Best AR or AK caliber around 8.5"-10.5"

[Lord_Balkan]

Hey all,

I am looking to get an AR or AK 'pistol' and I can't decide wether on 300 Blackout or 7.62x39 caliber. For me, this would be a trunk gun, home defense gun, and SHTF gun. Something that can be effective to up to maybe 100-200 yards. I don't want to do .223 because of the muzzle flash / noise and I've been reading that 223 looses a lot of effectiveness out of shorter barrels. If I do 7.62x39 I would probably to a PSA. 300 Blackout I would either get a Ruger or PSA.

What are your guys thoughts?

 

[Tommygunn]

.300 AAC Blackout. For a pistol, probably the best for retaining power over distance, if you expect pistol type performance.

 

[Lord_Balkan]

The appealing thing of 7.62x39 is the price of ammo, how does that do out of a 8-10.5" barrel?

 

[Gordon]

The appealing thing of 7.62x39 is the price of ammo, how does that do out of a 8-10.5" barrel?

It does VERY well out of a shorter barrel, but stick to 12" or so + a Krink brake.. The 5.56 pretty much sucks out of less than 10.5" and the .300 Blk is outrstanding down to 8" The .300 Blk ammo is much more expensive and harder to find than 5.56 or 7.62x39 . The 5.56 is more common but plenty of cheap 7.62x39 out there.