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The 7.62X39mm (7.62mm Russian) was adopted by the Soviet Union in 1943, first in the SKS semiautomatic, and then in the famous AK-47 selective fire assault rifle. The concept was based on Russian experience with the 7.92X33mm Kurz in the German MKB42, the world's first assault rifle. The 7.62X39mm has more case capacity, thus higher velocity and somewhat more range than the German cartridge, but the concept remains: A short to medium-range cartridge that offers a high volume of fire as, literally, troops closed in the assault. Although officially replaced by the 5.45X39mm in the AK-74, the 7.62X39mm and its AK-47 remain in use the world over, very possibly the most prolific military rifle and cartridge ever made. The 7.62X39mm has been adapted to the AR platform, and also chambered in various civilian platforms. Firing a 123-grain bullet at 2365 fps, the 7.62X39 is low in recoil and is an excellent deer cartridge at short to medium range.  — Craig Boddington

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