Trade my AR for an AK?

Trade the AR for the AK?

  • Yes

    Votes: 31 23.8%

  • No

    Votes: 94 72.3%

  • Sell the AR and buy a ____________

    Votes: 3 2.3%

  • Forget either, OHB will ban 'em anyway.

    Votes: 2 1.5%
  • Total voters
    130
Status
Not open for further replies.
H

Holloman

Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
56
I have a "semi-custom built" AR-15.

(In other words, I built it with a DTI kit, so not really "custom" as much as unassembled)

The stats: DTI Lower, DTI lower parts kit, standard trigger, Israeli grip, A2 stock, 16" upper (pulled from a Bushmaster ORC, so an A4 type with no front sight post) Cheapo quard rail, Mako forward grip (that holds an extra mag)

The Argument:
-Currently the AR is a range toy (Ammo prices are NOT cheap)
-slightly less reliable
-longer overall length (M4 style stock vs sidefolder/underfolder)
- I might get one for work use anyway (I am in Law Enforcement)


I'd like an AK because-
-longer service life
-cheaper parts
-more variety in parts (Not talking about lights, sights, scopes, etc, more like more contries producing parts)
-more variety in stocks (side,under,wooden,plastic)

I also have 25+ mags and about 2k rounds of ammo. Is it worth it?

*I know this will be very biased, and that this same type of discussion goes on constantly, just please humor me*
 
If you like the AK and dont really care that much about the AR, why not. Especially if your going to get another AR/M16 through work.

Not to dis your building skills, but I dont trust "kit" builds myself. I've had a few, and there was always some sort of issue or problem, so that in itself would make it an easy decision for me.

I'd keep most of the mags and all the ammo though.


If you get the AK, dont fall for all the upgrade BS. "Most" of the add on stuff is junk and unnecessary.

The original fixed stock is not to short, and its really the best option. Once you get used to it, you'll understand why. (its also has the same exact LOP as most other "combat" rifles)

The one add on that is worth the money, is the Ultimak rail, especially when you put an Aimpoint on top of it. Both are rugged and well made, and your AK will keep up with any other dot sighted gun.
 
In a heart beat!! If you can get a Yugo M70ab2 underfolder or any well built AK type rifle you will be way better off. The AK IS the SHTF go to rifle. It will still be going bang long after the AR has given up the ghost. If you can have both, then that would be the way to go, but if it one or the other..AK.
 
I really dislike AR rifles – don’t own one, more than likely never will – but I say keep the AR and save for a nice AK. Given the political uncertainly and price of a good AK as compared to a good AR, It’s best to keep the AR.
 
The only way I would consider a trade is if I was getting 3 for 1. As far a SHTF rifle I would think the AR would be just fine. Lets be real here, how many of you are planning on ever being in a major SHTF situation where the most rugged rifle is needed. Parts and ammo abailabilty, and accuracy it's the AR15 all the way.
 
No. My personal opinion is that the AK has seen its price go up with demand.

Your AR has not. Though if you do not own an AK I would buy one from someone selling theirs for $500 to ditch it. I believe that any imported automatic firearm will be the next on the chopping block.

:)
 
Ammo is expensive?

I shoot steel cased junk through my DTI all the time. Never had a problem. What upper is yours?
 
Its a question only you can answer.

Which one has better ergos for you?
How much ammo / mags do you have for each?
Do you trust your AR will get you through the crap?
Do you trust that you could hit anything with an AK?


For me, I have both, the AK is my go to gun. I can make COM shots on a silhouette target to 250 yds pretty reliable with what I consider a " engagement speed". Doing the same thing with the AR, I can put all of the rounds on target and most of the time a grouping of about half the size of the AK.

Some people say things like "If anything happens, there will be tons of AR mags/parts and .223 hanging around". This isnt a video game, the guns wont lat there glowing (props to whatever member said this, I forgot your name).


I guess what Im saying is make sure you atleast have a rifle you fell good defiending the life of you and your loved ones with.
 
Get a .22 upper.

That, and fixed-stock 16" rifles don't seem to be selling well anywhere that I've seen--you wouldn't necissarily get your money's worth, what with the inflated prices on AKs lately.
 
If you can get one of the more desireable AK's maybe a nice milled Arsenal AK that were expensive even before the election then yeah go for it. Maybe also for a nice custom Norinco or custom Saiga conversion, one that has been welded and refinished professionally by a known gunsmith not a DIYer. I would not trade it for the home bent AKs or some of the monkey built AKs that Century has imported over the years.

