AR vs AK

[BREATHER]

I apologise if this has been discussed before. I have shot an AK, I have not shot an AR. It was not mine, I don't own one.

The AK is rated as soldier proof. Will shoot in almost any condition. Pretty reliable.

AR I don't know but when I started to want one I have just looked at them. How relialbe are they...

[beast556]

They bolth have a plus and minus side. I would sugest shooting one of each and see witch one you like. One isint better than the other, It is a matter of personal preference.

AK
More forgiving when it is dirty
More powerfull Round
Combat accuracy
Mag release and saftey could be more user friendly

AR
Needs to be maintained for 100% reliability
Controlls are very user friendly
5.56 lacks penetration power
Very accurate

Bolth guns are top notch, My vote goes to get bolth. Every collection needs at least one of each.

[gcrookston]

Both guns are top notch, My vote goes to get both. Every collection needs at least one of each.

The old stories of reliability issues with the M16 (AR), are just that... 'old stories'. Today's M4 has about as much in common with the M16 of the mid-1960's as a Ford Granada has with a Ford Fusion...

An excellent book on the subject is Chiver's The Gun. Exceptionally well researched and documented. He discusses the development of both and their strengths and weaknesses (although the M16 and M4 are lightly treated as the focus of the book is on the AK).

One of the things I've seen becoming common over the last few years is anybody with a pipe wrench and a vice appears to be assembling both types (think 'Century Arm's' and 'Bubba's Discount Arms'), and quality can be problematic with home builts and steep discount wholesalers' production for both types.

[Byte Stryke]

you are going to get sooo many opinions

this is better
that one sucks
this wont do that
that one always does this.


shoot both, there are too many guys here that will go shooting with you and let you try them.

[Irving]

Just get a Winchester.

[porfiriozg]

or you could middle of the road it and get an AR in 7.62x39, 6.8mm or 300 fireball (SO MANY CHOICES)

features:
user friendly
forgiving when dirty (gas piston)
powerful round
accuracies

all depends on what you like

[ldmaster]

If I was told I was going into the field for an extended period of time with little chance of spares, it would be the AK I'd carry.

The AR's problems upon first issue were powder related AND maintenance related, as soon as they figured out which powder was best AND started cleaning their rifles DAILY - the problem began to resolve. It's only true weakness is the damn gas system. That and the aluminum buffer tube doesn't take kindly to being whacked on things.

[Byte Stryke]

If I was told I was going into the field for an extended period of time with little chance of spares, it would be the AK I'd carry.

The AR's problems upon first issue were powder related AND maintenance related, as soon as they figured out which powder was best AND started cleaning their rifles DAILY - the problem began to resolve. It's only true weakness is the damn gas system. That and the aluminum buffer tube doesn't take kindly to being whacked on things.

Yes yes... the Rod vs Flake powder thing. Circa 1969 er something.

and as far as I know, the AR platform was not designed for use as a hammer so much.
I usually just buy a hammer... you know, for hammering things.

however since we are throwing out comparisons, exactly how many different calibers does the AK come in?


yeah..

AR comes in everything from .22 long to .50BMG


so as I said before try both. All you are getting here is bias and your opinion may vary.

[SAnd]

and as far as I know, the AR platform was not designed for use as a hammer so much.
I usually just buy a hammer... you know, for hammering things.

The pencil barrel was beefed up because they were bending when used as a pry bar.

Maybe it was the cause of this quote by General Abrams -
"Give a soldier an anvil, just a hunk of metal, and drive him out into the desert and leave him. In two weeks - when you go out to get him, the anvil will be broken."

[bobbyfairbanks]

I think they are both great weapons and have there place in battle as well as for shooting fun. I have been shooting the M16 style rifle and AK47 style for over 10yrs. The one thing that really bothers me with the AK is when my mag goes dry the bolt doesnt lock to the rear so I always do a immediate action drill to find out the mag is dry. Being that I am a AR guy I will always lean to that style rifle. But if money is tight then AK's are cheap and so is the ammo. AR's start to get really expensive. Especially since they have all the mall ninja stuff you can put all over your gun. What ever you decide to do though as long as your pulling a trigger it will be a good time.


One thing to add you always get what you pay for.