AK-47 vs AR-15

[nawainwright]

I'm sure there are tons of threads like this, but I couldn't find one looking back a couple weeks.

I just sold my SKS and motorcycle and I'm looking to get into an AR or an AK, I do have 750 rounds of 7.62 and the AK is cheaper. But I like the versatility of the AR and the availability of parts.

Thoughts?

 

[shooter521]

I'm not even gonna go there. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and I own several examples of both.

 

[LPMan59]

i have an AK for sale and i live close to you. go with the ak

 

[Hellion_1]

I'm not even gonna go there. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and I own several examples of both.

+1 Personal preference will be your decision factor. Both platforms have been proven performers. Try and fire them both before you buy!

 

[2ADMNLOVER]

Both are fun but you already have AK ammo , plus it's hard to make one quit . You're not going to snipe anything at 400 yds but it can do just about anything else .

If for no other reason , reliability .

 

[jtmarine1911]

I'm not even gonna go there. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and I own several examples of both.

+1

I personally don't care too much for the AKs but they do have their pros and cons and both fill a void where the other doesn't.

And a side note, what does it hurt to have both? My problem is always deciding what to get first.

If it were me, I'd go back to another good SKS, but that is just me.

 

[Cwood]

AR's are like legos for grown ups!

 

[dave29]

Buy or build and AR with a 7.62 upper. (since you have the ammo)

 

[nawainwright]

Thanks LPMan59, I've looked at your AK actually (on the site). It is one to consider, I'm trying to get a pro's/con's list.
Specifically:
Reliability
Functionality
Longevity
Availability of parts

 

[Turtle]

Man everyone already knows im going to tell you to go with the AK.
But if you like to be diffrent.... I know I do..lol
Try either a VZ-58 in 7.62x39 Mine is AWSOME. Ill let you try it if ya like
Or an AR in 7.62x39

 

[shooter521]

I'm trying to get a pro's/con's list.
Specifically:
Reliability
Functionality
Longevity
Availability of parts

Pat Rogers once said that "The AK is more accurate than most think, and the AR is more reliable," and "AKs are reliable, but they're not infallible." Both are certainly true, IME.

Not quite sure what you have in mind when you ask about "functionality" and "longevity" (obviously, both will function and will provide a lifetime of service). Both platforms will also be reliable and will have a buttload (or a metric buttload in the case of the AK) of parts available.

Honestly, it's going to come down to 1) what kind of shooting you plan on doing, 2) which platform feels better to you, and 3) what your budget is.

The AK in 7.62x39 isn't the "cheap alternative" to the AR/5.56 it once was; the price gap in both guns and ammo has closed considerably in the past year or two.

 

[OneBadV8]

YouTube - M16 vs AK47 (1)

Discovery Channel does a good job of comparing their strengths. Although in my opinion, the AK is more accurate than they make it look.

 

[redneckmedic]

List your goals for the build or buy. What are your expectations? What is your budget? Maybe you will get another broad spectrum of opinions if you do that. Although when it comes down to it, you should have a fine rifle either way. I will through out the warning though...and some of the seasoned AKer's can expand on this. I believe there are a few AK manufacturers out there that ship there rifles top down in crates vs top up. Which in the past has bent the front site post. I believe Romanian are the ones to stay away from...might need further advising though.

 

[shooter521]

I believe there are a few AK manufacturers out there that ship there rifles top down in crates vs top up. Which in the past has bent the front site post.

Has nothing to do with how they're shipped, but everything to do with the monkeys who put 'em together. It can happen with AKs of any pedigree; I've even seen Arsenal guns with canted front sight posts.

 

[nawainwright]

I've got a fairly big budget, $1500 or so. So price is not an issue. I want something that I can rely on in just about any situation.

+1 for OneBadV8 for the video....very helpful

 

[nighthawk80]

I've got a fairly big budget, $1500 or so. So price is not an issue. I want something that I can rely on in just about any situation.

+1 for OneBadV8 for the video....very helpful

Well then get one of each. Then you won't have to make up your mind. Problem fixed!

 

[shooter521]

Well then get one of each. Then you won't have to make up your mind. Problem fixed!

A Daniel Defense/S&W/Bushmaster/LMT/RRA carbine and a Yugo M70AB1 would fit that bill nicely...

 

[sporter]

AK74 w/sidefolding stock. I have an AR and have owned many AR's in the past and I always seem to grab the AK74 to take to the range.

Some pics from wiki:

 

[hotfarmboy1]

I'd say go for both! I'm wanting both in the future myself as well. Although I'm thinking AK first.

 

[andyrping]

I say bury them both in the mud, dig em up and whichever still shoots will be the winner. Any guesses?