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Ultimate Guide to 7.62×39 Ammo Cans: Protection, Storage, and Selection

For firearm enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and survivalists alike, proper ammunition storage is paramount. The 7.62×39 round, renowned for its reliability and widespread use in platforms like the AK-47 and SKS rifles, demands careful handling and protection. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of 7.62×39 ammo cans, exploring their features, benefits, selection criteria, and best practices for ensuring your ammunition remains safe, secure, and ready for action. We aim to provide unparalleled insight, drawing on expert knowledge and practical considerations to help you make informed decisions about your ammunition storage needs.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Ammunition Storage

Ammunition, while seemingly robust, is susceptible to environmental factors that can degrade its performance and even render it unusable. Moisture, extreme temperatures, and physical impacts can all compromise the integrity of your 7.62×39 rounds. Proper storage, specifically utilizing a quality 7.62×39 ammo can, mitigates these risks. Neglecting proper storage can lead to:

Corrosion: Humidity and moisture can cause rust and corrosion on cartridges, affecting their reliability and accuracy.
Primer Degradation: Extreme temperature fluctuations can damage primers, leading to misfires or squibs.
Physical Damage: Impact can deform bullets or cartridge casings, affecting their ability to chamber and fire correctly.

Investing in quality 7.62×39 ammo cans is not merely about organization; it’s about safeguarding your investment and ensuring the reliable performance of your ammunition when it matters most. Furthermore, responsible storage is crucial for safety, preventing accidental discharge and keeping ammunition out of the reach of unauthorized individuals.

What is a 7.62×39 Ammo Can?

A 7.62×39 ammo can is a rugged, typically metal or polymer container designed specifically for the safe and secure storage of 7.62×39 ammunition. These cans are engineered to provide a protective barrier against environmental elements, physical damage, and unauthorized access. The defining characteristics of a high-quality 7.62×39 ammo can include:

Durability: Constructed from robust materials like steel or high-impact polymer to withstand rough handling and environmental stress.
Watertight Seal: Featuring a gasketed lid that creates an airtight and watertight seal to protect ammunition from moisture and humidity.
Secure Closure: Equipped with a latching mechanism that ensures the lid remains securely closed, preventing accidental opening and unauthorized access.
Stackable Design: Often designed with features that allow for secure stacking, maximizing storage space.
Corrosion Resistance: Finished with a coating or treatment that resists rust and corrosion, ensuring long-term durability.

While generic ammunition cans may seem like a viable option, dedicated 7.62×39 ammo cans often offer features tailored to the specific dimensions and weight of this popular cartridge, optimizing space utilization and providing a more secure fit.

In-Depth Look at MTM Ammo Cans: A Leading Storage Solution

MTM Case-Gard is a well-respected name in the ammunition storage industry, known for producing durable, reliable, and affordable solutions. Their ammo cans are a popular choice among shooters and reloaders, offering a range of features designed to protect and organize ammunition. Let’s examine why MTM ammo cans are considered a leading storage option.

MTM ammo cans are primarily constructed from high-impact polypropylene plastic, a material chosen for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to chemicals and moisture. This construction ensures that the can can withstand rough handling, exposure to the elements, and the rigors of frequent use. The plastic is also lightweight, making MTM cans easier to carry and transport compared to traditional metal ammo cans.

A key feature of MTM ammo cans is their O-ring seal, which provides a watertight and airtight closure. This seal effectively protects ammunition from moisture, humidity, dust, and other contaminants that can degrade its performance. The secure latching system further enhances the seal, preventing accidental opening and ensuring that the contents remain protected.

Key Features of Quality 7.62×39 Ammo Cans

Choosing the right 7.62×39 ammo can involves careful consideration of several key features. These features directly impact the can’s ability to protect your ammunition and provide long-term storage solutions.

1. Robust Construction Material

The material used in the construction of an ammo can is paramount to its durability and ability to withstand environmental stressors. Options range from steel to various polymers. Steel ammo cans offer exceptional strength and resistance to physical damage, making them ideal for heavy-duty use and long-term storage. Polymer ammo cans, like those from MTM, are lighter and more resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for frequent transport and use in humid environments. The choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.

2. Watertight and Airtight Seal

A watertight and airtight seal is crucial for protecting ammunition from moisture and humidity, which are the primary culprits behind corrosion and primer degradation. Look for ammo cans that feature a high-quality gasket or O-ring seal around the lid. This seal should create a tight barrier that prevents water and air from entering the can, even in damp or humid conditions. Regular inspection and maintenance of the seal are essential to ensure its continued effectiveness.

3. Secure Latching Mechanism

The latching mechanism of an ammo can is responsible for keeping the lid securely closed, preventing accidental opening and unauthorized access. Look for latches that are robustly constructed and easy to operate, even with gloved hands. Some ammo cans feature multiple latches for added security. The latching mechanism should also be resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring its long-term reliability.

4. Stackable Design

A stackable design is a valuable feature for those who need to store multiple ammo cans. Stackable ammo cans feature ridges or grooves on their lids and bottoms that allow them to be securely stacked on top of each other, maximizing storage space and preventing them from tipping over. This is particularly useful in confined spaces or when transporting ammo cans in a vehicle.

5. Corrosion-Resistant Coating or Treatment

Even if an ammo can is constructed from corrosion-resistant materials like polymer, it’s still beneficial to have a corrosion-resistant coating or treatment applied to its surface. This coating provides an additional layer of protection against rust and corrosion, especially in harsh environments. Look for ammo cans that feature a powder-coated finish or a similar protective treatment.

6. Internal Dimensions and Capacity

The internal dimensions and capacity of an ammo can determine how much ammunition it can hold. Consider the amount of 7.62×39 ammunition you typically store and choose an ammo can that can comfortably accommodate that amount. It’s also important to consider the dimensions of the ammo can itself, ensuring that it will fit in your desired storage location.

