AR15 vs. AK47

magnum777 · March 23, 2013, 07:15 AM

I just wanted to know which rifle do you prefer the AR15 or the AK47, and why?

oryx · March 23, 2013, 07:25 AM

AR.
Precision, configuration, option availability, caliber choices

jonnyc · March 23, 2013, 07:26 AM

1. Can you even still have either in NY?
B. If you use your "Google Fu" you will find about 8,000,000,000 answers to this question on just about every gun site there is.
III. If I had to answer the question for myself, and I did, I would choose the AK for its simplicity and reliability.

mrvco · March 23, 2013, 07:36 AM

Depends on the application.

KCampbell · March 23, 2013, 08:04 AM

There has been a lot of debate on this.But heres the answer.THIS IS A SATIRE IT IS MEANT TO BE FUNNY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGih7eWI3E

grizz223 · March 23, 2013, 08:13 AM

I love both rifles but if i were going into a SHTF type of problem. I would take my AK. If i'm just shooting for fun I would take the AR. Just my.02 cents.

mxsailor803 · March 23, 2013, 08:18 AM

I have one of each and its really a toss up between the two. But if shtf, my wife would take a AR and i'll grab AK. But then again, we are both proficient with each system.

Pilot · March 23, 2013, 08:29 AM

I have both, and prefer the AR. I like the ergonomics of it much better than the AK, as well as the modularity. Internet stories of it malfunctioning have not affected the reliability of both of mine.

I do like the AK-74 platform, and the 5.45 round however, but I still prefer the AR.

TAKtical · March 23, 2013, 08:36 AM

The AR is an ultra reliable platform... if you only shoot at the range

People always argue accuracy in the AR vs AK debate but 70% of the people that buy an AR are not planning on shooting at distances that would show the accuracy differences between the two rifles. Most people that routinely shoot at 300+ yards will do so with a bolt action, precision built rifle not an AR or AK.

BerdanSS · March 23, 2013, 08:38 AM

My thumbs like the AR better

Only time the "AK" sees the light of day around here is blasting odds and ends at the range for fun. old 2 liters, pumpkins that kind of thing. Its a GP WASR-10, and is pretty much worthless for anything but fun time blasting. Couple of my ARs can bulls eye varmints at 600 yards. (probably do better with better eyes

) AKs, to me are supposed to be low tech and simple. NV, optics and all the other high speed stuff that's come along doesn't really belong on one in my opinion. The AR has turned into the most versatile system out there. (I hate the term "Platform"

) And the most used friendly. Also with the range of calibers now, you can have one lower with an upper for every job. Only thing "AK" people ever bring to the table is "RELIABILITY!" I've ran my ARs just as hard (and one of them harder) than the "AK" without one, single FTF, FTE, FTF anything.....

elDiabloLoco · March 23, 2013, 09:18 AM

This could be a really interesting thread....

I like both.

I like the AK platform for the same reason I like glocks. Both are very simple.[I enjoy shooting the AK a lot more than I like shooting a glock though.]

Sometimes the extra kick of 7.62x39 is more fun than the AR. The AK74 and AR are just about the same fun wise.

Would really like to try an AK in 7.62x39 with a 20 inch barrel. Or a good SKS.

Prefer adjustable stocks on either AK/AR cuz I need a short length of pull, but one of my buddies is a huge Sasquatch.

Seems easier to get a set up with a longer sight radius on an AR platform. The most common sight set-ups on both platforms pretty much suck in equal measure. Easier to put optics on most AR's, but have not done it.

mk70ss · March 23, 2013, 11:41 AM

Precision shooting out to about 150 yds, or range run for target work....I will grab my AR-15.

Pure battle, SHTF gun, I'll grab my AK-47.

Quentin2 · March 23, 2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

This could be a really interesting thread....

If you find it really interesting I suggest you do a quick search. There are thousands of AR vs. AK threads out there.

