My 1st AR-15 or AK-47 setup - pros/cons

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I've been in the market for a tactical assault rife for fun and defense in a given situation.

I'm fairly certain I am wanting either the AR or AK platform for a variety of reasons, mainly versatility/firepower/hi-capacity

Of the two particular rifles I'm looking at, which one would you recommend or would you recommend something else altogether?

If you recommend something else, please justify your reasoning

THANKS!!
 
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So as not to offend folks on either side of the AK/AR conundrum, save up some more money and buy one of each :p. I've got an Arsenal AK and an Armalite AR, but if I was in the market I'd probably look for a Colt at Walmart. My own personal opinion is that the AR is more accurate and easier to shoot, and Colt builds a good quality gun.
 
You will more then likely have tons of fun shooting either one of those. I would look around at prices because 899$ seems steep for a bushy. Have you looked at the M&P sport?

I've no experience with the ak you listed so I won't comment on that. Do have a look around at prices tho because I'm sure you can get a better deal then that.
 
I am partial to the AK platform, probably just because that is the first sport-utility rifle I ever purchased, I love to feel and operation of a well tuned and cared for AK. If money isn't tight I would go with a Krebs Custom AK: http://www.krebscustom.com/KalashnikovRifles.shtml

You will get a well-tuned, polished, and refined rifle from them and you won't regret it.
 
I have both. I built the AR as a NM Service rifle (full sized barrel, A2 upper), and the AK is actually an underfolder with a 16 inch barrel. I like both of them and decided to stop comparing them. You might as well compare apples to oranges. Obviously, the AR is more accurate, but they are both fun to shoot and have different purposes.
 
I am not one to defend AR's, but I'm not a big fan of the AMD. I have 3 AK's and only 1 AR, and I'm not a big fan of the latter. AMD's have a shorter sight base than other AK's and the metal hand guard heats up a lot faster than others also. That being said, I still want one. They are very well built, especially the ones still made in Austria, and I think they look awesome. Having handled one (never shot) it is a little more complicated to fit the 30 round mags but not impossible by any means. They would make an awesome SBR...

EDIT: Brain fart, AMD's are Hungarian
 
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Aren't AMDs Hungarian?

And what is that a picture of? It almost looks like a VZ 58 to me, but I am wrong.

I think the AR is probably an easier rifle to maintain, in the sense that it's a very simple rifle to break down, it comes apart and goes back together in very easy to understand ways, and it doesn't take much time to learn how to take care of all of the small, consumable parts.

I'd definitely suggest CMMG, because I've had great experiences with them, and the M&P Sport, because it seems to be the king of rifles for someone like yourself, it's got a great barrel, any proper AR receiver can be built on and grow with the owner, and it retails for about $600. I may be wrong, but I think the sub-$600 AK field is shrinking, and many of those rifles just aren't as good as the M&P Sport.

I also think the AK gets undeserved praise for simplicity when stacked against the AR, despite having just as many parts, maybe more, inferior ergonomics (for a pure fighting/competition rifle) For fun, pride of ownership, learning the basics of 0-300 yard shooting, either will deliver you much satisfaction.

But personally I'd find an M&P Sport. Or any basic 20" A2-style rifle. The M4geries get lots of attention but the rifle is a really outstanding weapon for iron sight fun.
 
The AK seems like a decent price but you can get more AR for your dollar elsewhere, see Smith & Wesson, Spikes, PSA. Heck even a colt is close to that price these days...

As to which one to buy first, that's up to you. I bet you'll own a variation of each in the near future. :)
 
I've been debating the AR vs. AK question myself for a while now. When I go to the range, guys show up with both and I generally get a chance to run a few rounds through their rifles.

In general... the guys with AR's always seem to be grousing about adding or replacing one part or another on their AR (e.g. rails, optics, charging handles, etc.). The guys with AK's don't seem to be as concerned with such things (e.g. iron sites, wire folding stocks, etc.). AR's seem like the girl you'd give diamonds to and take home to Mom, while the AK's seem more like the girl whose a little rough around the edges, knows what she likes and isn't afraid to show you... i.e. get "both"... if you can :p
 
Just split the difference and get an Arsenal in 5.56 or 5.45. With the latter you get 1080 rounds of milsurp for under $150 and modern commercial stuff is priced the same as 7.62x39. You should have no trouble shooting 2" and under groups.

