p.s- i misspoke when i said HD, i meant to say property defense as i have a fully functional shotgun servign the HD role. i realize the longer barrel would get in the way of that, this is mostly just for plinking, having fun with and for defense in SHTF (god forbid) situation.
An AR carbine shouldn't be any more unwieldy (especially with an adjustable stock) than a shotgun, usually less so due to the light weight nature of the AR. I prefer my AR for HD because of my ability to surgically hit targets with it, as opposed to my shotgun's wider pattern. Aks are fine and 7.62x39 is a great caliber, but I think you will be happier with an AR. I'll have both one day just because.