7.62x39 AR-15 (AR-47) Guide: Bolts, Magazines and Uppers

Short answer: a 7.62x39 AR-15 uses a normal AR-15 lower, trigger, buffer and upper receiver, but needs three things of its own: a 7.62x39 barrel, a 7.62x39 bolt (the case head is too big for a 5.56 bolt), and 7.62x39 AR-pattern magazines, which are curved steel mags from makers such as C Products and ASC. The bolt's face depth, usually .125 inch ("Type 1"), must match what the barrel is chambered for. If you want to use AK magazines, you need a different lower, such as CMMG's Mk47, which does not take standard AR-15 parts.

What changes and what stays

"AR-47" is an informal name. People use it for any 7.62x39 AR-15 and for AR-type rifles built around AK magazines, so check which one a listing means.

The bolt: .125 vs .136 bolt faces

A 7.62x39 bolt has a larger face than a 5.56 bolt. Faxon, KAK and Precision Firearms list their 7.62x39 bolts with a .125 inch bolt-face depth, the depth often called "Type 1"; Precision Firearms says its bolt also works with 6.5 Grendel Type I. 6.5 Grendel "Type 2" bolts, such as Faxon's, are .136 inch deep. Use the depth your barrel maker specifies: a bolt of the wrong type changes headspace, so have headspace checked whenever you pair a new bolt and barrel. See our 6.5 Grendel bolt guide for more on Type 1 and Type 2, and the BCG guide for the rest of the carrier.

Magazines

The 7.62x39 case tapers sharply, so its AR magazines are curved and made for it. C Products Defense says its 30-round DURAMAG fits any AR-15-pattern firearm chambered in 7.62x39; it has a stainless steel body and an anti-tilt follower. ASC also makes stainless 7.62x39 AR magazines. Standard 5.56 magazines and PMAGs are not built for the cartridge.

The AK-magazine route

AK magazines do not fit an AR-15 magazine well. CMMG's Mk47 uses its own mid-size receivers built to take AK-pattern magazines, and CMMG says they are not compatible with standard AR-15 or AR-10 parts, so this is a different rifle rather than an upper swap.

Uppers and barrels

You can buy a complete 7.62x39 upper from a maker, or build one from a 7.62x39 barrel, a standard upper receiver and handguard, and a 7.62x39 bolt or BCG. Match the gas block to the new barrel's journal (see gas block sizes). For other cartridge options see alternate AR-15 calibers.

7.62x39 AR parts, with today's prices

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Compare all bolt carrier groups, barrels and magazines, or plan the build in the AR-15 builder.

Frequently asked questions

Can you convert an AR-15 to 7.62x39?

Yes. Keep the lower, trigger and buffer; swap in a 7.62x39 barrel or upper, a 7.62x39 bolt, and 7.62x39 AR magazines.

Do I need a special bolt for 7.62x39?

Yes. The 7.62x39 case head needs a larger bolt face than 5.56. Most 7.62x39 AR bolts are .125 inch deep ("Type 1"); match the depth to the barrel.

Will a 6.5 Grendel bolt work in a 7.62x39 AR?

Only when its face depth matches the barrel. Precision Firearms says its .125 inch 7.62x39 bolt also works with 6.5 Grendel Type I; Type 2 Grendel bolts are .136 inch.

Can a 7.62x39 AR-15 use AK magazines?

Not a standard AR-15. You need a lower built for AK magazines, such as CMMG's Mk47, which does not take standard AR-15 parts.

Can I use regular AR-15 magazines with 7.62x39?

No. Use magazines made for 7.62x39 in an AR, such as those from C Products or ASC.

What is an AR-47?

An informal name for a 7.62x39 AR-15, or for an AR-type rifle that takes AK magazines.