7.62x39mm
The 7.62x39mm is a rifle cartridge developed in the Soviet Union post World War II, primarily for the SKS and later the AK-47 assault rifle. Known for its effectiveness at medium range, this round is widely recognized for its moderate recoil, reliable performance, and versatility in various conditions. With a typical bullet weight around 120-125 grains, it delivers substantial stopping power, though its effective range is shorter compared to larger rifle calibers, generally up to about 300-400 meters.
| Factions | Weapon | Icon | Classes | Ammo | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Headshot | |||||
 VC |
 AK-47 |
 |
 Assault |
30+1 / 90 | 41 | 103 |
VC |
 AKM |
 |
Assault |
30+1 / 90 | 39 | 98 |
VC |
 AKM BG-15 |
 |
Unused | 30 / 90 1 / 2 |
39 | 98 |
VC |
 AMD-65 |
 |
Assault Radioman |
30+1 / 90 | 39 | 97 |
VC |
 Bren |
 |
 Gunner |
30 / 60 | 46 | 105 |
VC |
 Kbkg 60 |
 |
Assault |
30+1 / 60 | 44 | 110 |
VC |
 PM md. 63 |
 |
Assault |
30+1 / 90 | 39 | 98 |
VC |
 RPD |
 |
Gunner |
100 / 200 | 42 | 96 |
 US |
 RPD SOG |
 |
Gunner |
100 / 200 | 42 | 96 |
VC |
 RPK |
 |
Gunner |
75+1 / 150 | 41 | 103 |
VC |
 SKS |
 |
 Medic Radioman |
10 / 30 | 43 | 108 |
VC |
 TUL-1 |
 |
Gunner |
40+1 / 80 | 41 | 103 |
VC |
 Type 56-1 |
 |
Assault Radioman |
30+1 / 90 | 41 | 103 |
VC |
 Type 58 |
 |
Assault |
30+1 / 90 | 38 | 95 |
VC |
 Type 63 |
 |
Assault |
20+1 / 60 | 43 | 108 |
VC |
 Type 63 Paratrooper |
 |
Assault |
20+1 / 60 | 43 | 108 |
VC |
 vz. 58 |
 |
Assault |
30+1 / 90 | 34 | 85 |
The 7.62x39mm cartridge was developed in the Soviet Union in the late 1940s, primarily for the SKS semi-automatic rifle and later for the iconic AK-47 assault rifle. The Soviet military wanted a cartridge that provided a balance of manageable recoil, adequate stopping power, and compatibility with automatic firing for close to medium-range engagements, fitting the needs of the post-WWII battlefield.
Derived from experimentation with German intermediate cartridges during WWII, the 7.62x39mm cartridge offered less recoil and more controllability in automatic fire than full-power rifle rounds like the 7.62x54mm, while still delivering effective power up to about 300–400 meters.
This round quickly became the standard for Soviet and Warsaw Pact militaries and has remained widely used in the years since, becoming one of the most common intermediate cartridges globally. Its availability, reliability, and compatibility with popular firearms have led to its adoption by various militaries, paramilitaries, and civilians worldwide.