I agree with this, to a large degree. If you are using this as a HD weapon, effective range shouldn't be a big issue. the 5.56x45 AK's I've shot are reasonably accurate, much better accuracy than a 7.62x39 and more accurate than the Mini-14's I've dumped. As for accuracy, even at 100 yards a decent 5.56x45 AK won't be too far off of an inexpensive AR. bear in mind that the really accurate AR's run $1000 and up, and the reliable AR's (piston driven?) run more than that.
If you are dead set on an AR, and you are going to buy a cheap one, test the heck out of it and keep it crystal-clean and bone dry. Range AR's should be kept lightly lubricated. When I drug an M16A2 all over the place, and wanted it to run reliably, I kept it bone dry and devoid of any oil or lubricants that would attract dust and turn the weapon into a (second-rate) club or bayonet extension.
AK's almost never jamb. it's just unheard of, even the cheap ones. Attach a laser and light to it, and stick it in your closet. when you need it, there's a 99.9% chance it will go "bang".
If you really want an AR, for your first one save up some $$ and get a good-quality, accurate AR and enjoy your range time with it. When you need to trust your life to something, grab an AK.
mho
