AK-47 pistols vs. folding stocks. Thoughts?

[Mokumbear]

Scenario: Close quarters combat

Which is better suited for the job?

AK-47 pistols or AK's with folding stocks?

Is there a caliber that is better suited for these firearms/scenario?

Can you recommend a good source of either AK online?

Thanks!

[Master Blaster 2]

AK with folding stock.

[Wyosmith]

Yes the folder without a doubt

If you have ever fired an AK pistol along side of any AK with ANY stock you'd see how much easier it is to make hits with the stocked one.
There is NO scenario I can imagine where a pistol would be superior to the carbine. Not one.

[Mr Budha]

I'm thinking folder as well. I just picked up an AK variant and I'm planning on swapping out the basic stock for the Mako folding one. Nice to be able to use it as a pistol also and to store easier.

[Crow Hunter]

Having owned a Polytech AKS 762 Sidefolder since 1997 (for sale by the way;)), I would go folder over pistol any day of the week.

That being said, I would choose collapsible over folding any day of the week and 2x on Sunday's. :D

Collapsible stocks allow you to adjust length of pull for different situations & clothing. I like to run an AR with a 4 position stock 1 notch in but when I am shooting prone, I like it all the way out. Unless I am wearing a heavy winter coat, then I subtract one notch and it keeps the same cheek weld.

My AK with the stock folded is only 4" shorter than my 6920 with the stock collapsed, and I can still use the stock on the 6920 even when it is collapsed. Add in that many folders are less comfortable (mine is), I much prefer collapsible to folding.

The best of both worlds is the SCAR/ACR type stock that does both. :D

It is fun to blast away with the stock folded on the AK though. Hard to hit anything though. And if shot to shot recovery is much slower if you are really trying to aim. (Like pushing forward on a sling SAS style.)

[Capybara]

Aren't AK pistols generally considered just really cool range toys?

[Master Blaster 2]

No. The AK pistols are awkward.

[Mokumbear]

It seems that the choice has been, hands down, underfolder vs. AK pistol.

Could someone explain why?

Also, my other 2 questions went unanswered.
Which caliber is best suited for close quarters combat?

A good source?
Buds?
K-Var?

Any particular models that you would recommend?
I would like to be able to drop it, bury it in sand, run it over with a tank
and have it come out firing reliably.
A little exaggeration, but reliability is very important to me.

[Mrgunsngear]

Which is better---SBR'd AK pistol ;)
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/tiffani33/Guns/IMAG1255.jpg

If I could only have 1 for CQB--I'd take the folding stock version. Shooting an AK pistol under stress accurately would be a difficult proposition. Practice would obviously help but a stock would help more.

[Capybara]

If you want a reliable rifle caliber pistol, at least with the AR pistols you have a nice buffer tube to steady it against your face. I will say that my AR pistol using the buffer tube, the VFG (mine is over 26" OAL so I can, don't try with a shorter than 26" OAL or it's an AOW), a Magpul single point sling, I am getting three points of contact and it is very accurate.

If you are enamored of the 7.62 x 39 round, you can possibly find a pistol length upper in that caliber for the AR. AK pistols look cooler and are probably more reliable but they are not very accurate and you lose that second and third point of contact.

[Master Blaster 2]

Gas tube and barrel get hot.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqnBoPb1S573boSI0f3WN0UgO76GJZeYb0HEx5GJmg3DyjPEmC7setmud_Xg

Better folder on my Yugo. I have a few AR's. Can't see a AR stock on an AK.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcStaNPlkzA730F1V4Ku4xNiMaNOntnSr372s8Eay0-E5jrHzf-GYkHB6h6_Kg

[Mr Budha]

I can vouch for Bud's. Bought my Mosin, and my M10-AK from them. Pleasant transaction both times.

[trg42wraglefragle]

How many pictures of the SAS or Navy seals have you seen with rifles with no butts?

A pistol AK is either good for wasting ammo on the range, or firing into the air, thats about it.

For any sort of fighting/battle you want to be able to shoot accurately, so that means not having a 10lb pistol.

[essohbe]

The best option I agree is the SBR route, of which I'd take an M92 personally over anything else.

[Master Blaster 2]

Never seen any pictures of Navy Seals carring AK pistols. Osama had a short barrel with a folding stock that looks like the pistols.
Who is SAS?

http://www.longwarjournal.org/images/osama-bin-laden-1998-thumb.jpg

[Mrgunsngear]

Who is SAS?

British special forces.

[trg42wraglefragle]

Special Air Service, the special forces of Britain.
But Australia, New Zealand and a few other countries have special forces under the same name.

The SAS was originally started during WW2 but was called the Long Range Desert Group to start with.
They were basically the first special forces and most of todays special forces are modeled on the tactics and fighting style of the LRDG.

[Bart Noir]

Lots of insurgent-type forces, in the Middle East or Africa, have been photographed using AKs with the stocks removed :eek:

The very fact that these clowns like to do that is enough to convince me to never have an AK pistol or de-stocked carbine. (Of course, USA law has something to say about de-stocking an AK. It might be followed with the word "guilty!")

Seriously, it is a saying of Clint Smith that a pistol is something you use to fight your way to your long-gun. I haven't heard him say anything about using a carbine caliber pistol for anything. Just saying...

Bart Noir

[Hansam]

I've owned plenty of AKs. I've shot more than a few pistol AKs but never had the desire to own one.

That said I'll take an AK with a folding stock or better yet a collapsible stock over an AK pistol any day for CQB.

I like having the ability to get a cheek weld (even if its on a little piece of steel) and be able to have better accuracy and consistency in my shooting than just holding it out there and praying I hit something.

I've seen AKs with AR styled collapsible stocks on them and personally while I think they're FUGLY I also think they'd be quite useful in a combat situation for reasons already stated in previous posts.

AK pistols are just range toys. Surprisingly I think AR pistols have more of a use than just being range toys. I know a guy with an AR pistol in 6.8 with an 11" barrel that uses it to hunt deer with in areas that are designated as shotgun/pistol/muzzle loader only. Aside from that though I also think they're primarily good as range toys.

[Art Eatman]

Close quarters? Civilian self-defense? Any reliable short-barrelled semi-auto in .223 or 7.62x39 will do just as good as any other.

Familiarity with your weapon, skill in its use and control of your adrenalin are the keys. Little old ladies with those attributes have had success for decades with break-open 20-gauge shotguns.