My 1st AR-15 or AK-47 setup - pros/cons

[Caliper_Mi]

Depends on what you want the rifle for. For fun and defense, either will fill the bill. The AR will run a bit more, but for that price you gain a lot of modularity if you want to reconfigure the gun for another goal later on. With the AK, you've pretty much got what you've got.

Having an AR and a SKS, I'm close to having one of each... I would say that I wish I had gotten the AR earlier. The beauty of the AR is the modularity. Want to shoot CMP Service Rifle one weekend and Three Gun the next? You'll need two uppers, but in a few minutes you can go from a match ready A2 style service rifle to a light and handy carbine.

Another consideration if you reload; quality reloadable .223 and 5.56 brass is all other the place as well as a wide selection of bullets. Reloadable 7.62x39 is available, but hard to find and bullet selection is slim.

 

[dprice3844444]

and the best thing about the ar,is if it breaks,the correct parts can be found almost anywhere,cheap.

 

[amprecon]

Or you could get the best of both worlds and get one of these , I want one, but not at their listed prices.

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=558

 

[Girodin]

One could also argue that it has the worst of both worlds in certain respects. I actually think it looks very interesting but I wouldn't but it as a first AR

 

[NG VI]

Any time the AR/AK comparison comes up, military anecdotes and common knowledge is bound to come out.

But when someone inevitably puts it out there that AKs are so reliable that xxx, it always makes me wonder what rifle the winning team was carrying?

 

[SabbathWolf]

Any time the AR/AK comparison comes up, military anecdotes and common knowledge is bound to come out.

But when someone inevitably puts it out there that AKs are so reliable that xxx, it always makes me wonder what rifle the winning team was carrying?

Winning Team?
lol....

Generally speaking...it's not usually the weapon itself that wins wars or conflicts anyways.
It's usually tactics, training, experience and the ability of politicians to shut the hell up and stop trying to run a war from behind a desk in Washington.

 

[MistWolf]

Winning Team?
lol....

Generally speaking...it's not usually the weapon itself that wins wars or conflicts anyways.
It's usually tactics, training, experience and the ability of politicians to shut the hell up and stop trying to run a war from behind a desk in Washington.

You have a point- to a degree. If this were entirely true, we'd still be using trapdoor Springfields. The AK is a decent assault rifle but the AR is a better and more modern design

 

[NG VI]

Generally speaking...it's not usually the weapon itself that wins wars or conflicts anyways.
It's usually tactics, training, experience and the ability of politicians to shut the hell up and stop trying to run a war from behind a desk in Washington.

That's true. And when people assume that because the AK-type rifles have a reputation for reliability and durability, while completely ignoring the intended life cycle of the person carrying it, that's a mistake too. It's not that AKs aren't good rifles, but they have issues inherent in their design and manufacture.

 

[CONNEX 3300]

None have been picky, difficult to maintain, unreliable or less than durable. None have needed any accessories, let alone an insane amount

Wish I could say the same about the AR's I have run. While they are mostly trustworthy, when out in the field a couple of them have been somewhat unreliable. Seems mainly to depend on what ammo is used. Which is one thing most AK's never had a problem with. But then again several of my friends have had AR experiences similar to yours.

As far as not needing accessiories? Seriously? Everyone I know can't help but load them down with lights, lasers, foregrips, mag release extensions, upgrade grips, upgrade buttstocks, new optics, improved irons etc.
Not that thats a bad thing. Its just one of the facts about owning a cool rifle.

 

[SabbathWolf]

You have a point- to a degree. If this were entirely true, we'd still be using trapdoor Springfields. The AK is a decent assault rifle but the AR is a better and more modern design

You have a point too.
I don't think we'd fair very well running around with flintlocks....lol
I agree with you there.
That's not what I really meant.

But I have to say that after having spent 20 years in the army, I am personally of the opinion that the AR is "NOT" a better design at all.
"Modern" does not always equate to "better."
They have a slight edge in accuracy and ergonomics.
This is true.
But they are also a lot more finicky and nowhere nearly as reliable as an AK.
And I fired multiple versions of REAL AK's and REAL A1s, A2s and M4s....as well as semi-auto clones before I retired.