If not just shoot cheap steal cased ammo through your AR.
 
I don't really think any of your listed reasons for liking the AK are actual advantages. Just my opinion, but maybe you hadn't thought about them like this.

-longer service life
Click to expand...

I think the opposite is more likely true. Stamped AKs were never even meant to last an extremely long time.

-cheaper parts
Click to expand...

Is this really a big deal? The only thing I've ever had break on an AR was a pin, which cost <$1 to replace. Also, see how the next one applies...

-more variety in parts (Not talking about lights, sights, scopes, etc, more like more contries producing parts)
Click to expand...

This seems like more of a disadvantage to me. It seems like banning the importation of gun-related things is the easiest route for gun-banners. You're completely dependant upon a long, fragile, possibly expensive, and complicated supply chain.

-more variety in stocks (side,under,wooden,plastic)
Click to expand...

I love AKs (maybe more than ARs), but regardless of the type of stock, they tend to be less comfortable to shoot, across the board. Even if they weren't, they're hard to change, so you're likely going to pick one style and stick with it. Having lots of options isn't an advantage in my mind unless you can easily switch from one style to the other depending upon your needs.

The fact that you may be getting an AR for duty use is, to me, even more reason to keep the AR. You'll be able to train on your own, and your "range toy" will now be a privately-owned example of your working gun; a gun you want to be as familiar as possible with, considering you may have to use it to save some lives some day.
 
Ditch the AR15 and get the AK-47.



The AK-47 exceeds the AR15 by offering:

- a heavier (123 gr.) bullet (twice that of the 55 and 62 grain 5.56)

- larger diameter bullet (92.77% more cross-sectional area than the 5.56)

- 12.85% more KE "on tap": (AR15= 1313.7 fpe for a 55FMJ@3280fps vs. AK47= 1482.5 fpe for a 123 FMJ@2330fps)

- significantly higher momentum (ρ=mv) (58.86% more than the 55FMJ@3280fps)

- superior penetration against intervening barriers

- sufficient combat accuracy at typical engagement ranges

- excellent durabilty (stamped or milled, they've seen better than 60 years of service and the vast majority are still operational despite poor to zero maintenance and corrosive ammunition)

- easier to maintain and service, the AK seems to thrive on abuse, the AR is "fragile" in that regard
 
I would keep the AR. I haven't really seen cheaper ammo if your looking for blaster stuff in awhile. They both cost the same around here. 223 is easier to find stuff for if you reload. I can reload 223 for a lot less than steel case 7.62 costs.As far as service live. I have yet to see any proof an AK will last longer than an AR. As far as parts, who cares. I buy US on anything I can so it is a non issue to me. As far as stocks. Have you seen all the bolt on tacticool junk they have for AR's.
 
By "longer service life" I meant the time in which the gun has been in service with various countries.

I have a Bushmaster upper.

Yes, it is BHO, not OHB. (It was late when i was typing it!)

Yes, I have seen all of the tacticool stuff for the AR's, but the only thing i really need is a light.

I'd def be keeping most of the mags and ammo, I can use them when they issue me one. I also have no issues with the gun being made from a kit. Everything was perfect and fit well. (I highly recommend the DTI kits)

There was a good point made that the price of AK's is very variable compared to the ARs.

Oh, and as far as the Garand...

I own 2. The AR (or the AK) will ALWAYS be my second choice in SHTF. Call me nostalgic, but I'll use the Garand first any day.
 
i have an AK but have been debating on trading it for an AR. my decision is more of a familiarity and training issue. i really dislike the 5.56 round as i think its too small for normal battle rifle use. i see it as a varmint caliber. even though i know it can be effective against people, i find a larger caliber to be more effective. i do however think that if a ban takes effect or SHTF that the AR will be easier to maintain as far as parts and such. i also have a ton of mags for one and several years of training with one in the military. i have also seen what the AK will do first hand.

sorry for the rambling, hope it makes some sort of sense.
 
Hypothetical...

What happens if the current administrations decides to ban all importation of ammunition? Would the AK have the cheaper ammo then? :scrutiny:

So IMuHO keep the AR. ;)
 
I'd save up and try to buy the AK. At some point you'll miss having an AR15 of your own and will want yours back. On a side note, the collapsible stock on an AR seems much easier to take shots off of than the metal of the strips of the underfolder AK. Might be just me whining.
 
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