Small Arms Showdown... AK vs AR

[Ronin13]

So which is better? One is the most popular rifle in America, the other, the most widely distributed, used and produced rifle in the world... but how do they really match up? I've seen countless articles and videos, but Tactical Gear gives an interesting infographic -although the max effective range is off- I've hit a 600M target with very little problem employing the AK (both in a .mil and civilian environment), and service life and manufacturers is not accurate on the graphic as well.
So check it out and discuss... I still love the AK, but do honestly think (if maintained) the AR is the more superior platform.
http://tacticalgear.com/Data/Default/Marketing/TacticalGear/AK47AR15/infographic-full.jpg

[Chad4000]

hate to be that guy,,, but I have both... I spent vastly more money on my AR, and I think that they both serve a purpose.

The real difference comes down to money for me, I thought we were getting rescrictions a year or two ago, and scooped up a $500 AK. since then i was able to spend a little more money on a rifle, and went with the AR. AR is my go to rifle..certainly more complicated though.

[cstone]

This is 'Merika dammit! Freedom says I can have both so I do. [Marine]

[Ronin13]

I hear you Chad, and I too am the proud owner of both... Bought the AK first because the AR I wanted wasn't released yet (POF P415 Gen'11). Still I do love them both like children, although I play favorites (AR) [Muaha]

[davsel]

FN FAL beats 'em both IMO.

[Cameron]

I have never even heard of an AR that was a 6-8MOA rifle??

[Dave_L]

I think both are great rifles. I like the fact that the AK isn't as picky. Chisel a rock to look like a bullet, stick some powder behind it and I bet the AK would shoot it. ;) But you can definitely tell the difference in engineering once you pull the trigger. :shrugs: Finding AK mags was not hard during the initial mag boom of '13. Another added bonus of the AK...not the "cool" rifle.

[Ronin13]

I think both are great rifles. I like the fact that the AK isn't as picky. Chisel a rock to look like a bullet, stick some powder behind it and I bet the AK would shoot it. ;) But you can definitely tell the difference in engineering once you pull the trigger. :shrugs: Finding AK mags was not hard during the initial mag boom of '13. Another added bonus of the AK...not the "cool" rifle.
True- but the AK was the original "Evil Rifle"- every gang banger, homeboy, and rap star had one.

[Dave_L]

True- but the AK was the original "Evil Rifle"- every gang banger, homeboy, and rap star had one.

Valid point. I'm surprised at how the AK has been swept under the rug a little bit. Quite the change of pace for it.

[hatidua]

I shot an AK once. That was enough.

[beast556]

One is not better than the other. There are pro's and con's of bolth rifles.

[Tim K]

It comes down to the user for me. For the unwashed heathen with little knowledge or training and no support, the AK is perfect since it will likely be reliable even in the hands of the incompetent. For a more sophisticated user, the AR is superior in every way. Personally, if you gave me 3 AKs, I'd sell them and buy a good AR.

[wctriumph]

I have both, I like them both, if I had to grab and run I would grab the AK. I prefer to shoot my AR when at the range.

[sabot_round]

Most foreign AK's are chambered or have a .311 bore, and are therefore more accurate with a .310/311 bullets. If you're using .308 bullets through these rifles for accuracy, you are wasting time.[2cents]

[Stone83]

Based ONLY on consumer feedback,
I had a coyote tell me one time he HATES the AR platform....

[Sniper]

[USAFGopherMike]

The AK-74 is closer in caliber and would make for a better comparison. That said, everybody has stated the obvious already.

[jerrymrc]

I have never even heard of an AR that was a 6-8MOA rifle??

Take it you have never seen a solider only hit 25 or so out of 40 24" wide big green targets.[LOL] I would say 4. Overall I will give the nod to the ar but when they are both in the same caliber average sar3 vs average AR I think it about a wash out to 500 yards but that is just me and my toys.

When I was a member of BCGC the closest target was 200 yards. The SAR3 that another Mod now has can wipe a NRA 200 yard target prone and had done it a few times.

Now I am going to bring up one thing that has not. Lets take the AR and turn it into an AK. Ya with me so far, good. Because an AR in 300BLK Vs a X39 AK is not a contest at all. My best handloads in the AK do not come close to what my AR does in 300BLK.

