Shtf - Ak-?

[Serum556]

If the SHTF, and you were compelled to go on the run (be it from commies, zombies, mutants, whatever) what kind of AK variant would you pick? I'm looking for an AK for fun (and I suppose, given the question a bit of security on the side) and don't know really what to get. I was looking at a VEPR K 7.62x39mm, but am now intrigued by Commissar Gribb's favorable reports of the 5.45x39mm.

What caliber do you think would be, in the long run, the most effective? And alternatively, the most available? Would 7.62x39 be the best choice, or maybe 5.56x45 since it's so common here in the states? What kinds of AK's do you shoot and how do they work out for you? Thanks.

 

[Father Knows Best]

You're most likely to be able to resupply your ammo on the run with a 5.56. Anytime before SHTF, though, the 7.62 is far superior to both the 5.45 and thr 5.56. You can legally hunt with the 7.62, while many states don't allow hunting with 5.56 and 5.45. Also, ammo and mags for the 7.62 are readily available and cheap.

I buy guns to shoot, not for pie-in-the-sky fantasy scenarios, so my AK is a 7.62x39.

 

[Crosshair]

I would go with 7.62x39 for an AK. Easy to find mags, ammo is plentifull even in the US. I would also have a .22 LR on me though. Since you will only have what you can carry.

 

[Commissar Gribb]

have an AK in 7.62 and 5.56

stockpile the 7.62

take 5.56 off the soldiers-turned-zombies

Since you will only have what you can carry.

Ideally one of those things you can carry are keys to a vehicle

 

[clange]

Also, ammo and mags for the 7.62 are readily available and cheap.

Well mags for 5.45 are cheap as well. You can get 4 polymer 30 round mags, a mag pouch, 4 strippers, and one loader for $30. Ammo is harder, but is still available online. Prices have gone up a little i think, but i recently got 2000 rounds of 5.45 for $203.



Thats about 600 rounds ready to go, and i have another case. Shouldnt need more then that, or i'm just really screwed.

 

[Father Knows Best]

Clange -- Nice!

 

[Commissar Gribb]

nice pic clange

only problem I see is finding 5.45 after SHTF.

lots of people cache up 7.62 x 39mm but 5.45 is a bit of an oddity as I found out the hard way this past weekend (went to the local gun store asking for ammo for my new tantal and the guy hadn't heard of it. he said "are you sure you dont mean 5.56?")

 

[clange]

Thanks guys.

only problem I see is finding 5.45 after SHTF.

Yeah, it would be a problem. Thats why i'll make sure i dont get below about 1000 rounds.

I also have a SAR-1 to change over to if for some reason i have to shoot my 74 1500 times and i'm still alive.

 

[ny32182]

x39 was meant to be in an AK.

The AK is the toughest of the rifle platforms, and the VEPR is the toughest of the AK's, so that is what I use.

 

[Lonestar.45]

Just use a big knife like Rambo, and capture an M-60.

 

[Warner]

x39 was meant to be in an AK.

Amen.

Check out the SAR-1's.

Nice and light, tough as nails, utterly reliable and completely solves the 9mm/40/.45acp stopping power debate out to 250 yards or so!


W

 

[Commissar Gribb]

Just use a big knife like Rambo, and capture an M-60.

correct me if I'm wrong but

didnt it go knife - M16 - M60?

 

[TIMC]

I would stick with 7.62x39. I have the weapon already (an SAR1) and plenty of ammo on hand. All I need is a chance to make it to the woods which is just outside my back door and then come and get me if you feel lucky.

 

[Eightball]

Wow, those are some....interesting weapon pics. Personally, I'd probably try to snag a BIZON-II (9mm SMG in the AK action, 64 round helical mag=the foregrip ), or a 7.62x39 Krinkov. 7.62 Soviet is probably going to be waaaaay more avaliable than 5.45 (since there's millions of AKs all around the planet in that calibre, far less of the 5.45 are around). However, I think that my Saiga .308 would be a nice tool to have, what with the 8x42 PSO sitting atop it . To each their own.

 

[Crosshair]

Again, this is why I would at least keep a 22LR handy. Save the big ammo for the big stuff.

 

[Stauble]

in a SHTF situation are we really gunna have time to go to our local gun store? id go with the 7.62 because i have 1500 rounds stocked for my SKS. (ill get an AK at some point). id go with watever ammo i have most of

 

[Commissar Gribb]

7.62 Soviet is probably going to be waaaaay more avaliable than 5.45

most importantly- there's likely to be more here. If you went to eastern europe during SHTF you might see just as much 5.45 but because we live in the USA, 7.62 x 39 is the cartridge of choice.

5.56 would also be a good choice considering the number of military and LE organizations that use it and keep quantities of it- not to mention the fact that it can be looted from abandoned wall*marts

 

[MechAg94]

I have a feeling that in a SHTF scenario, you might find all the usual sources of food, guns, and ammo cleaned out. I guess I am thinking about if there were a lot of people running around.

 

[The_Antibubba]

(mutters to self) "Nukes...gotta get me some of them nukes....

 

[rangeruger]

I prefer the 5.56, just because I have one tho. Ammo is available as are mags.

 

[beerslurpy]

My only gripe with 5.56 AKs are that USGI m16 mags dont work in them, only certain east european mags made for that caliber. You really arent likely to run across a ton of 5.56mm AK mags in the wild.

 

[Commissar Gribb]

mags are easy- you cag get those beforehand. 15- 20 does the trick and you never have to buy them again.

 

[MechAg94]

It would be interesting to do an anonymous survey in rural or urban areas and see just what people have on hand. Do most people owning guns have more than just a hunting rifle or a shotgun?

It occured to me that an M1 Garand or other 30.06 would be useful as there is likely a lot of that ammo around as well. (even though it is heavier)

 

[dave3006]

If you live long enough to fire a few hundred rounds, you should have a nice new gun collection (with ammo).

 

[goon]

I'd go with 7.62. Ammo is cheap and easy to find or buy online. If something happens what you neighbor has doesn't really matter too much, does it. It isn't like he is just going to give you all his '06 ammo, is it?