AR vs. AK ownership and interest

spacecoast · October 18, 2012, 12:55 PM

I'm not trying to ignore the alternatives, but Stoner's AR and Kalashnikov's AK platforms seem to have the most mindshare in discussions of "tactical" semiautomatic rifles available to civilians. I'm interested in how many users of each we have on TFL and the relative levels of interest. There's also a response category for those with no interest in either.

As a side note, it's not easy to design a poll where the categories are mutually exclusive and everyone fits into only one category. Hopefully I've been able to do that.

tahunua001 · October 18, 2012, 01:08 PM

I have 2 ARs, one in it's original 5.56 the other in 9mm, both are never leaving my collection.

I used to have an AK, after 2 years of trying to warm up to it and over 1,000 rounds through it(not a lot to some but a lot for me) I sold it for a loss. I just could not find any redeeming qualities to that rifle. the AR is a dated design but I still prefer it to any of the modern alternatives. it is nearly 100 percent ambidextrous with some of the higher end makers suck as Seekins Precision making 100% ambidextrous controls. you never have to remove your firing hand or break sight picture from the weapon for reloads, charging, clearing drills, ETC. the AK just can't do that.

and FWIW I have never had a failure with my 5.56 AR, (9mm is picky about mags) but I suffered many stoppages with the AK.

raftman · October 18, 2012, 01:21 PM

Have both and feel you can't appreciate the merits of one without owning the other.

chadio · October 18, 2012, 01:34 PM

AR / SKS for me

Nothing against the AK - my brother has an AK74 with a red dot that is an absolute treat. I may end up getting an AK one day, but I'm quite happy with what I have for now.

spyderdude · October 18, 2012, 01:37 PM

I own and enjoy both platforms with one AK and one AR. I do like the AR a little better simply because of ergonomics and weight but I love the AK for its no BS appearance and function. Both have their pros and cons.

Achilles11B · October 18, 2012, 01:41 PM

I have nothing bad to say about the AK platform, but I just prefer the AR.

Crow Hunter · October 18, 2012, 02:41 PM

I have multiple AR's and only 1 AK and it is for sale. So I voted multiple/no.

I like the AK. It was my 1st evil Black rifle way back in 1998. I always craved one growing up. (I would always give me GI Joe's AK's to replace their rifles

)

I just find that I am much better with the AR than the AK even with more experience with the AK.

Plus, as I get older, the sights on the AK are harder for me to use.

The AK is a delight to look at though and an example of extreme simplicity in operation.

darestie · October 18, 2012, 02:46 PM

Have both after being a die hard AK fan. Now after shortly owning an AR I am a fan of both.

I really like the AR for it's accuracy. My go to gun is still the AK for it's reliability.

Skadoosh · October 18, 2012, 02:56 PM

...what reliability issue/s have you had with your AR?

SR420 · October 18, 2012, 03:02 PM

1 ar-100

1 7.62 ak

SRH78 · October 18, 2012, 03:33 PM

No AK

1 SKS

Just started ordering parts for my first AR

South.Paw · October 18, 2012, 04:08 PM

I like the idea of having both and I had both at one time. I now only have AR's but I am still a fan of AK's and woud like to get one in the future.

Fishbed77 · October 18, 2012, 04:20 PM

One thing to note about the AR platform is that is can be adapted to many different alternate uses ("tactical" competition, hunting, precision shooting, .22LR plinking, etc.) that the AK is not as suited for.

I think that is why you'll find more folks owning multiple ARs than owning multiple AKs.

That said, both are obviously great platforms.

Jo6pak · October 18, 2012, 05:38 PM

Well, I kinda have 1/2 of each.

Daewoo DR200. Basically, an AR FCG with an AK gas system.
Best of both worlds, baby

chris in va · October 18, 2012, 05:44 PM

I had a Saiga conversion for a few years. Once I got into reloading, it became obvious it wasn't the ideal platform for that plus adding optics was not it's strong suit.

I just regret the 223 caliber is so tiny compared to the x39. Sure miss that solid thump it provided.

If I had to do it over, I'd probably just get a VZ 58.

spacecoast · October 18, 2012, 05:49 PM

Great comments so far, and some nice pics. Keep'em coming!

RT · October 18, 2012, 05:49 PM

I have > 4 of each. I prefer the AR for the mag release and the bolt hold-open. AR is also easier to mount optics.

arch308 · October 18, 2012, 05:53 PM

I own 1 AR and trust it. I had an AK but just couldn't find any use for it. It was a pre-ban folder and was kinda fun to blast away with but I couldn't get past the lack of accuracy or the crappy sights. I sold it a few years back and don't miss it at all.

jimbob86 · October 18, 2012, 06:14 PM

I have an SKS rifle. Why would I want a carbine that loses velocity and accuracy when compared to the SKS, particularly when dealing with an already underpowered round?

mavracer · October 18, 2012, 06:43 PM

AKs just don't do it for me. I have 3 ARs 1 A2 set up for CMP service rifle, a KISS carbine and a 300 Blk carbine. I also have a Mini 14

darkgael · October 18, 2012, 06:44 PM

It comes down to ones mindset...at least to some degree. "tactical semiautomatics".
I think of my AR as sporting goods.
There is nothing that I want to do with a rifle that the AR won't do better than an AK.
Pete

Eghad · October 18, 2012, 06:46 PM

I have 2 AR15s in 5.56/.223 and I just built a AR15 in 300 AAC BLK.

