AR vs. AK debate solved! (Atleast in my case)

[Nick5182]

With Christmas coming up next month, holiday bonus time at work is also just around the corner. I've been pretty set on getting a new gun, and since I bought a 1911 with my June bonus, I decided to go with a rifle this time. I owned an AR a few years ago, but when I got laid off at the last company I worked for I had to sell it (along with a few other guns) to make ends meet while looking for a new job. So with my experience having an AR, I knew it was a rifle I liked.

Recently my brother bought himself an AK, and after spending a few range trips with it, I figured I wanted one of those as well. I tried tossing around the pros and cons of each rifle, but both came in about even in my book.

So after much thought, and with friends' opinions and suggestions not helping much, I decided that I'll just buy both.

I'm planning on buying a doublestar for the AR-15, mainly because they're at a really nice price point and I can find them in the configuration I'm looking for: collapsible stock, 16" HBAR without the M203 barrel cut, flattop upper, etc. And for the AK, I think I'm going to go with a basic I.O. Inc sporter model. Something simple that I can customize to my preferences.

If finances follow the company's projections, I should have plenty of cash left over to add all the little do-dads and thing-a-ma-jigs that I want to both rifles.

I'll be sure to post pictures of them as soon as I get them!

 

[Carl N. Brown]

....collapsible stock, 16" HBAR without the M203 barrel cut, flattop upper, etc.

Build it. That describes the sort-of M4gery that is my son's first AR: the result of a build supervised by a family friend with over twenty years in the Army.

The only reason to have the M203 barrel cut, in my opinion, is if you want an accurate replica of the issue rifle. If you want a shooting gun for hunting, target shooting, defense, there are advantages to a plain bull barrel. We have also had unpleasant experience an AR with a recoil muzzle brake and 16" barrel. A heavy barrel of the same length does not recoil any worse and is quieter, a lot easier on the ears.

 

[bannockburn]

Nick5182

Good to hear that you're financial situation has once again come back to the positive side of things. It's always very disheartening having to sell off your guns to make ends meet; probably something many of use on THR have experienced at one time or another for various reasons. Might want to start stocking up on ammo and magazines with some of that leftover bonus money. Have fun and enjoy.

 

[stubbicatt]

Ah. I have found that miscegenation holds the answer to this ancient and pointless debate: mate the lower of the AR with the upper of the AK and add a rail...

Voila~!

SIG 556!

 

[MachIVshooter]

the configuration I'm looking for: collapsible stock, 16" HBAR without the M203 barrel cut, flattop upper, etc.

The S&W M&P Sport will meet your requirements for ~$650, if you can live without the forward assist or dust cover. If not, there are still several options that won't break the bank.

I would strongly recommend looking at mid length rifles versus 16" guns with carbine gas systems. Years ago, Armalite was about the only producer of middy's; Most manufacturers offer them now.

 

[Sam Cade]

16" HBAR

That is going to make it about a half pound heavier that what it would otherwise be.

 

[Rail Driver]

Build it. That describes the sort-of M4gery that is my son's first AR: the result of a build supervised by a family friend with over twenty years in the Army.

The only reason to have the M203 barrel cut, in my opinion, is if you want an accurate replica of the issue rifle. If you want a shooting gun for hunting, target shooting, defense, there are advantages to a plain bull barrel. We have also had unpleasant experience an AR with a recoil muzzle brake and 16" barrel. A heavy barrel of the same length does not recoil any worse and is quieter, a lot easier on the ears.

Don't shoot without ear protection and that's not an issue.

I prefer an effective muzzle brake on my AR rifle. Keeps me on target better for follow up shots (while recoil is minimal in the AR platform, muzzle flip is not).

 

[allaroundhunter]

I can't speak to the AK, but you won't be disappointed with the Doublestar. I have one and it has gone through more than $5,000 flawless rounds. It shoots extremely accurately with cheap ammo (close to 1" at 100 yds) and was only $650!

Sent from my HTC One X

 

[Cosmoline]

Why hbar?

 

[Ignition Override]

Nick5182: Have you excluded the Czech Vz-58 from your consideration?