AK-47 or AR?

[Darth_Rancor]

Cabela's has two AK-47's for $450 each, and I'm contemplating getting one. I know the reputation this rifle has for its durability, but I also know that it doesn't stack up to most AR's, like the AR-15 Armalite, when it comes to accuracy. The durability of the AK is a desirable quality in a rifle, obviously, but I'm not going to be crawling through the mud with this thing (I hope). The AR's seems like a better choice for someone who isn't going to be dragging their rifle through the jungle or whatever. However, I love the AK so I'm kind of in a conundrum. I'm on a shoestring budget, so do I go for one of the AK's or hold out for an AR? Thanks.

[Junk Yard Dog]

What use is accuracy to someone who has glasses thicker than coke bottle's, I will take the AK, any use I have for it will be up close.

[tjtM38]

This is a matter of function, style, accuracy and, probably most important, personal preference. The typical AK clone (that's what I call 'em because they are really not AKs) will give you 3 to 4 MOA at 100 yards with the stock sights, especially the 500 dollar AK clone which seems to be what you can afford. The lower end AR's are probably a bit more accurate with combat style sights, but not enough to make a big difference. AK-type semi autos are infinitely more reliable. You can throw them in the mud and still have the weapon function. I chose a high-end AK type, an Arsenal SGL 21-61 and I am not disappointed. After some exterior add-on mods, a few magazines of different capacity and variety, and a red dot sight/side mount, I have about $1,200 in the rifle. It is totally reliable, has great practical accuracy out to 200+ meters, and is a dead ringer for the Russian AK-74 rifle (albeit in 7.62x39 which was my choice of caliber). It is what I wanted and I was willing to pay the money for it. You have to decide which style you like, what caliber you want to shoot, buy what you can afford and be satisfied with the function and maintenance of the weapon.

[Jackson]

why not both?

[ponycarman]

thats what I would do if ya can swing it. I have two ak's and am buikding my second ar15. Both are good rifles. Just mainly person preference.

Ar's are a bit more precise which also ttranslates to be slighty less reliable. But not really much to fuss about. Never had an issue with mine. Ak's are very reliable because of the looser tolerances which makes it slighty less accurate. But not so much that it isn't good at doing what it was intended to do.

I watched a video on youtube comparing them both and the fellow did a great job explaining. He said to him the ar15 is like a scalpel and the ak a hatchet. Both are used for the same thing, cutting. And both would excel differently in certain situations. You wouldn't want a surgery performed with a hatchet and you wouldn't want to cut firewood with a scalpel. Just food for thought.

If I had to grab just one it would probably be an ak. Reliabilityis much more important to me than sub moa accuracy . Good luck with your choice

[RazorBurn]

I have three AR's and one AK. Truth be told, if I had to pick one and only one for SHTF I'd have to side with the AK. Mine's pretty darn accurate for an AK, it eats everything that's loaded in it, and it's less maintenance intensive as the AR can be. 7.62x39 was easier and cheaper for me to find than 223/5.56 before, during, and after the madness of last December through this April. No, I did not pay scalper ammo prices, I just waited my time and picked it up for reasonable prices whenever I came across it.

I'm with Jackson though, why not both?

[bocephus]

How would the AK-74 compare? It's supposed to have a few improvements over the 47. I've been eyeing the ones classic currently has.

[Junk Yard Dog]

ADULT WARNING

[ponycarman]

How would the AK-74 compare? It's supposed to have a few improvements over the 47. I've been eyeing the ones classic currently has.

They are excellent rifles as well. But the ammo is less available. Its out there, just not as availableas the other rifles calibers. An ak in .223 would be interesting. The mags are pretty expensive for them though from what I hear.

[bimmey]

I have both. Can't really put my finger on why, but I prefer the AK for sheer fun factor. Its loud, shoots awesome fireballs (its an AMD 65) cheap plentiful ammo and accurate enough for me. However, I'm sure you will be very happy with either.

[BuckeyeSgt]

Its the age old debate. What gun is better what caliber is better. I have a couple of ARs that I went with just because that is what I carried so I know them pretty well. But they are a pain in the a to clean. I would like an AK but it would have to be a good one and not a century. I will probably hold off till ammo is real plentiful again. One nice thing about the AK besides the firing full of gunk is the cheap steel ammo. I won't fire anything but good brass ammo through my ARs.

[Dan4good]

i have a romanian ak 47 that works flawlessly and never has failed. But my wife and i are going to get an AR possibly nect thursday its my bday and were going to a dealer show with a friend but ours will be chambered in the 6.8spc

[Sirex]

The AKs were designed for "simple" people. That said, I'm an AK guy.

[mogunner]

Carried an AR for 15 years. Didn't care for it at all. Bought a Saiga in x39 and did the conversion on it. It was ok...swapped it for an SKS and $400. I'll stick with the SKS.

[Ironnewt]

If you get an AK style rifle you basically have a choice of 3 calibers, 7.62x39, 5.56 and 5.45x39. If you get an AR, by popping two pins and replacing the upper (which you can buy direct as the lower is the "firearm') you can go from .22lr to any caliber that they make uppers for.

[etprescottazusa91]

AK folder makes a handy off road rifle, goes with us everywhere when we leave pavement.

[Darth_Rancor]

Most people seem in favor of the AK, and I think that's what I'll go with. The "fun factor", as bimmey said, tips the scale. It's just a really cool gun that I don't have to baby. Thanks for your input, and if anyone else has something to post I still want to hear it even though I've kind of made up my mind.

[Greasemonkey]

If you get an AK style rifle you basically have a choice of 3 calibers, 7.62x39, 5.56 and 5.45x39. If you get an AR, by popping two pins and replacing the upper (which you can buy direct as the lower is the "firearm') you can go from .22lr to any caliber that they make uppers for.

What about the other AK's , Saiga 12-12 gauge, PSL-54c-7.62x54r, Yugoslavian M76-8mm, Izhmash .308-.308Win.

All right, I'll be the odd man out AK or AR, now that I own both, come hell or high water, I'd still pick my Czech Vz 58. Always fun to throw this into an AK-AR discussion

AK reliability and in my opinion, a slightly more accurate than one. Not as tactical or as versatile as the AR. I like all of my AK variants, this one I really enjoy

And other AK fans won't borrow/steal your magazines when your not looking they won't fit

[dou44]

I carried the m16 for 21 years in the army, it's a vg gun .while I was over sea's I would carry my ak when I could get away with it on patrols. out to around 200 yards it was ok and would not out shoot the ar but I trusted it more in the sand and wind. if it had ar peep sight's on it I would really would have not wanted to switch back. more reliable with knock down power.

[soylentblue]

I always prefer wood over plastic - but that is just me.