep reading supposition on the Internet to the effect that IFOsama Bin Obama gets elected, a ban on importing foreign military ammunition is likely to be part of a revised AWB.

If that happened... suddenly owning a carbine in a Soviet BLOC caliber wouldn't be as cost efficient.

So, is this really something to be worried about or is it not very likely?

[R1100R]

I own cans of this. My connections are stating the former E. German stuff is or has been released and is being kept off the market due to so much Polish, Bulgarian and Russian still available. The Poles are switching to .223 to join Nato. They still have a large reserve I understand.

[TGO David]

That's pretty good news, but I'm not as worried about a natural shortage of the ammo as I am about an artificial shortage caused by politicians banning foreign import ammo as a way to kill the shooting sports.

Right now you can't go to a TGO meet and swing a dead cat without hitting a Mosin Nagant. The rifles are cheap and the ammo is cheap. I'm just worried that if the Obamessiah weasels his way into the White House, we may see a weapons ban that will make the Clinton years look like paradise.

I guess the ultimate answer is buy what you want and stock up on ammo.

[Guest jwp]

The ammo is hit and miss with supply. The prices are usually lower than other though.

[Guest macmonkey]

One of my AK's shoots the 5.45 and I Love it. Reloaders Bench out in Mt. Juliet has a bunch, Academy Sports has some in an off brand and Wolf makes a 5.45 I believe.

Also you could always reload your own in the event that osama gets elected.

jw

[creeky]

On obama getting elected... I would prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

(I would expect an across the board federal tax on all ammo. That money then collected and distrupted either to federal police agencies, or sent "back" to the states in the form of grants for more officers.)

On 5.45 x 39... I've never shot nor did I know that they had uppers

for Ar-15s. Interesting. Worthy of some thought. Who is making 5.45x39

uppers and mags?

Myself, I think I would just lean toward 9mm. Maybe not as cheap, but

mags are easy to find (now anyways) and you have the option of a can

later. (Just my 2 cents...)

[Joseg]

Rumors has it that S&W is making a 5.45 Upper, Midway has an Olympic Arms 5.45 upper but it's been pushed back a few times..

I have an Wasr-2, fun to shoot and yes ammo is cheap right now..

[strickj]

Yes Tungie Fungie! Tell us about these uppers!

I put some serous though about getting a 9mm upper for mine after I bought ammo for the first time this weekend.WalMarts cheapest was 10 bucks and here I though they were supposed to be the cheapest!

Anyhoo,I would like to stay with a rifle cartridge instead of a 9mm so that sounds like a good idear!

What about mags for 5.45 x 39?

[TGO David]

Smith & Wesson is already selling complete M&P 15R carbines and 15R uppers. Olympic Arms is the other player right now. Not sure of others.

All mags are C-Products mags so far and performance out of the mags has been spotty. Those running regular 5.56 GI mags are often having problems with rounds nose-diving inside the mag tube.