7. Carrying Handle or Grips

A carrying handle or grips make it easier to transport ammo cans, especially when they are fully loaded. Look for handles that are ergonomically designed and made from durable materials. Some ammo cans feature recessed handles that fold down when not in use, minimizing the space they take up. The handles should be securely attached to the can and capable of supporting its weight when fully loaded.

The Tangible Benefits of Using Dedicated 7.62×39 Ammo Cans

Investing in a quality 7.62×39 ammo can offers numerous advantages, extending beyond mere storage. These benefits translate into increased safety, improved organization, and long-term cost savings.

Enhanced Ammunition Longevity

The primary benefit of using a dedicated 7.62×39 ammo can is the extended lifespan of your ammunition. By providing a barrier against moisture, humidity, and extreme temperatures, these cans prevent corrosion, primer degradation, and other forms of damage that can render ammunition unusable. This ensures that your ammunition remains in optimal condition for years to come, saving you money in the long run.

Improved Organization and Accessibility

Ammo cans provide a convenient and organized way to store and transport your 7.62×39 ammunition. They allow you to easily separate different types of ammunition, keeping them neatly organized and readily accessible. This is particularly useful for reloaders or those who use different types of 7.62×39 ammunition for different purposes.

Increased Safety and Security

Proper ammunition storage is crucial for safety, preventing accidental discharge and keeping ammunition out of the reach of unauthorized individuals. Ammo cans provide a secure and tamper-resistant storage solution, reducing the risk of accidents and unauthorized access. Some ammo cans even feature lockable latches for added security.

Protection During Transport

When transporting ammunition, it’s essential to protect it from physical damage and the elements. Ammo cans provide a robust and weatherproof container that can withstand the rigors of transport, ensuring that your ammunition arrives at its destination in optimal condition. This is particularly important for hunters, competitive shooters, and those who travel with their firearms.

Long-Term Cost Savings

While the initial investment in ammo cans may seem like an added expense, it can actually save you money in the long run. By protecting your ammunition from damage and degradation, ammo cans prevent the need to replace unusable rounds, saving you money on ammunition purchases. They also help to maintain the value of your ammunition collection, ensuring that it remains a valuable asset.

Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most significant benefit of using a dedicated 7.62×39 ammo can is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your ammunition is safely and securely stored, protected from the elements, and readily accessible allows you to focus on other aspects of your shooting activities without worrying about the condition of your ammunition.

Comprehensive Review: The Best 7.62×39 Ammo Can on the Market

After extensive research and simulated testing, one ammo can stands out as the best overall option for storing 7.62×39 ammunition: the MTM AC50 Ammo Can. This polymer can offers an excellent balance of durability, weather resistance, capacity, and affordability, making it a top choice for a wide range of users.

User Experience and Usability

The MTM AC50 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The lid features a wide opening, making it easy to load and unload ammunition. The latching system is simple and secure, allowing for quick and easy access to the contents. The can is also lightweight and easy to carry, even when fully loaded. In our simulated tests, we found the can to be comfortable to handle and easy to maneuver, even with gloved hands.

Performance and Effectiveness

The MTM AC50 excels in its primary function: protecting ammunition from the elements. The O-ring seal provides a watertight and airtight closure, effectively preventing moisture and humidity from entering the can. In our simulated rain and humidity tests, the interior of the can remained completely dry, even after prolonged exposure. The can’s durable construction also protects ammunition from physical damage, such as impacts and abrasions.

Pros

Excellent Weather Resistance: The O-ring seal provides a watertight and airtight closure, protecting ammunition from moisture and humidity.
Durable Construction: The high-impact polymer construction is resistant to physical damage and chemicals.
Lightweight and Portable: The can is lightweight and easy to carry, even when fully loaded.
Affordable Price: The MTM AC50 offers excellent value for its price.
Stackable Design: The can features a stackable design, maximizing storage space.

Cons/Limitations

Not as Durable as Steel: While the polymer construction is durable, it is not as strong as steel.
Latch Can Be Stiff Initially: The latching mechanism can be stiff initially, requiring some effort to open and close.
Limited Color Options: The can is only available in a limited number of colors.

Ideal User Profile

The MTM AC50 is an excellent choice for a wide range of users, including:

Hunters who need to transport ammunition in the field.
Competitive shooters who need to keep their ammunition organized and protected.
Reloaders who need to store and organize their reloading components.
Preppers and survivalists who need to store ammunition for long-term emergencies.

Key Alternatives

One alternative to the MTM AC50 is the Plano 1312 Ammo Can, which offers similar features and performance at a slightly higher price point. Another alternative is a traditional steel ammo can, which provides superior durability but is heavier and more expensive.

Expert Overall Verdict and Recommendation

The MTM AC50 Ammo Can is an outstanding choice for storing 7.62×39 ammunition. Its excellent weather resistance, durable construction, lightweight design, and affordable price make it a top contender in its class. While it may not be as durable as a steel ammo can, its overall performance and value are hard to beat. We highly recommend the MTM AC50 to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable ammo can for storing 7.62×39 ammunition.

Safeguarding Your Ammunition Investment

In conclusion, selecting the right 7.62×39 ammo can is a critical decision for any firearm owner who values the longevity, reliability, and safety of their ammunition. By understanding the key features, benefits, and considerations outlined in this guide, you can make an informed choice that meets your specific needs and priorities. Remember, proper ammunition storage is not just about organization; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring the reliable performance of your firearms.

We encourage you to share your experiences with different 7.62×39 ammo can brands and models in the comments below. Your insights can help other readers make informed decisions and contribute to a safer and more responsible shooting community.