JD0x0 · March 23, 2013, 12:06 PM

Im more partial to the AK platform. Personally I think I'd probably attempt to get something like a .308win AK like the saiga for more range, and better ballistics and the recoil does not bother me.

kraigwy · March 23, 2013, 12:11 PM

I used a M16A1 in combat (SE Asia), anyone who says they aren't reliable never shot one much. Newer ones are better yet.

Take in a Three Gun Match or two, compare the numbers of AR's vs. AK's. that should tell you something, they want reliability as well as accuracy plus speed.

Three gun matches are short range events.

I conduct CMP Gsm events which include modern military catagories using these rifles. I have had guys show up with AK's but never twice. They can' t compete. We're talking 100-200yards.

No comparison. That does't even address longer ranges up to 1000 yards.
P
I will offer a challenge to any AK user. Bring your Ak and 500 rounds, I'll bet I'll get more rounds on a man size target at 100 yards faster and without malfunctions with my Un modified AR.

This an open challenge to any AK user.

Quentin2 · March 23, 2013, 01:01 PM

Excellent answer, Kraig! And hard to argue with.

RT · March 23, 2013, 01:20 PM

I own and have shot both extensively.
AR wins easily for: ease of optics mounting, bolt hold open, and moldularity.
Just keep it lubed and you won't have any problems

Venom1956 · March 23, 2013, 01:27 PM

I like my Crude AK. SGL-31

I'll accept kraigwy challenge just cause it sounds like a fun day of shooting!

Quentin2 · March 23, 2013, 01:32 PM

Ah, Wisconsin vs. Wyoming!

But if I were coming from WI I'd bring a BCM (AR) not an AK!

kraigwy · March 23, 2013, 02:21 PM

Quote:

I'll accept kraigwy challenge just cause it sounds like a fun day of shooting!

Come on, win, loose, or draw, I'll buy lunch.

Mezzanine · March 23, 2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

There has been a lot of debate on this.But heres the answer.THIS IS A SATIRE IT IS MEANT TO BE FUNNY

Was that David Koresh?

SPEMack618 · March 23, 2013, 02:58 PM

Well, my M-4A1 always worked when I needed it too. And it worked well.

Accurate. Lightweight, even with a -203 under it, reliable, easy to use and handle.

I got an AK- for personal use, but it is nothing more than a range toy.

AR- platform hands down.

SIGSHR · March 23, 2013, 04:33 PM

I've fired both in war and peace, not that fond of the AR/M-16 but I would take it, mainly because it really is designed as a rifle, the AK is sort of a glorified PPSh M1941.

tahunua001 · March 23, 2013, 08:02 PM

and no discussion of the AR VS AK would be complete without THIS.

personally, I much prefer the AR and here is why:
1. I've had more jams, failures and otherwise malfunctions with AKs than I have with ARs, period.
2. every AR I've fired, even specialty calibers like 9mm and 7.62x39 have been more accurate than any AK I've ever fired.
3. I can field strip and reassemble an AR 3 times faster than my fastest time with an AK.
4. AR is more refined, AK can be hammered out of a shovel blade(not long ago I read a thread about a guy that did just that).
5. AR has more aftermarket play things.
6. more MODERN militaries use a 5.56 rifle than 7.62x39 so should S ever HTF, a person would be smart to have a gun that takes the same ammo as everybody else.
7. AR parts are easier to get ahold of than the AK and with more people using the AR than the AK, in an environment much like this one where there is no parts availability whatsoever it would be much easier to find a neigbor with a spare part you need for an AR than an AK.
8. ARs are easier to work on.
9. ARs without all the gadgets are lighter than AKs.
10. BECAUSE AK47S ARE FOR COMMIES!!!!!

Mrgunsngear · March 23, 2013, 08:39 PM

I love them both but if I could only have one rifle

------ AK-74 all day. Accuracy is maybe 1 MOA bigger than an AR, cheap ammo (even these days), easy to maintain, good terminal ballistics, and these days there's plenty of accessories for the AK platform.

That said---I'm glad I can have both

March 23, 2013, 07:15 AM	#1
magnum777 Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Location: upstate New York Posts: 90	AR15 vs. AK47 I just wanted to know which rifle do you prefer the AR15 or the AK47, and why?

