Anyone run one or had experience with one? I know mags are the key to this configuration but was more curious as barrels/uppers that are any good.

I have had 2, and people keep talking me out of them. Both were built by Paul at Model 1 sales, 16" uppers and they have ACS (or is it ASC) anyway the mags work, both the short and long mags.

I built one with an ar performance barrel. Key for me was model 1 firing pin. Mine runs the Russian stuff no problem

X3 on model 1. My dad got a complete 7.62x39 upper from them and it runs flawlessly

So i priced out building one from parts or buying a model 1 and looks like i could build one slightly cheaper. Would that be a mistake? If it was a 5.56 or 300blk i wouldnt have any hesitation. But with 7.62x39 ive heard they're hit or miss and wonder if its just better to have the upper built and tested prior.

If you build one make sure you get the barrel and bolt head spaced. Other than that the firing pin was my only issue. I guess you can only make the call on the savings of building vs the purchasing a finished product.

I built mine to shoot hogs from my ranger while driving around the lease. I have found that the Russian soft points preform only slightly better than FMJ. So I just grab my 6.8 now since the cost of shooting it vs premium 7.62X39 ammo is insignificant.

Id go with 6.8 but I dont want to deal with ammo. I like the fact that i can walk into most stores and find 7.62x39. Plus I have 2000rds and no gun at the moment.

Thinking about a Sota Arms barrel and bolt. Anyonr dealt with them? They seem to have good reviews online.

Also considering a Model 1 barrel assembly so i can pick upper. Maybe a dissipator version...

I also built one off of an ARP barrel (shame he isn't making those anymore). The key for me was (i) the model 1 firing pin and (ii) a full power trigger. I had a Timney 4# that was flawless with boxer primed ammunition but would only ignite about 3 out of 4 berdan primers. I switched to a JP single stage trigger with the red hammer spring and that problem was cured.

I would tell you that if your magazines are finicky at first, keep using them. All of them have gotten better over time. The best ones out of the box were both the old C-Products mags that I bought from Model 1 with simple stamped block lettering on the floor plate. The ASC mags are essentially identical and they work great now, but they just weren't as good at first.

SOTA seems to be a well run company. To be honest, I'm not sure I would snub any reasonably respected manufacturer's 7.62x39 barrel and the people I know with Model1 uppers have been very happy with them. The barrel is almost certainly capable of better accuracy than the preponderance of ammunition out there. Also, you're probably building/buying this upper to (i) shoot a lot for not much money or (ii) hit a pig's head from distances less than 200 yards. No need to spend custom rifle money. If you can find a 16" barrel with a mid-length gas system I recommend going with that one all else being the same. You're also probably going to like a "scout" or government contour A LOT more than an HBAR...

The last partially unsolicited opinion that I will throw out there is about the 7.62x39 bolt. Stay away from MGI. If you go with the "builder grade" bolts like Model 1, Rguns or their peers, you should probably buy two of them and keep a spare in the grip compartment... The webbing between the bolt lugs will be the first thing on your rifle to fail... It may work for 200 cycles or it may work for 2,000 cycles, but it will eventually fail. Allegedly, carbine length gas systems are rougher on the 7.62x39 bolts than mid-length gas systems (just FYI). Since Harrison at ARP quit making his x39 superbolt, the best option for an enhanced bolt is Lewis Machine & Tool. They don't sell the bolt on their website anymore so to get one you have to call them or walk into their storefront. They don't offer a warranty on it and if you break an extractor you may have to buy a new bolt, but LMT's customer service is top notch and I'm not aware of any reports of their 7.62x39 bolt failing (unless it was losing one of the springs under the lobster tail extractor). They're not cheap. About $160 shipped.