$ to purchase 1 rifle: AR15 vs AK47 vs SKS

[semper_fidelis]

We have a SKS and a AR 15. I like the SKS better both have ups and downs. The 7.62 ammo is starting to dry up in IL. Accuracy with the AR-15 is dependent on the barrel with the 20" it is just as accurate as the SKS out to 100 yard and more at 200 and beyond but with the 16" accuracy isn't good. Its worse than the SKS at 100 yards. The reason is because the .223 round isn't made for that short of a barrel. In 16" the bullet can't get enough spin and speed to be as accurate or as effective on impaction flesh and bone. This is the same problem the military is having in Iraq. In my opinion you should go with a SKS but if you want a AR-15 make sure you go with the 20" barrel and keep it cleaned and lubricated.

 

[Pilot]

with the 16" accuracy isn't good. Its worse than the SKS at 100 yards. The reason is because the .223 round isn't made for that short of a barrel. In 16" the bullet can't get enough spin and speed to be as accurate or as effective on impaction flesh and bone. This is the same problem the military is having in Iraq.

My 16" CAR-15 is more accurate than both of my Russian SKS's at 100 yards. Maybe I just got lucky.

 

[cluttonfred]

My suggestion is to get the SKS since it's C&R status may be some protection against being legislated out of your gun safe.

With the money left over from your up to $600 budget (from the AR option) you can still get a standard, unmodified .223 Saiga with a 16" barrel and a couple of extra mags.

Now you have two guns, both fairly safe from most potential legislation, one as a historic collector's item and the other for its non-evil sporter stock and otherwise civilian appearance.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Accuracy with the AR-15 is dependent on the barrel with the 20" it is just as accurate as the SKS out to 100 yard and more at 200 and beyond but with the 16" accuracy isn't good. Its worse than the SKS at 100 yards. The reason is because the .223 round isn't made for that short of a barrel. In 16" the bullet can't get enough spin and speed to be as accurate or as effective on impaction flesh and bone.

From my 16" midlength barrel at 100yds. The squares represent 1" grids:

I have also shot this rifle out to 500yds with no accuracy problems. When you say that the 16" cannot get enough spin or speed for .223 to be accurate at 100yds, are you sure that maybe you are not just having a problem with the shorter iron sight radius on some 16" rifles? Because as you can see, the 16" has no problem providing enough spin and speed for excellent accuracy.