March 23, 2013, 07:26 AM	#3
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	1. Can you even still have either in NY? B. If you use your "Google Fu" you will find about 8,000,000,000 answers to this question on just about every gun site there is. III. If I had to answer the question for myself, and I did, I would choose the AK for its simplicity and reliability. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

March 23, 2013, 08:29 AM	#8
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	I have both, and prefer the AR. I like the ergonomics of it much better than the AK, as well as the modularity. Internet stories of it malfunctioning have not affected the reliability of both of mine. I do like the AK-74 platform, and the 5.45 round however, but I still prefer the AR. __________________ Pilot

March 23, 2013, 08:36 AM	#9
TAKtical Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2012 Location: ohio Posts: 145	The AR is an ultra reliable platform... if you only shoot at the range People always argue accuracy in the AR vs AK debate but 70% of the people that buy an AR are not planning on shooting at distances that would show the accuracy differences between the two rifles. Most people that routinely shoot at 300+ yards will do so with a bolt action, precision built rifle not an AR or AK. __________________ Due to several differences of opinion with staff, I am choosing to no longer do business on this forum. Everyone that has a pending order will need to contact me via email at [email protected] Thanks, -Tom&Tricia

March 23, 2013, 08:38 AM	#10
BerdanSS Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2011 Location: to close to other houses Posts: 1,176	My thumbs like the AR better Only time the "AK" sees the light of day around here is blasting odds and ends at the range for fun. old 2 liters, pumpkins that kind of thing. Its a GP WASR-10, and is pretty much worthless for anything but fun time blasting. Couple of my ARs can bulls eye varmints at 600 yards. (probably do better with better eyes) AKs, to me are supposed to be low tech and simple. NV, optics and all the other high speed stuff that's come along doesn't really belong on one in my opinion. The AR has turned into the most versatile system out there. (I hate the term "Platform") And the most used friendly. Also with the range of calibers now, you can have one lower with an upper for every job. Only thing "AK" people ever bring to the table is "RELIABILITY!" I've ran my ARs just as hard (and one of them harder) than the "AK" without one, single FTF, FTE, FTF anything.....

March 23, 2013, 07:25 AM	#2
oryx Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Posts: 142	AR. Precision, configuration, option availability, caliber choices

March 23, 2013, 07:36 AM	#4
mrvco Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2011 Posts: 214	Depends on the application.

March 23, 2013, 08:04 AM	#5
KCampbell Member Join Date: March 11, 2013 Posts: 23	There has been a lot of debate on this.But heres the answer.THIS IS A SATIRE IT IS MEANT TO BE FUNNY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGih7eWI3E

March 23, 2013, 08:13 AM	#6
grizz223 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2013 Location: Fl Posts: 204	I love both rifles but if i were going into a SHTF type of problem. I would take my AK. If i'm just shooting for fun I would take the AR. Just my.02 cents.

March 23, 2013, 08:18 AM	#7
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	I have one of each and its really a toss up between the two. But if shtf, my wife would take a AR and i'll grab AK. But then again, we are both proficient with each system.

March 23, 2013, 09:18 AM	#11
elDiabloLoco Member Join Date: December 18, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 77	This could be a really interesting thread.... I like both. I like the AK platform for the same reason I like glocks. Both are very simple.[I enjoy shooting the AK a lot more than I like shooting a glock though.] Sometimes the extra kick of 7.62x39 is more fun than the AR. The AK74 and AR are just about the same fun wise. Would really like to try an AK in 7.62x39 with a 20 inch barrel. Or a good SKS. Prefer adjustable stocks on either AK/AR cuz I need a short length of pull, but one of my buddies is a huge Sasquatch. Seems easier to get a set up with a longer sight radius on an AR platform. The most common sight set-ups on both platforms pretty much suck in equal measure. Easier to put optics on most AR's, but have not done it.

March 23, 2013, 11:41 AM	#12
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,598	Precision shooting out to about 150 yds, or range run for target work....I will grab my AR-15. Pure battle, SHTF gun, I'll grab my AK-47.