When comparing one rifle to another I like to see that both have as close a caliber as possible. Of course after all this as has been said the first gun out of the safe and if I could only take one is my Fal. [Flower] After that we can talk but I like my .308[handbags]

[Tim K]

When comparing one rifle to another I like to see that both have as close a caliber as possible. Of course after all this as has been said the first gun out of the safe and if I could only take one is my Fal. [Flower] After that we can talk but I like my .308[handbags]

Depends on if I'm carrying ammo on my back or in my vehicle. .308 ammo is roughly X2 in weight.

[HoneyBadger]

6-8 MOA AR??? Really??? [LOL]

[stevelkinevil]

I always just put it this way,
AK=conscripts weapon
AR=professional soldiers weapon
both effective for the intended end user
that being said I strongly prefer the AR

[Singlestack]

Both are fun, but these days and with good ammo and lube practice in the AR, I find the reliability to be similar - and good. For CQB I might prefer the AK over a standard AR, but at anything beyond those distances I prefer the feel and results of the AR.

[jerrymrc]

Depends on if I'm carrying ammo on my back or in my vehicle. .308 ammo is roughly X2 in weight.

Having humped both and a pig in the sandbox I stand by my comments. .308 load out is not the same as .223 just my preference. Rather have more with less than less with more, just my observations from 20 years ago. [gohome]

Yes I understand this is an AR forum but I can have an opinion. [Flower] Hoser will be along shortly to tell us that unless it is .338 or larger you need to go home. [panic] I will say that our troops need something between .223 and .308. What that is I am not qualified to guess at. [cigar]

[TFOGGER]

A more realistic comparison:

http://62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinHumor.htm

[LOL]

[USAFGopherMike]

A more realistic comparison:

http://62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinHumor.htm

[LOL]

That was great. [ROFL1] Thanks!

[Ronin13]

I always just put it this way,
AK=conscripts weapon
AR=professional soldiers weapon
both effective for the intended end user
that being said I strongly prefer the AR
Touche! I love my AK, I keep it factory original style (wood stock, wood hand guard), but it will always come second to any AR...

A more realistic comparison:

http://62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinHumor.htm

[LOL]
[ROFL3]That's awesome! I love this one for the Mosin: Your rifle has fought against itself and won every time.

[68Charger]

Meh, it makes assumptions on both sides... For example, I don't own an AK-47... I do have several variants of AKMs....
Each platform has so many variants to make this comparison worthless... One caliber?
Ak74s in 5.45 are more accurate, while the short range performance of 7.62x39 is better. Not to mention all the different calibers you can get the AR or akm in...
And the difference ammo choice in each caliber can make in accuracy and ballistics.
No mention of customization options?

I give the comparison about a 4...

[lead_magnet]

To me they have a different function.

If I was going to war, like, legitimate military warfare, I would want an AR-15. More accurate at extended ranges easier to change the configuration to fit different roles, lighter and I can carry more ammo.

To defend my home or for unconventional guerrilla encounters I want my SBR AK. Round is better for defeating barriers and maintains more punch from a smaller barrel. I also like the operation and ergonomics of the AK better, and the sights for CQB better, but that's user preference.

There's my 2 cents.

[Digi]

(NSFW)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGih7eWI3E

[wreave]

I'd have both if not for the boating accident. Love them each in their own way.

[Dave]

A more realistic comparison:

http://62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinHumor.htm

[LOL]

[ROFL3]

I actually own both AR's and AK's, and they each have their uses. In urban ops I like the 124gr JHP of the AK vs the 62gr penetrator for AR platforms. If I'm shooting 100 yards or more I like the AR, I'd rather at least get a wound shot at 300 yards with 5.56 than miss completely at 150 yards with 7.62.

[strm_trpr]

Both, I only have 20 ak mags though compared to my much more sizable AR mag collection. However the surplus commie mags are durable enough to last 3 lifetimes.

[spideyar]

This is meant to more be a somewhat cheeky statement about our right to have standard cap mags but seems almost appropriate to add here.

30785

[wreave]

A more realistic comparison:

http://62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinHumor.htm

[LOL]

I laughed till I cried.

[soldier-of-the-apocalypse]

Mosin nagant best rifle made

[Hound]

I own all three... Until the boating accident. They all achieve the same result in their own way.