AKM or '47?

[HMMurdock]

I currently own a Vector Arms AKM style rifle (with the stamped receiver and slant brake). Very nice rifle.

I also own a RRA AR-15, but I am rather fond of the AK and I have decided to take some tactical rifle courses and maybe some of the security contractor-oriented courses down the road.

Concerning the AK, I am debating if I should hang on to the AKM style or if I should sell it towards a standard AK-47 (no brake and milled receiver) from Vector. I have heard the milled receiver's are more accurate, but the AKM is the more modern version.

If it were you, which AK variant would you rather have on a dangerous security detail and/or using in a tactical rifle class and why?

Thanks.

TRL

 

[Joachim]

I too own a Vector Arms AKMS. I prefer the AKM pattern because they're:

Cheaper
Lighter
And the slant compensator actually works.

 

[HMMurdock]

Also, does anyone suggest a folding stock or fixed stock and why?

 

[grimjaw]

AKM, for the reasons Joachim listed although I would probably get a different brake. The stamped versions are going to be just as reliable as the milled ones.

I don't know from personal experience or training, but I would think a version with a folding stock would be easier to manipulate inside or while entering/exiting a vehicle.

jm

 

[MudPuppy]

My milled ak has a much, much smoother action that any stamped I've ever seen.

I used to love folders cause they looked sexy...high speed, low drag, commando-y. Then I shot a few--uhm, no thanks. You feel the recoil more and harder to get a cheek weld. Not my thing.

I do have an M4 type stock on a couple of my AKs. I love those, it lets me get the length of pull I want (thick coat, no problem, slide it in a bit, kids want to shoot it, slide it further.)

I don't notice the weight at all--going to have to do some comparisons on the scale.

 

[HMMurdock]

Aside from possibly a smmother action, anyone else wanna justify a milled over a stamped?

Why is the price of a milled so much more? Is it the process of making the receiver or is it just collector value speaking through the price tag?

TRL

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I'd also prefer the stamped to the milled. If this is a rifle that's actually going to get carried and used, then you don't want the extra weight to haul around. If properly made, both types will be above 'combat accurate'.

I do like the option of a folder, but many of them are either too cheap or poorly designed for pratical use. The cheap tapco folders aren't worth your time. I feel the same way about underfolders just because of discomfort during shooting, but that's personal and less objective. I do like the Romanian or East German wire folder, if you need a cheaper option. They're sturdy and fairly comfortable. If you've got the green, then I think the triangle folder is great ( http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16194&cat=251&page=1 ) though this is not a drop-in piece and will require smith work. The -103 style folder is a full rifle stock that also folds, the best of both worlds. Also very pricey, though. Basically, I think a folder is good as long as you're using a high-quality one that fits you well. If not, stick with the fixed stock.

I have a '74 style brake on my SAR-3 and like it. It is, however, a bit loud for use next to a crowd of others for very long (kind of rude, really). I think the slant brake is a decent substitute if the rifle is going to school with you.

Get a stamped model, get the triangle folder if you can afford it (or a romanian wire folder if not, if you must have folding capability), get the slant brake, and then get some sights you can see (a wider rear sight or some night sights are a great investment). Then just shoot it 'till you drop.

 

[Thin Black Line]

I would take the stamped only for ease of changing stuff out like stock sets
and swapping the slant brake for a bird cage or 74 style.

 

[EricTheBarbarian]

correct me if im wrong but the milled aks are more expensive because they are milled out of a piece of solid steel rather than stamped receivers out of sheet metal