March 23, 2013, 12:06 PM	#14
JD0x0 Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2013 Posts: 1,037	Im more partial to the AK platform. Personally I think I'd probably attempt to get something like a .308win AK like the saiga for more range, and better ballistics and the recoil does not bother me.

March 23, 2013, 12:11 PM	#15
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I used a M16A1 in combat (SE Asia), anyone who says they aren't reliable never shot one much. Newer ones are better yet. Take in a Three Gun Match or two, compare the numbers of AR's vs. AK's. that should tell you something, they want reliability as well as accuracy plus speed. Three gun matches are short range events. I conduct CMP Gsm events which include modern military catagories using these rifles. I have had guys show up with AK's but never twice. They can' t compete. We're talking 100-200yards. No comparison. That does't even address longer ranges up to 1000 yards. P I will offer a challenge to any AK user. Bring your Ak and 500 rounds, I'll bet I'll get more rounds on a man size target at 100 yards faster and without malfunctions with my Un modified AR. This an open challenge to any AK user. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

March 23, 2013, 01:01 PM	#16
Quentin2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: NorthWest USA Posts: 1,996	Excellent answer, Kraig! And hard to argue with.

March 23, 2013, 01:20 PM	#17
RT Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,194	I own and have shot both extensively. AR wins easily for: ease of optics mounting, bolt hold open, and moldularity. Just keep it lubed and you won't have any problems

March 23, 2013, 01:27 PM	#18
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	I like my Crude AK. SGL-31 I'll accept kraigwy challenge just cause it sounds like a fun day of shooting! __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

March 23, 2013, 01:32 PM	#19
Quentin2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: NorthWest USA Posts: 1,996	Ah, Wisconsin vs. Wyoming! But if I were coming from WI I'd bring a BCM (AR) not an AK!

March 23, 2013, 02:58 PM	#22
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 1,863	Well, my M-4A1 always worked when I needed it too. And it worked well. Accurate. Lightweight, even with a -203 under it, reliable, easy to use and handle. I got an AK- for personal use, but it is nothing more than a range toy. AR- platform hands down. __________________ NRA Life Member Read my blog! "The answer to any caliber debate is going to be .38 Super, 10mm, .357 Sig or .41 Magnum!"

March 23, 2013, 04:33 PM	#23
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	I've fired both in war and peace, not that fond of the AR/M-16 but I would take it, mainly because it really is designed as a rifle, the AK is sort of a glorified PPSh M1941.

March 23, 2013, 08:02 PM	#24
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	and no discussion of the AR VS AK would be complete without THIS. personally, I much prefer the AR and here is why: 1. I've had more jams, failures and otherwise malfunctions with AKs than I have with ARs, period. 2. every AR I've fired, even specialty calibers like 9mm and 7.62x39 have been more accurate than any AK I've ever fired. 3. I can field strip and reassemble an AR 3 times faster than my fastest time with an AK. 4. AR is more refined, AK can be hammered out of a shovel blade(not long ago I read a thread about a guy that did just that). 5. AR has more aftermarket play things. 6. more MODERN militaries use a 5.56 rifle than 7.62x39 so should S ever HTF, a person would be smart to have a gun that takes the same ammo as everybody else. 7. AR parts are easier to get ahold of than the AK and with more people using the AR than the AK, in an environment much like this one where there is no parts availability whatsoever it would be much easier to find a neigbor with a spare part you need for an AR than an AK. 8. ARs are easier to work on. 9. ARs without all the gadgets are lighter than AKs. 10. BECAUSE AK47S ARE FOR COMMIES!!!!! __________________ 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

March 23, 2013, 08:39 PM	#25
Mrgunsngear Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2011 Location: Carolina Posts: 3,415	I love them both but if I could only have one rifle ------ AK-74 all day. Accuracy is maybe 1 MOA bigger than an AR, cheap ammo (even these days), easy to maintain, good terminal ballistics, and these days there's plenty of accessories for the AK platform. That said---I'm glad I can have both __________________ Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel