AK or AR

ArkansasHunter · 03-15-2008, 06:37 PM

If I had the money to by an AR or AK It would be an AR15. M-4 version hands down.

just_a_car · 03-15-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferroflame

Some are, yeah.

But most are 7.62x39, I think.

^_^

centerfiresystems.com

You could look at a few there, under long guns and AK.

No, the AK-74 is almost always 5.45x39 (sort of like the .223Rem) but also comes in 5.56NATO (which pretty much is .223Rem, some slight differences in case thickness and max pressures) and none are in 7.62x39. The AK-47 (note the switch in numbers) is originally in 7.62x39, but also comes in .308Win and .223Rem/5.56NATO.

To get the AK-74 to shoot 7.62x39 ammo, you'd have to replace the barrel... at which point you'd pretty much have an AK-47.

rick343 · 03-18-2008, 10:02 PM

Thanks everyone for all the input, Ithink I'll start with the AR and when I get some more money get the AK.

Thanks again.

_____________________
I'm your huckleberry

Dutch · 03-19-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick343

Thanks everyone for all the input, Ithink I'll start with the AR and when I get some more money get the AK.

Thanks again.

_____________________
I'm your huckleberry

Yur welcome. Congrats on yur decision. That leaves more aks for the rest of us.

Iron_Colonel · 03-21-2008, 01:52 AM

You really can't go wrong with either one. Getting both is the best solution to the age old question. I went through all of the same questions. I ended up getting an AK instead, then later inheriting a Colt match AR.

My buddy doesn't like the AR15s because he is in the Natl guard and shoots the M16 or M4 whatever they use, and doesn't like to clean it. He said you shoot it once, and it just gets dirty from all the gases. I have also shot a Colt Match AR15. Then I cleaned it, and haven't shot it since then. Probly ought to run a patch through it anyways to be nice to it. Thats my only knock on the AR. It shoots nice tho. Didn't get a chance to shoot it at more than 100 yds.

I like the AK better. Maybe its because I have shot it more, and know how accurate it is. The one I got I think was in pretty darn good shape, not having been shot a lot. I have put between 700 and 800 rds through it, and have never had any problems in any capacity with it. I like to keep it clean anyways, although the reputation of the AK is notorious for working wherever, and whenever. Its not much of a hassle to clean either. Field stripping is a piece of cake. No wonder the 7 yr olds in the warring African countries shoot them.

I also did a lot of research looking around on other forums to see what other people said. I also came across some videos on youtube which showed slow-mo videos of the actions of the guns, and how much movement actually went on in the gun as it was shooting. They also showed an accuracy challenge, but there were 2 different shooters on both guns, and I don't think it is necessarily a good testament to the accuracy of either gun, because there will always be some sort human error, no matter how slight or great. It would be better demonstrated, in my opinion, locked down to some weights, or a lead sled or something. Moreover, if you're worried about penetration, then the AK is probly the best choice. I suppose if you wanted to hunt with it, that is possible also. However, the only hunting I do is big game, and in WA st. .223/5.56 is not legal to hunt big game with. But I have a hunting rifle for that. Might take an AK out to blast at some coyotes. Or an AR for that matter.

I can vouch for the accuracy of my AK at ranges out to 300m. I was sure surprised though. I was able to hit a 5 gallon propane tank at distance multiple times. I'd hold it on, pull the trigger and hear the tink. If you are just gonna go out and go to the range, then get them both, because they are both fun as hell to shoot. I just happen to like my AK better than the AR thats in the safe. I guess that would be a personal preference. If you can only spring for one, I'd say the AK. Its probly going to be cheaper, but I guess that depends on numerous factors, namely if you are buying new or used. Mine was used, and I paid something like $250 or $300. It was a helluva deal. There are expensive AKs out there. I might suggest if you are looking for prices, check here on the forum for one, but gun auction sites like gunbroker, guns america, auction arms..... for an idea of prices. Thats what I like to do to try to get the idea of a value of a gun.

If you still haven't got one of them yet, try to shoot one first if you haven't to check it out for yourself. Lots of good info here, but you won't be sorry either way you go for an AK or an AR. Keep us updated

Dutch · 03-21-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Colonel

You really can't go wrong with either one. Getting both is the best solution to the age old question. I went through all of the same questions. I ended up getting an AK instead, then later inheriting a Colt match AR.

My buddy doesn't like the AR15s because he is in the Natl guard and shoots the M16 or M4 whatever they use, and doesn't like to clean it. He said you shoot it once, and it just gets dirty from all the gases. I have also shot a Colt Match AR15. Then I cleaned it, and haven't shot it since then. Probly ought to run a patch through it anyways to be nice to it. Thats my only knock on the AR. It shoots nice tho. Didn't get a chance to shoot it at more than 100 yds.

I like the AK better. Maybe its because I have shot it more, and know how accurate it is. The one I got I think was in pretty darn good shape, not having been shot a lot. I have put between 700 and 800 rds through it, and have never had any problems in any capacity with it. I like to keep it clean anyways, although the reputation of the AK is notorious for working wherever, and whenever. Its not much of a hassle to clean either. Field stripping is a piece of cake. No wonder the 7 yr olds in the warring African countries shoot them.