In regards to simplicity the AK has a very well deserved reputation. Pop off dust cover, remove spring, take out carrier and remove bolt from carrier. Thats it too clean it. No little pieces to keep track of. Breaking down an AR isn't hard and anybody can master it after a few times but once with an AK is all needed for anybody with an iq high enough to tie their own shoes. Also, it will run like a champ wet or dry and is as durable as a rifle can be. Unlike an AR the bolt will last as long as the barrel.
 
mrvco said:
I've been debating the AR vs. AK question myself for a while now. When I go to the range, guys show up with both and I generally get a chance to run a few rounds through their rifles.

In general... the guys with AR's always seem to be grousing about adding or replacing one part or another on their AR (e.g. rails, optics, charging handles, etc.). The guys with AK's don't seem to be as concerned with such things (e.g. iron sites, wire folding stocks, etc.). AR's seem like the girl you'd give diamonds to and take home to Mom, while the AK's seem more like the girl whose a little rough around the edges, knows what she likes and isn't afraid to show you... i.e. get "both"... if you can :p
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The AK is the Russian Babushka :what:
View attachment 610150

The AR is the All American Girl :D
View attachment 610151

Whether highly accessorized or stripped down for fast action, I know which one I prefer! :evil:
 
^^^OK, let me explain this whole AR15 and chicks thing^^^



What AR15 style rifles and Cheerleader-Supermodels have in common. They are both:

1.Cute.
2.Fun
3. Great for weekends out in the country.
4. Great for riding around in your truck.
5. You get to show them off to your friends.
6.Everyone wants one. Even if you already have something else
7.Everyone in the military has one. Most have one back at home too.
8.The rich guys have more than one.
9.There are a lot of wannabe's, but for a lot of $ you can get the real deal.
10.They are expensive to acquire.
11.They both require an insane amount of accessories
12.Both are very high maintainence
13.They can't handle much crap.
14.Both will leave you destitute, with a big smile and fond memories
Originally posted by CONNEX 3300
 
The Bushmaster.

I have the same with an A2 stock and it has never failed me over a decade. And it's very accurate. I use it for the same purposes you do.

That "tactical" AK looks like a charm bracelet, IMO.
 
I went through this question for a while and just about drove myself nuts. The "inaccuracy" that people claim about the AK is overstated just as the "unreliability" of the AR platform. You have to ask what you want the rifle to do. I was almost 100% set on a AK, but went with a AR instead. My main reasons, parts and I can repair it on my own. The second reason being that I just have to switch uppers for a different caliber. AKs can be repaired, but my main concern was the barrel. The AK barrels are pressed in if I remember right. Which makes them difficult to replace. If your looking for a reliable long rifle for protection, you can't go wrong with either. My goal is to learn the platform I have and its limitations. I still may pick up a AK in the future. Good luck and feel free to PM me directly with any questions. I am not an expert, just someone who read and spoke with people trying to answer the AK or AR question for myself. Good Luck.
 
I got an AK 74 recently and I love it. After handling and shooting both the AR 15 and the AK platform, I made my decision. I recommend doing the same.

I feel better about my AK purchase after seeing real combat footage and I have seen quite a few times an M16/M4 series rifle jamming in combat. Granted we wouldn't see that too often in a civilian setting but it seems as though combat is another story...
 
CONNEX 3300 said:
^^^OK, let me explain this whole AR15 and chicks thing^^^



What AR15 style rifles and Cheerleader-Supermodels have in common. They are both:

1.Cute.
2.Fun
3. Great for weekends out in the country.
4. Great for riding around in your truck.
5. You get to show them off to your friends.
6.Everyone wants one. Even if you already have something else
7.Everyone in the military has one. Most have one back at home too.
8.The rich guys have more than one.
9.There are a lot of wannabe's, but for a lot of $ you can get the real deal.
10.They are expensive to acquire.
11.They both require an insane amount of accessories
12.Both are very high maintainence
13.They can't handle much crap.
14.Both will leave you destitute, with a big smile and fond memories
Originally posted by CONNEX 3300
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LOL!

My experiences down through the years with ARs have been different. None have been picky, difficult to maintain, unreliable or less than durable. None have needed any accessories, let alone an insane amount. My ARs have always been good, reliable rifles with minimal maintenance even when run hard
 
I switched to the AR-15 because I wanted better accuracy out to 300 yards. The AR-15 handles optics much more gracefully.

My primary problem with the AK-47 is ammunition selection. Low cost steel cased ammunition is fine for short range training, plinking, etc. Quality, full powered ammunition is expensive and hard to find (unless you use the 'net).