As part of a fire team, the AR is fine.
It's a little more accurate and user friendly.
I never had a problem as long as I was with other guys to watch my back if I had to clear a malfunction.

But as a civilian now, living out in the country without at least a squad at my disposale...I prefer the AK clones simply because with no support, I need it to go "bang" every single time.

YMMV

 

[SabbathWolf]

That's true. And when people assume that because the AK-type rifles have a reputation for reliability and durability, while completely ignoring the intended life cycle of the person carrying it, that's a mistake too. It's not that AKs aren't good rifles, but they have issues inherent in their design and manufacture.

Agreed.....
But then again, so does every single other man-made mechanical object on earth as far as I know.

 

[d2wing]

For the OP's stated use either one. AK for cheap. Had several AK's and SKS's. Receiver and tube mounts are not too good for accuracy nor are the iron sights. Side mount red dot or low power scope is best. Saigas seem to be far more accurate which isn't saying much compared to an AR. I prefer the AR it is better balanced and feels better, is far more accurate and is easily rebuilt or modified. Both are low recoil limited power really fun ammo hogs. If you don't like shooting either one it's your fault. A feed ramp kit may be needed on a Saiga depending on the mags used. AR pay attention to if it's 5.56 or .223. Also you can have issue with steel case ammo with short gas tube AR's. H2 buffer and extractor kit fixed that for me. I don't think reliability is really an issue with a modern version of either but the AK is made to run on the cheapest possible ammo. The AR is made to run on good quality ammo with reasonable care. You not going to lose much if you buy one then sell it and buy the other. Have both. If I could only have one it would be the AR for me. If you are going to hunt, you might want a commercial rifle in a full power cartridge like a BAR, or 750 Rem.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

I prefer the AR15 because I know it best and find it to be the most versatile for my needs.

I own both and love both platforms though, and I will say that you will never know which is best until you have tried both for yourself...

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

and the best thing about the ar,is if it breaks,the correct parts can be found almost anywhere,cheap.

AK parts are quite plentiful.

The AK is a decent assault rifle but the AR is a better and more modern design

I've researched it till I was blue in the face and concluded this, neither rifle is better. They both are great rifles and both offer advantages and both have their short comings. I could argue and win that the AR-15 is better or that the AK is better. After handling and shooting them both I decided on the AK 74 because I liked the overall feel and function of it. The reliability of the AK is also comforting too.

It's not that AKs aren't good rifles, but they have issues inherent in their design and manufacture.

From a military standpoint, could you share what issues you see?

 

[TrickyDick]

Ak74 hands down. JustinJ had it right; Split the difference. Ak74 is reliable and the 5.45 round is excellent. The AR is pretty, works when it wants to, & can't handle brute force. I've used the AR platform in the military and I wasn't impressed with its action or design. I mean why the hell would you dump carbon directly into the chamber? I got lucky when they decided to issue me with an M249 SAW..... What a beautiful LMG...

 

[Snowdog]

I haven't any issues with or loyalties to either. I simply prefer the AR.

 

[MistWolf]

Agreed.....
But then again, so does every single other man-made mechanical object on earth as far as I know.

You might want to read what he said a little closer

That's true. And when people assume that because the AK-type rifles have a reputation for reliability and durability, while completely ignoring the intended life cycle of the person carrying it, that's a mistake too. It's not that AKs aren't good rifles, but they have issues inherent in their design and manufacture.

 

[SabbathWolf]

You might want to read what he said a little closer

Or I "might" want to ignore you...

I read his post and many people suck.
What did I miss?
That people die regardless of what weapon they carry?

 

[MistWolf]

...people assume that because the AK-type rifles have a reputation for reliability and durability, while completely ignoring the intended life cycle of the person carrying it...

More boys have been killed carrying AKs than than they have while carrying M4s.

I know it isn't the rifle that got them killed and that is exactly the point. Generally, those passing out AKs don't care if the recipients come back