I have my old faithful WASR 10/63 that I bought for $249.00

I think the 300 BLK is going to be the best of both worlds.

SPEMack618 · October 18, 2012, 08:07 PM

I got a Romanian Ak variant fr Christmas in the 8th grade. What 13 year old doesn't need an AK?

That being said, my Father always makes it a point to give me guns He knows I'll never buy for myself. That has ranged from a Tec-9 to a Beretta Over-Under shotgun. Without him, I wouldn't have an AK. It's not that I don't like it, I enjoy shooting it, and I can get friends to come to the range with me bcause of it.

I also don't think I'll ever buy an AR-15, atleast not a M-Forgery. I would sorta like an M-16A2 style HBAR match gun, but I got enough tacticalness lugging about my M-4 in the sandbox.

armoredman · October 18, 2012, 10:26 PM

Neither.

I really disliked the SPROINNGGGG!!! in my ear from the M-16A1 I shot back in 1984, and never tried another one. i had AKs, but the accuracy wasn't what I was really happy with.

So I got a couple of SA vz-58 rifles instead.

iraiam · October 18, 2012, 10:37 PM

ARs for me, I once had an AK but was dissatisfied with the accuracy, after I bought a $99 SKS, I sold the AK, I still have the bone stock SKS, way more accurate than my AK ever was, but maybe I got a lousy one?

View Poll Results: AR vs. AK ownership / interest
More than 1 AR, no AKs	44	20.66%
1 AR, no AKs	44	20.66%
No ARs or AKs, but will likely have an AR within a year	10	4.69%
No ARs or AKs, but will likely have an AK within a year	3	1.41%
1 AK, no ARs	16	7.51%
More than 1 AK, no ARs	10	4.69%
At least one of each	65	30.52%
No ARs or AKs, but will likely have both within a year	4	1.88%
No ARs or AKs, and not likely to buy either within a year	17	7.98%
Voters: 213. You may not vote on this poll

October 18, 2012, 12:55 PM	#1
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	AR vs. AK ownership and interest I'm not trying to ignore the alternatives, but Stoner's AR and Kalashnikov's AK platforms seem to have the most mindshare in discussions of "tactical" semiautomatic rifles available to civilians. I'm interested in how many users of each we have on TFL and the relative levels of interest. There's also a response category for those with no interest in either. As a side note, it's not easy to design a poll where the categories are mutually exclusive and everyone fits into only one category. Hopefully I've been able to do that.

October 18, 2012, 01:08 PM	#2
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	I have 2 ARs, one in it's original 5.56 the other in 9mm, both are never leaving my collection. I used to have an AK, after 2 years of trying to warm up to it and over 1,000 rounds through it(not a lot to some but a lot for me) I sold it for a loss. I just could not find any redeeming qualities to that rifle. the AR is a dated design but I still prefer it to any of the modern alternatives. it is nearly 100 percent ambidextrous with some of the higher end makers suck as Seekins Precision making 100% ambidextrous controls. you never have to remove your firing hand or break sight picture from the weapon for reloads, charging, clearing drills, ETC. the AK just can't do that. and FWIW I have never had a failure with my 5.56 AR, (9mm is picky about mags) but I suffered many stoppages with the AK. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

October 18, 2012, 01:21 PM	#3
raftman Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,890	Have both and feel you can't appreciate the merits of one without owning the other. __________________ "My momma, she done told me, there's heart and then there's hate If one of 'em's inside of you, the other one, it aint."

October 18, 2012, 01:34 PM	#4
chadio Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2011 Posts: 931	AR / SKS for me Nothing against the AK - my brother has an AK74 with a red dot that is an absolute treat. I may end up getting an AK one day, but I'm quite happy with what I have for now. __________________ Ex - Navy, Persian Gulf Veteran. Loved shooting the M14, 1911, M60, M2

October 18, 2012, 01:37 PM	#5
spyderdude Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Posts: 579	I own and enjoy both platforms with one AK and one AR. I do like the AR a little better simply because of ergonomics and weight but I love the AK for its no BS appearance and function. Both have their pros and cons.

October 18, 2012, 01:41 PM	#6
Achilles11B Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Posts: 595	I have nothing bad to say about the AK platform, but I just prefer the AR. __________________ Good equipment will never be a substitute for good training.

October 18, 2012, 02:41 PM	#7
Crow Hunter Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2012 Posts: 1,078	I have multiple AR's and only 1 AK and it is for sale. So I voted multiple/no. I like the AK. It was my 1st evil Black rifle way back in 1998. I always craved one growing up. (I would always give me GI Joe's AK's to replace their rifles) I just find that I am much better with the AR than the AK even with more experience with the AK. Plus, as I get older, the sights on the AK are harder for me to use. The AK is a delight to look at though and an example of extreme simplicity in operation. __________________ I am no longer participating in gun forums. Good luck.