I also did a lot of research looking around on other forums to see what other people said. I also came across some videos on youtube which showed slow-mo videos of the actions of the guns, and how much movement actually went on in the gun as it was shooting. They also showed an accuracy challenge, but there were 2 different shooters on both guns, and I don't think it is necessarily a good testament to the accuracy of either gun, because there will always be some sort human error, no matter how slight or great. It would be better demonstrated, in my opinion, locked down to some weights, or a lead sled or something. Moreover, if you're worried about penetration, then the AK is probly the best choice. I suppose if you wanted to hunt with it, that is possible also. However, the only hunting I do is big game, and in WA st. .223/5.56 is not legal to hunt big game with. But I have a hunting rifle for that. Might take an AK out to blast at some coyotes. Or an AR for that matter.

I can vouch for the accuracy of my AK at ranges out to 300m. I was sure surprised though. I was able to hit a 5 gallon propane tank at distance multiple times. I'd hold it on, pull the trigger and hear the tink. If you are just gonna go out and go to the range, then get them both, because they are both fun as hell to shoot. I just happen to like my AK better than the AR thats in the safe. I guess that would be a personal preference. If you can only spring for one, I'd say the AK. Its probly going to be cheaper, but I guess that depends on numerous factors, namely if you are buying new or used. Mine was used, and I paid something like $250 or $300. It was a helluva deal. There are expensive AKs out there. I might suggest if you are looking for prices, check here on the forum for one, but gun auction sites like gunbroker, guns america, auction arms..... for an idea of prices. Thats what I like to do to try to get the idea of a value of a gun.

If you still haven't got one of them yet, try to shoot one first if you haven't to check it out for yourself. Lots of good info here, but you won't be sorry either way you go for an AK or an AR. Keep us updated

I had an ak folder that really impressed me as far as the accuracy was concerned. Of course I was shooting winchester factory 7.62x39 not that crappy comblock stuff. I sold that ak and have recently purchased a folder with a milled receiver. I haven't recieved it yet but I suspect it will shoot just fine.

I could have purchased a ar platform gun but I've be aware of the jamming problem for the last 40 years. I spoke to a friend recently who just got back from iraq. He told me you needed to clean the m16 before a firefight, after a firefight, and if you had a 30 min lull during the firefight you needed to clean it then as well. I appreciate the fact that probably won't happen to a civilian like myself but just last week I got to the gun range and guess what....this guy's ar15 was jammed, wouldn't shoot. Life seems too short for that.

knightRider · 03-21-2008, 04:29 PM

both

or maybe 3 or 4 of each

Dutch · 03-21-2008, 07:37 PM

Sooo.....knightrider, which is best ak or ar? Seems like you would know.

ghost_raven · 03-23-2008, 05:45 AM

There really is no satisfactory compromise on this debate. The AK is better for overall reliability... they almost never jam, and can take a hell of a beating and a lot of neglect. They also have better stopping power than the standard 5.56 AR. They are also generally a couple hundred dollars cheaper.

The AR is great for accuracy, and it has a very cool sleek look to it. It tends to be higher maintenance than the AK and less forgiving of user error. It also doesn't do great in stopping power. The logic in the military I guess is that if you shoot 3 or 4 bullets into someone, stopping power doesn't matter so much. Nonetheless, they are fun as heck to shoot.

knightRider · 03-23-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch

Sooo.....knightrider, which is best ak or ar? Seems like you would know.

Like Ghost Raven Said their 2 different beast both excel in certain areas , I like the Fal or M-14 very well also , if i had to pick one it would be the FAL where i live , in the jungle an Ak any day over the Ar-15 , in the plains , or long mountain ranges the m-14 any day so you see its quite a chore to say this is better or this is wrong or right .

ghost_raven · 03-23-2008, 03:29 PM

One more thing to keep in mind about the AR is that while it has much better accuracy, the small, light standard projectile can be knocked off course more easily by long grass, bushes, or a gust of wind.

Overall, I'd say that as a combat rifle, the AK is much more practical. The AR does definitely have its strong points over the AK... but there's a reason many of our troops were happy to put them aside in favor of AK-47's when there weren't quite enough M-16's to go around in Iraq.

Pathfinder57 · 04-01-2008, 03:26 PM

My own test CAR-15 and a Chinese AKS.

The CAR-15 would go for 650 rds before it started to jam. Good thing for the forward assit. Quick cleaning and another 200 rds ect.

The AKS over 10,000 rds and never missed a lick. No cleaning.

If you want a great rifle that uses M-16 mags find a FNC. Lower is copied after the M-16 and the upper is a copy of the AK-47. Another one you can shoot forever without cleaning.

FN FNC

03-23-2008, 05:45 AM	#29
ghost_raven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 408	There really is no satisfactory compromise on this debate. The AK is better for overall reliability... they almost never jam, and can take a hell of a beating and a lot of neglect. They also have better stopping power than the standard 5.56 AR. They are also generally a couple hundred dollars cheaper. The AR is great for accuracy, and it has a very cool sleek look to it. It tends to be higher maintenance than the AK and less forgiving of user error. It also doesn't do great in stopping power. The logic in the military I guess is that if you shoot 3 or 4 bullets into someone, stopping power doesn't matter so much. Nonetheless, they are fun as heck to shoot. __________________ The First Amendment defines America, the Second Amendment defends it.

03-23-2008, 03:29 PM	#31
ghost_raven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 408	One more thing to keep in mind about the AR is that while it has much better accuracy, the small, light standard projectile can be knocked off course more easily by long grass, bushes, or a gust of wind. Overall, I'd say that as a combat rifle, the AK is much more practical. The AR does definitely have its strong points over the AK... but there's a reason many of our troops were happy to put them aside in favor of AK-47's when there weren't quite enough M-16's to go around in Iraq. __________________ The First Amendment defines America, the Second Amendment defends it.

03-15-2008, 06:37 PM	#21
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,984	If I had the money to by an AR or AK It would be an AR15. M-4 version hands down.

03-18-2008, 10:02 PM	#23
rick343 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 83	Thanks everyone for all the input, Ithink I'll start with the AR and when I get some more money get the AK. Thanks again. _____________________ I'm your huckleberry

03-21-2008, 01:52 AM	#25
Iron_Colonel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington St. Posts: 511	You really can't go wrong with either one. Getting both is the best solution to the age old question. I went through all of the same questions. I ended up getting an AK instead, then later inheriting a Colt match AR. My buddy doesn't like the AR15s because he is in the Natl guard and shoots the M16 or M4 whatever they use, and doesn't like to clean it. He said you shoot it once, and it just gets dirty from all the gases. I have also shot a Colt Match AR15. Then I cleaned it, and haven't shot it since then. Probly ought to run a patch through it anyways to be nice to it. Thats my only knock on the AR. It shoots nice tho. Didn't get a chance to shoot it at more than 100 yds. I like the AK better. Maybe its because I have shot it more, and know how accurate it is. The one I got I think was in pretty darn good shape, not having been shot a lot. I have put between 700 and 800 rds through it, and have never had any problems in any capacity with it. I like to keep it clean anyways, although the reputation of the AK is notorious for working wherever, and whenever. Its not much of a hassle to clean either. Field stripping is a piece of cake. No wonder the 7 yr olds in the warring African countries shoot them. I also did a lot of research looking around on other forums to see what other people said. I also came across some videos on youtube which showed slow-mo videos of the actions of the guns, and how much movement actually went on in the gun as it was shooting. They also showed an accuracy challenge, but there were 2 different shooters on both guns, and I don't think it is necessarily a good testament to the accuracy of either gun, because there will always be some sort human error, no matter how slight or great. It would be better demonstrated, in my opinion, locked down to some weights, or a lead sled or something. Moreover, if you're worried about penetration, then the AK is probly the best choice. I suppose if you wanted to hunt with it, that is possible also. However, the only hunting I do is big game, and in WA st. .223/5.56 is not legal to hunt big game with. But I have a hunting rifle for that. Might take an AK out to blast at some coyotes. Or an AR for that matter. I can vouch for the accuracy of my AK at ranges out to 300m. I was sure surprised though. I was able to hit a 5 gallon propane tank at distance multiple times. I'd hold it on, pull the trigger and hear the tink. If you are just gonna go out and go to the range, then get them both, because they are both fun as hell to shoot. I just happen to like my AK better than the AR thats in the safe. I guess that would be a personal preference. If you can only spring for one, I'd say the AK. Its probly going to be cheaper, but I guess that depends on numerous factors, namely if you are buying new or used. Mine was used, and I paid something like $250 or $300. It was a helluva deal. There are expensive AKs out there. I might suggest if you are looking for prices, check here on the forum for one, but gun auction sites like gunbroker, guns america, auction arms..... for an idea of prices. Thats what I like to do to try to get the idea of a value of a gun. If you still haven't got one of them yet, try to shoot one first if you haven't to check it out for yourself. Lots of good info here, but you won't be sorry either way you go for an AK or an AR. Keep us updated

03-21-2008, 04:29 PM	#27
knightRider Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: you know where Posts: 2,793 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 11	both or maybe 3 or 4 of each

03-21-2008, 07:37 PM	#28
Dutch Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Arkansas Ozarks Posts: 48	Sooo.....knightrider, which is best ak or ar? Seems like you would know.

04-01-2008, 03:26 PM	#32
Pathfinder57 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 35	My own test CAR-15 and a Chinese AKS. The CAR-15 would go for 650 rds before it started to jam. Good thing for the forward assit. Quick cleaning and another 200 rds ect. The AKS over 10,000 rds and never missed a lick. No cleaning. If you want a great rifle that uses M-16 mags find a FNC. Lower is copied after the M-16 and the upper is a copy of the AK-47. Another one you can shoot forever without cleaning. FN FNC