AR or AK?

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Dryft

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Howdy folks,

Given the choice between a standard design AR and a standard design AK of the same value/construction, what would you choose?

We all know there are modifications/options galore that could sway this argument either way - let's just work off the theory they're standard issue firearms.

Which would you choose, and why?

Let's assume a purpose of range shooting, steel plates, that sort of thing.

Let the arguing commence.
 
We have never had a thread discussing AR's and AK's in depth like this before, I can't wait for the results!
 
Piling on. Standard AR vs. Standard AK, two really questions have to be answered:

1. Do you like .22 caliber pills, or .30 caliber pills; and

2. How do you feel about pistons versus direct impingement.

Answer that and you have your answer. (on standard patterns).
 
That's easy I would pick an AK. Contrary to the crap people say they hit where I aim.

I actually sold an standard 20 inch AR15 I put together and never shot in favor of the AK.

I like how the AK is easy to maintain and a simple yet effective platform. If I wanted to dump thousands into an AR style rifle I may purchase an AR over the AK, but in standard stock form I have plenty fun with AK pattern rifles. Another thing to me shooting 7.62 is more fun than .223
 
I've had both.

IMO the x39 cartridge is superior to the 223. The delivery system however is very old and not terribly accurate. Sights are crude and the full length piston setup really pronounces recoil.

If I had to do it over again, I'd probably get a VEPR or VZ58. Somewhat of an improvement.

One drawback to x39, most are steel cased and not reloadable, the main reason why I got the AR.
 
I've also had both. I have trained people in Africa using the AK. I have trained people in Iraq using the AK and the M-16. The AR is plenty reliable. Yes, you can open the action and dump a handful of dirt in the AK and it will run, I've done it, but......I don't plan on doing that to EITHER gun. I can detail strip an M-16 with my Leatherman. I can carry a lot more ammo a lot further with the AR. I have no problem at all with the round the AR shoots, much less so as a civilian, where I can use any ammo I want to. And as a civilian, before I took an AK, I would take my modded SKS.
 
I like the AK's . My preference, to each his own.
I have two AK varients in my arsenal and if I have a CHOICE soon , it will probably be another AK varient!
 
>>We have never had a thread discussing AR's and AK's in depth like this before, I can't wait for the results!<<


Pandora's Box, that's what you're going to get. :p
 
The currently accepted solution for this canundrum..is..

Buy them both :)

My experiences were, I had an AK, traded it for an AR, bought another AK, spent $800 on upgrades, 2x as much as I paid for the gun...then bought another AR. Have both at this time.

I feel the AK is a better battle rifle. To repeat what has been argued to death; The only real advantages the AR can claim are accuracy and ease of mounting accessories, BUIS options, and scope mounts...all of which have been solved with the latest gear available for the AK addressing these shortcomings....
The accuracy issue for me is a non-issue, as the AK will do fine up at up to 200-300 yards, after which the AR may be more accurate, but is much less effective due to the velocity requirements of the 5.56 round's lethality.
 
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I went Ak. Haven't regretted that decision in the slightest. Simple, accurate(yes I did just type that), the platform lends itself well to magazine retention, and brutally reliable.
 
This is FUNNY!! apples, oranges or light 1/2 ton, heavy 1/2 ton truck or light arrow,heavy arrow can't understand how you could get suck'erd into this debate!! PUPS !!
 
i went with a milled mak 90, helluva gun.

If you want a 30 cal bullet stop the debate right now and get an AK. If your wanting a more accurate platform then it becomes a matter of ar vs ak 74. Personally i tend to lean more to AKs, and a well made AK-74 will be more accurate then you would think, not quite as pin point as AR but more than capable.

Pros of the AR include, wider ammo variety, customization, etc

Pros of the AK-74 include, cheaper ammo, better reliability, and folding stocks

im an AK fan so id suggest that, plus they make some really cool red dots that are only compatible with an ak side mount, you can go to Atlatnic and look at them. As for mags, they cost the same about now, but once the panic settles down 74 mags will be quite a bit more expensive.

if you have any questions feel free to ask
 
To answer your question: the AR. Now for the complicated part. I typically buy weapons by the caliber then find a firearm to meet the delivery. I don’t own a .223 or 5.56 as I choose to shoot in this group an LR308 with a 20” barrel. I’m not doing close quarter combat, don’t need to carry 500 rounds of ammo, and don’t need a 6 lb rifle to carry all day. The AR15 fits and meets all of that AND it is accurate. I don’t have anything bad to say about the AK. I will say that I don’t want to own a rifle (semi-auto included) that will not group at least 1 ½” with factory ammo from a bi-pod. A heck of a lot of the AR variant rifles will do this all day at no extra cost. My problem with the AR15 is that I am of the opinion that the cartridge is on the weak side.
 
Buy one of each, that's the route I took. I enjoy shooting both, for different reasons.
 
IdahoSkies said:
Piling on. Standard AR vs. Standard AK, two really questions have to be answered:

1. Do you like .22 caliber pills, or .30 caliber pills; and

2. How do you feel about pistons versus direct impingement.

Answer that and you have your answer. (on standard patterns).
Click to expand...
you can get a piston AR
 
Without a doubt the AK,

I dont know why this debate continues to rage on...

When we look at these guns in the light of what they are specifically disigned for, that being tools for fighting... The AK is king. Larger bullet, wayyy more durable. And plenty accurate to hit a man sized target at 200 yds. Not to mention ammo available

The last thing a want in a fight is an AR 15 in need of maintainence... Thats all.
 
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