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Carlos, personally I'd go for 5.45×39 if for no other reason than the increase in accuracy and distance. I've been looking into a 5.45×39 and plan on purchasing a galil soon, Wich is similar to an ak. Ive done a good bit of research on this subject and if interested here's a link to a pistol that I'm going to buy when I have enough money saved. Hope this helps and good luck with your choice, link to galil here.......... https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/131680/iwi+us+inc.+us+gap70sb+galil+ace+gen2+5.45x39mm+8.30+30+1+sba3+pistol+stabilizing+brace+stock
Carlos, 7.62x39 will yield the more versatile rifle. The heavier round is more common and serves in plinking, self defense and hunting duties. I would secure as much 7.62x39 ammunition as you can now as import ammunition will likely dry up and current stock in the US will deplete eventually. Glad I stocked up way back when a 1K case was $65 out the door. Riley Defense in the flavor of your choice is recommended : https://www.budsgunshop.com/search.php/q/ak47
Carlos, In a military setting, the 5.45x39 is better because: Its a much lighter round, which means you can carry more of it (about twice more) It has a much flatter trajectory In full metal jacket form, its actually designed to yaw earlier when impacting flesh, allowing it to punch way above its miniscule bullet weight. For a civilian in the USA, HOWEVER, the 7.62x39mm is better because: Ammunition is way more available and cheaper. There are actually domestic producers of 7.62x39mm ammo. Available ammunition variety is much greater. Finding any 5.45x39mm ammo that's not mil-spec FMJ is almost impossible. You can find plenty of 7.62x39mm softpoints, which are much more for effective, and allow you to turn it into a decent (and legal) deer or pig hunting rifle. The quality control of the 5.45x39mm ammo that's available is often questionable. Fine for plinking, but if you plan to take your rifle to 2-gun or 3-gun competitions that might be a liability. On the other hand quality 7.62x39m
Really depends on what you plan on using it for the most. The 7.62×39 for CQB and 5.45×39 for anything that's at distance. The 7.62×39 is cheaper and a lot more widely available in many variations and manufacturers. You can usually find it even during ammo shortages. The 5.45×39 is lighter and you can carry more, but not as easy to find and during ammo shortages it's nearly impossible. The 5.45 is mostly the superior round, but that's only if you can find it.