AR and AK buy

[Fishbed77]

I suggest buying the AR as the first defensive/plinking rifle.

The fact that it is inherently the more accurate and typically lower-recoil platform with much better ergonomics makes it the better plinking rifle (it's more fun to hit your targets). This will help build up marksmanship skills, which transfers directly to it's usage as a defensive rifle. Also, a properly maintained and good-quality AR is just as reliable as an AK in my experience.

 

[amprecon]

Buy an AR in 6.8spc, spend the money you would've spent on an AK and buy a couple thousand rounds of ammo.
The 6.8spc has the energy of the 7.62x39, but with much better trajectory and range.

 

[kalashnikov74]

@ MISTWOLF

The AK is only uncomfortable if you try to shoot it like an AR, reloads can be done in about 3 seconds. Ergos are more basic (not worse), sights are adequete (not great), if you don't like them replace them. The rare jams (haven't had one in over 4000 rounds before that it was a poor mag that caused a few prior) are very easy fixes no "catastrophic failures" like an AR which I've seen alot of. Clunky really isn't a word I'd use to describe it, it can be more compact than an AR (folders) It's perfectly capable of 400-500 yds at a torso.

Not to say the AR's a bad weapon I like them and they are a fine choice, just don't spout off nonsense about the AK.

 

[henschman]

OK guys, the OP did not ask for a debate over the various features of both designs. While I concede such a debate is probably inevitable any time those two are mentioned in the same sentence, I would remind you that he just wanted recommendations on which version of each to get.

For the AK, I would recommend this one from Atlantic: http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1018.aspx
And then convert it back to traditional AK configuration yourself, following the many instructions for this online. This one is nice because it is already converted to AK-style handguards, front sight, and threaded barrel... the welded-on muzzle nut is designed to break off for conversion. So for the price of the rifle plus the conversion parts and a little sweat equity, you have a real Russian AK made at the same factory that makes the current military ones.

For the AR, I would scour the net and find the best deal possible on a lower receiver, and then complete it with a lower build kit and upper receiver group from Palmetto State Armory: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/lower-parts/build-kits.html http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/complete-uppers.html

IMO they are currently the best deal going on reliable, high QC, mil-spec ARs that would be suitable for HD and other serious use.

Doing the pistol grip conversion on the AK and putting together your own lower on the AR is a great way to become more familiar with the workings of both rifles, and both projects are suitable for a novice.

Or if you are more lazy, you might look at this AK http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1028.aspx and a complete AR from either Palmetto State or Smith & Wesson.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

I bought my AKs first. I'm planning to add an AR to the collection this year, but I was able to add two AKs and a ton of ammo to the collection for the price of the ARs I was looking at...so I bought those first. The cost of ammo was a pretty big deciding factor for me. I can shoot my AK-74 all day and not break the bank...5.45x39 is by far the cheapest centerfire cartridge to shoot...so I started there.

 

[Rob G]

I like them both and they're both pretty good for your purposes. But I bought my AK first because of the cost of ammo. I can buy 1080 round spam cans of Russian 7n6 (mine is an AK74 style in 5.45x39) for $120 + shipping which adds up to a whole lot of fun for not much money. And 5.45x39 is definitely a more than adequate round for HD situations.

It really comes down to money for me. If I had a bunch to spend I'd buy an AR. If I didn't I'd buy an AK. They're both equally fun to shoot and neither one is inadequate for HD.

 

[Hocka Louis]

Not bashing AK's, however, with their accuracy how can anyone say it is "plinking"? Making noise. Feeling recoil. But plinking? So not!

 

[Adam123]

Not bashing AK's, however, with their accuracy how can anyone say it is "plinking"? Making noise. Feeling recoil. But plinking? So not!

You Sir haven't a clue as to what you are talking about in regards to AK accuracy. AKs can be very accurate, but I am sure that you are simply repeating something that someone else was repeating that someone else repeated. I can shoot 1-1.5" groups @ 100 yards all day long with mine. I'd say that is more than sufficient for "plinking".

 

[Inebriated]

Not bashing AK's, however, with their accuracy how can anyone say it is "plinking"? Making noise. Feeling recoil. But plinking? So not!

Lol, right. Keep thinking that, bud. More parts kits for us over here in the real world.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

Not bashing AK's, however, with their accuracy how can anyone say it is "plinking"? Making noise. Feeling recoil. But plinking? So not!

I'm going to guess that you have little to no real experience with an AK and are just repeating internet mythology. Sure you're not going to use your AK to take the wings off a fly at 1000 meters but you can certainly hit some cans at 100m+

 

[kalashnikov74]

Not bashing AK's, however, with their accuracy how can anyone say it is "plinking"? Making noise. Feeling recoil. But plinking? So not!

Still stuck in the cold-war propeganda mentality I see.

 

[Rob G]

Not bashing AK's, however, with their accuracy how can anyone say it is "plinking"? Making noise. Feeling recoil. But plinking? So not!

There are some bad ones, but most of them are more than accurate enough for plinking. My '74 shoots 2 MOA with Russian surplus ammo. It would probably do better with match grade stuff.