Thoughts on 5.45x39 uppers

[Nevadadvx]

I found a used M&P upper in the 5.45x39 caliber. I have always thought about getting one for my Stag since I have an abundance of that round for my AK74. I have a bunch of Russian surplus, but rarely use it, even in the AK. I would be using Wolf, Silver Bear, Golden Tiger, etc.
As far as I can tell, Smith has discontinued this upper. Any reasons why I should avoid it? Thanks for any input.

 

[Arik]

I've never heard much about them. I know some people were using them as an alternative to practicing with 223 back when surplus was plentiful and just a little more expensive than 22lr. This way they stayed familiar with the AR and saved money in practice

I keep my AR in 5.56 and AKs in 5.45

 

[JaPes]

I haven't heard anything bad about the 5.45X39 S&W uppers. If it's in good shape, buy it.

 

[derek45auto]

the big spam cans of military surplus russian 5.45 have been Banned from import

NRA-ILA | BATFE Bans Import of Military surplus 545 sporting ammunition

 

[Nevadadvx]

the big spam cans of military surplus russian 5.45 have been Banned from import

NRA-ILA | BATFE Bans Import of Military surplus 545 sporting ammunition

I'm sure anyone that shoots that round realizes that. But it is still available at most of the usual sources. I have a few cans of it, but keep it for backup to the backup.
There is no ban on the aftermarket stuff since it's not "armor piercing". I'm more concerned about the sanctions getting so tough because of what's going on in Ukraine/Russia and have them put a halt to trade with those countries.

 

[derek45auto]

Yep....midway has wolf 5.45 in stock.

...still....I like the surplus stuff from AIM the best, it will be missed

 

[MichiganScott]

The round is no longer cheap. Shoot what you have in your AK and spend the money on ammo for your 5.56.

 

[Nevadadvx]

The round is no longer cheap. Shoot what you have in your AK and spend the money on ammo for your 5.56.

No, not as cheap as it used to be, but most non-surplus is still about the same as 9mm, quite a bit less than 223/5.56. I just think it would be cool to take out both the AR and AK with one caliber.

But back on topic. Does anyone have experience with this upper?

 

[Arik]

the big spam cans of military surplus russian 5.45 have been Banned from import

NRA-ILA | BATFE Bans Import of Military surplus 545 sporting ammunition

It's still plentiful just cost more. Went from $150 to $220

 

[Arik]

The round is no longer cheap. Shoot what you have in your AK and spend the money on ammo for your 5.56.

But it's not expensive. $220 for 1080 rounds comes to 20 cents a round. I'll keep on buying and shooting it instead of selling

 

[John in SE Indiana]

I have an M&P15R chambered in 5.45 that I bought back in 2008. I think the earliest versions were made by Stag, and then S&W brought it in house. Mine is the S&W, and it is as good as any of my other AR's. It's been completely reliable through several thousand rounds. I stocked up on 5.45 when it was cheap, so this gun remains cheaper to shoot than my 5.56 AR's. And to change it to a 5.56 only takes a barrel and a bolt.

 

[SickMAK90]

I had one years ago and it was a nightmare. CONSTANT malfunctions of every sort. It really loved to try to load three rounds at the same time with all of my 10 magazines...