October 18, 2012, 02:46 PM	#8
darestie Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Sugar Land, Texas Posts: 57	Have both after being a die hard AK fan. Now after shortly owning an AR I am a fan of both. I really like the AR for it's accuracy. My go to gun is still the AK for it's reliability.

October 18, 2012, 02:56 PM	#9
Skadoosh Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 2,016	...what reliability issue/s have you had with your AR? __________________ NRA Life Member USN Retired

October 18, 2012, 03:02 PM	#10
SR420 Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2005 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 3,336	1 ar-100 1 7.62 ak __________________ The History and Development of the M14 EBR Last edited by SR420; October 18, 2012 at 06:51 PM.

October 18, 2012, 03:33 PM	#11
SRH78 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 517	No AK 1 SKS Just started ordering parts for my first AR __________________ "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

October 18, 2012, 04:08 PM	#12
South.Paw Junior Member Join Date: October 18, 2012 Location: Northern, CO Posts: 2	I like the idea of having both and I had both at one time. I now only have AR's but I am still a fan of AK's and woud like to get one in the future.

October 18, 2012, 04:20 PM	#13
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	One thing to note about the AR platform is that is can be adapted to many different alternate uses ("tactical" competition, hunting, precision shooting, .22LR plinking, etc.) that the AK is not as suited for. I think that is why you'll find more folks owning multiple ARs than owning multiple AKs. That said, both are obviously great platforms.

October 18, 2012, 05:38 PM	#14
Jo6pak Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2010 Location: West Coast...of WI Posts: 1,663	Well, I kinda have 1/2 of each. Daewoo DR200. Basically, an AR FCG with an AK gas system. Best of both worlds, baby __________________ NRA Life Member, SAF contributor.

October 18, 2012, 05:44 PM	#15
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	I had a Saiga conversion for a few years. Once I got into reloading, it became obvious it wasn't the ideal platform for that plus adding optics was not it's strong suit. I just regret the 223 caliber is so tiny compared to the x39. Sure miss that solid thump it provided. If I had to do it over, I'd probably just get a VZ 58.

October 18, 2012, 05:49 PM	#16
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	Great comments so far, and some nice pics. Keep'em coming!

October 18, 2012, 05:49 PM	#17
RT Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,194	I have > 4 of each. I prefer the AR for the mag release and the bolt hold-open. AR is also easier to mount optics.

October 18, 2012, 05:53 PM	#18
arch308 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 876	I own 1 AR and trust it. I had an AK but just couldn't find any use for it. It was a pre-ban folder and was kinda fun to blast away with but I couldn't get past the lack of accuracy or the crappy sights. I sold it a few years back and don't miss it at all.

October 18, 2012, 06:14 PM	#19
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	I have an SKS rifle. Why would I want a carbine that loses velocity and accuracy when compared to the SKS, particularly when dealing with an already underpowered round?

October 18, 2012, 06:44 PM	#21
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	mindset It comes down to ones mindset...at least to some degree. "tactical semiautomatics". I think of my AR as sporting goods. There is nothing that I want to do with a rifle that the AR won't do better than an AK. Pete __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

October 18, 2012, 06:46 PM	#22
Eghad Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 6,231	I have 2 AR15s in 5.56/.223 and I just built a AR15 in 300 AAC BLK. I have my old faithful WASR 10/63 that I bought for $249.00 I think the 300 BLK is going to be the best of both worlds. __________________ Have a nice day at the range NRA Life Member

October 18, 2012, 08:07 PM	#23
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 1,863	I got a Romanian Ak variant fr Christmas in the 8th grade. What 13 year old doesn't need an AK? That being said, my Father always makes it a point to give me guns He knows I'll never buy for myself. That has ranged from a Tec-9 to a Beretta Over-Under shotgun. Without him, I wouldn't have an AK. It's not that I don't like it, I enjoy shooting it, and I can get friends to come to the range with me bcause of it. I also don't think I'll ever buy an AR-15, atleast not a M-Forgery. I would sorta like an M-16A2 style HBAR match gun, but I got enough tacticalness lugging about my M-4 in the sandbox. __________________ NRA Life Member Read my blog! "The answer to any caliber debate is going to be .38 Super, 10mm, .357 Sig or .41 Magnum!"

October 18, 2012, 10:26 PM	#24
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,299	Neither. I really disliked the SPROINNGGGG!!! in my ear from the M-16A1 I shot back in 1984, and never tried another one. i had AKs, but the accuracy wasn't what I was really happy with. So I got a couple of SA vz-58 rifles instead.

October 18, 2012, 10:37 PM	#25
iraiam Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2012 Location: Lakewood, CO Posts: 1,057	ARs for me, I once had an AK but was dissatisfied with the accuracy, after I bought a $99 SKS, I sold the AK, I still have the bone stock SKS, way more accurate than my AK ever was, but maybe I got a lousy one? __________________ NRA Lifetime Member Since 1999 "I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people except for a few public officials." George Mason