AK-74

[daniel craig]

I already have an AK-47 is it worth dropping another 500-800 bucks to get an AK-74? I have heard mixed reviews. What do you all think?

I'm considering replacing my AK-47 for an AK-74. Which do you guys like better in terms of performance, accuracy and knockdown power?

What about getting an AR in 5.45? Not that I am into ARs I was just wondering.

I guess my question was really a comparison of the 7.62x39 and the 5.45x39.

 

[JHenry]

unless you just really want another AK, id pass and get something else

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

Depends. Why do you want one and what would you use it for?

 

[kevinkeeper]

having an ak already i would save for a galil model 386, depending of what ak u got

 

[xxxleafybugxxx]

I have the same dilemma. From everything I"ve seen, the advantages for the 74 over the 47 are lower recoil, and better accuracy. Also, very cheap surplus ammo.
But like you, I have a slight problem dropping 600+ on an AK

 

[mshootnit]

to me the answer depends on what your first AK is and how accurate it is. For example right now I have an SGL 31 ak74 style rifle, which I like very much, but if I had a milled arsenal ak47 in 7.62 I would not trade it off for a 74. You can be very happy with either they are both outstanding.

 

[daniel craig]

PS, I am watching I spy and I just noticed that your name is leafy bug. Like the plane. lol What a coincidence.

 

[xxxleafybugxxx]

Great movie

 

[Buck Kramer]

I have 2 that I built. I like them more than my 74's, cheaper ammo, more accurate.

 

[nathan]

Im into AKs so both calibers to own is normal for me. Just as you one is into ARs , they can get different uppers for different calibers.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

I have one of each and like both a lot...I paid $200 more for my AK-74 and I don't regret it, the cost of ammo quickly makes up that difference.

 

[Gunnerboy]

I just finished dumping 4 mags thru my tantal, and i love mine except the fact the metal sidefolder is too light, if the rifle was balanced out a little more itd be better but definately better than a Ak47

 

[henschman]

The 5.45 rifles are more accurate, lower recoiling, flatter shooting, and create nastier wound channels in fleshy things... the only downside is that they don't penetrate worth a fly's fart.

 

[mortablunt]

I already have an AK-47 is it worth dropping another 500-800 bucks to get an AK-74? I have heard mixed reviews. What do you all think?

Go on. The 74 isn't super expensive as some people would lead you to believe.

I'm considering replacing my AK-47 for an AK-74.

The 74 is much more accurate and a bit lighter than the 47. The 74 is actually a bit longer due to a different muzzle design. The 74 has lower power per round, but the ammo is so much cheaper now. The mags are made out of polymer on the 74, with the early model magazines being that tangerine color.

Which do you guys like better in terms of performance, accuracy and knockdown power?

Reliability is unaffected, though the 74 does feature improved sights and gas block. The 74 is much more accurate. It's official numbers give it a combat effective range of 625 Meters, but good luck getting a hit at that distance. Let' not get into a flame war about AK accuracy. The power per round drops due to to the smaller caliber, but the tumbling effect greatly improves the effectiveness of the FMJ designs.

What about getting an AR in 5.45? Not that I am into ARs I was just wondering.

No, no ,no. 5.45 uppers are not all that common and what from I've heard, the magazines aren't that great either. I've heard bad reports about 5.45 AR designs. Besides, if yo're going to get a 5.45 gun, then get something which was meant to use the cartridge.

I guess my question was really a comparison of the 7.62x39 and the 5.45x39.

Both are good guns and even though I have personally never used a 74, I've shot an AK-103, which uses the same round as the AK-74, but is built on the same design as the AK-74. I really liked it. You can definitely save yourself some money by selling or trading in your 47 at the same time, although there's nothing wrong with having more than one AK at a time. The AK-74 would be a great plinking and HD gun.

 

[benEzra]

One of the biggest differences is weight. 1 round of 7.62x39 weighs about as much as 2 rounds of 5.45x39.

I shoot a 7.62x39 SAR-1 that I'd trade for a 5.45x39 SAR-2 in a heartbeat. The SAR-1 is a great little carbine, but loaded magazines weigh nearly two pounds each, spare mag pouches are like wearable bricks, and shot splits tend to be slower than when shooting my 5.56mm AR.

The advantages of 7.62x39mm, as I see it, are pretty much limited to hunting capability (154gr 7.62x39mm is comparable to .30-30 on deer) and perhaps windshield penetration, which isn't much of an issue for non-LEO civilian use. I'd personally prefer the weight, accuracy, and recoil advantages of 5.45.

 

[Ignition Override]

Isn't Russia the only country where 5.45x39 ammo is produced, or is it also manufactured in Serbia?

I might be reluctant to need ammo which comes from a single overseas source, IF that is the case.

 

[mortablunt]

There is a domestic supply of 5.45. Other countries make the ammo as well.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

Isn't Russian the only country where 5.45x39 ammo is produced, or is it also manufactured in Serbia?

Hornady also has a line of 5.45 (though more expensive than the Russian stuff)...that said it could also be manufactured in Russia and I just don't know it.

 

[Sam Cade]

that said it could also be manufactured in Russia and I just don't know it.

It is. Partially.


They use primed Rooski cases.

 

[Rob G]

Isn't Russian the only country where 5.45x39 ammo is produced, or is it also manufactured in Serbia?

I might be reluctant to need ammo which comes from a single overseas source, IF that is the case.

It's mostly all Russian. I think the main reason you're not seeing a significant amount of US production is because the Russian stuff is so incredibly cheap. I'd be willing to bet that if the Russian stuff got cut off you'd see an American manufacturer jump in to pick up the slack. There's enough of us out there with rifles in this caliber to make it profitable. In the meantime I'm stocking up on 7n6. If they cut off imports tomorrow I'd be good for years before having to worry about it.

 

[JustinJ]

I like the 74 better than the 47. With the 74 muzzle break its like shooting a .22, ammo is cheap and my Arsenal does 2" groups with mil surp. An ak in 5.56 is in the plans too.

 

[jrdolall]

I love my 74 because anybody can shhot it and it is pretty darned accurate. I love my AK because it is wood and looks cool. It has more recoil than the 74. Neither one ever jams and I will buy more if a good deal comes along. I have 3 rifles in 7.62 and only one in 5.45 so I need to even out the safe.

 

[Rob G]

I love my 74 because anybody can shhot it and it is pretty darned accurate. I love my AK because it is wood and looks cool. It has more recoil than the 74. Neither one ever jams and I will buy more if a good deal comes along. I have 3 rifles in 7.62 and only one in 5.45 so I need to even out the safe.

Sounds like you need a '74 with a nice wood stock. Last time I checked Waffen Werks had some nice ones.

 

[JustinJ]

I thought i'd heard somewhere that the 7N6 sold in the US is actually form Bulgaria? According to wiki 5.45 was made in Russia, Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, Ukraine, Krygystan and Uzbekistan.

 

[Bojangles7]

Lighter recoil? C'mon guys, that's like saying .22 LR has a lighter recoil than .22 WMR. Unless you're 120lbs. soaking wet, I see no significant benefit to getting the smaller caliber but YMMV.