Modern optics are very important. They make a good gun better and assist the shooter in all sorts of ways.

AK accessories are still sort of a mess. Manufacturers are starting to build better products. The AK still has to deal with the dust cover, though the Texas Weapon Systems rail solves most problems associated with the design limitations. Adding optics is not so easy unless you use the TWS rail and build up the stock with quality parts.

The AR-15 has plenty of tested parts that go together well. Adding optics is easy. Building a gun to your exact specifications is also easy. You can use 300 Blackout for AK-like performance while using standard AR-15 magazines. 5.56x45mm uppers are always available if you need that.

AK magazines are also a problem in some circumstances. They're too long and that length makes them difficult to use on a chest rig. They stick out quite far on my belt rig and irritate my arms (and funny bone occasionally). Companies like HSGI at least have acknowledged the AK platform and are building solid magazine holders that happen to hold AK, AR, and FAL/M1A mags.

If you want a stock AK, then there are plenty of solid rifles available. If you want to build up your AK, then you'll need to do some serious research into parts in order to get the best available. Determine your requirements, find parts to match the requirement, and build your gun. Make sure your expectations are realistic because an AK is not a gun that is easily made into a good 300-500 yard rifle. You can do it with quality parts, but starting with a WASR means you'll be disappointed.
 
What AR are you going to get? The AR in question is a huge factor for me in the AR/AK decision. I have both and I always say that me preference is, 1) quality AR (Noveske, Colt, etc), 2) quality AK, 3) lower end AK, 4) lower end AR.


Adding optics is not so easy unless you use the TWS rail and build up the stock with quality parts.
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What optics specifically are you referring to? There are a number of RDS that can be mounted in a number of ways apart from a TWS rail (which I have on one of mine btw) that work very well sit low enough that one doesn't need a cheek riser.

The real issue for me with going to all the effort to give an AK as many AR features as one can (this is what the Suarez guys are into these days whether they want to admit it or not) is that it costs as much or more than getting a high end AR and for that money I would rather have a high end AR.

AK is not a gun that is easily made into a good 300-500 yard rifle.
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Given the OP stated he wanted the gun for defense, I'm not sure his focus is 300+ yards. Not a lot of civilian defensive shooting gets don at those ranges. To the extent that 300-500 yards might fall into the fun side of what he is looking for I would agree that an AK, in 7.62x39, is not well suited to that.

you need a red dot sight (aimpoint) and a white light mounted on the weapon. Its easier to do that with an AR, but not impossible to do with an AK.
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Why not link to the easiest and most proven way mount both of those, the ultimak gas tube.

View attachment 610189


Fact is, you can fight with either one if you know how to use it. What is your budget?
 
My recommadation is to go with the AR platform.

Its what the US Military and Law Enforcement agencies use, and from my short experience as a rifle shooter having shot both an AK and an AR, the AR was much easier to use and customize if you decide.
 
I've got one of both. My wife has a WASR and loves it. I really like the fact that you can get a CMMG bolt and magazine for $100 and shoot .22 right out of an AR though. Being able to run, plink and train with cheap .22 without removing your optics is a HUGE bonus for me. IMO it's one of the few "real" advantages an AR has over an AK. Bottom line; if you only can have one, beg or borrow both platforms and shoot both quite a bit before choosing. It's all up to how YOU run the weapon.
 
I've got one of both. My wife has a WASR and loves it. I really like the fact that you can get a CMMG bolt and magazine for $100 and shoot .22 right out of an AR though. Being able to run, plink and train with cheap .22 without removing your optics is a HUGE bonus for me. IMO it's one of the few "real" advantages an AR has over an AK. Bottom line; if you only can have one, beg or borrow both platforms and shoot both quite a bit before choosing. It's all up to how YOU run the weapon.
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You guys may be able to run .22s through your ARs but I'm able to run 5.45 x 39 as my main caliber and save on the centerfire stuff! Yes you guys have uppers for 5.45 x 39 but I would rather stock one caliber for a gun then two.
 
mshootnit said:
for home defense or combat you need a red dot sight (aimpoint) and a white light mounted on the weapon. Its easier to do that with an AR, but not impossible to do with an AK. If you go with an AK get this:

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=241

and this

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...Strikefire+w/+RS+AKM+Mount+Package&groupid=84
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I went with an Aimpoint Comp ML2 and an UltiMak "lower" handguard instead.
But same idea.....


SLR954.gif
 
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