AK's are "cheap" or "junk" compared to AR's

[buckshotJ]

there is good reason that the AK platform is the most produced weapon in the world.....of all time. when in battle, if you have a choice, you better grab the AK. loose tolerances and simplicity at its finest

 

[TheWiredFox]

If TSHTF I would take either one if I could find one.

At this moment, it will be too late. Find one now, and hope you don't need it. Rather than need one and have to try to go find one...
TheWiredFox

 

[bigerik]

I'll admit I'm as a former recon man am a nato weapons guy! But that being said as a gunsmith I've had the chance to Work on some aks of various makes. And seen the abuse that some had gone through and still functioned flawlessly...that earned my respect for this true battle made weapon.I've had my m16 jam a couple times in combat in the middle east and boy im telling you that a real ****ty feeling having to pull your bolt wipe the sand from it pop it back in and continue to fight while ur enemy is trying to kill you. Aks are fine weapons i see that now. Simple easy to work on and run no mattet what...what else could you want. And this from a nato man with 4 Ar-15s and a Ar10.

 

[TheWiredFox]

So, this is the never-ending thread. :-) I'll help keep it going!!
First consideration: what is your purpose?
Are you invading a commblock country? Use the AK.
Are you invading the US? Use the AR.
Do you live in a swamp? Get an AK.
Second consideration: Ergos and functionality.
AK has mag release behind the mag.
AK has no bolt hold open/release.
AK has charging handle on the right side.
AK has safety under the charging handle.
AK can have a side folding stock.
AK is generally imported.
AK usually has few 'mount' locations.
AK has a single piece receiver.
AK design is piston.

AR generally comes with picatinny everywhere.
AR charging handle is rear left, generally.
AR is generally for righties (but easily ambi-ed)
AR can't side-fold stock.
AR is sometimes made in the USA.
AR has a two part receiver allowing: caliber changes, accessory group changes, barrel length changes... ad nauseam
AR design was originally DI, but convertible.

The list can go on forever, and 'usually' and 'sometimes' was used a lot due to lots of aftermarket parts for both that even the 'shooting field.'

Some people will want an AR, some an AK. Some will hate. For any or every reason listed.
But as with everything, try them out if you can, buy the one you prefer. Practice. And hope you never need it.

TheWiredFox

 

[dlbrown75]

The market has inflated the price of AK's not quality of rifle. I like them and would like to own one again, but Im not paying $700+ for a $250 rifle.

 

[N_K_1984]

Second consideration: Ergos and functionality.
AK has mag release behind the mag.
AK has no bolt hold open/release.
AK has charging handle on the right side.
AK has safety under the charging handle.

All can be resolved with training.

That being said, I agree with your post, WiredFox. It was very well stated.

 

[nikollaj21]

I have a Yugoslavia ak and a colt so far I'm very happy with both the downfall with ak is the accuracy for me but the down fall with my colt is it tends to jam on me

 

[Hoosier8]

Heck, even the Russians changed from the SKS to the AK because it was cheaper.

 

[Walt G]

Ak to rifles is like glock to hand guns. I injoy all guns but will pick up my glock and ak if my life depended on it. Reliability and combat accuracy. Enough said.

 

[Hoosier8]

They are accurate enough for their purpose, rugged and reliable.

 

[Cerberus]

They are accurate enough for their purpose, rugged and reliable.

Depends on your definition of accurate. To me accuracy means securing the infantryman's half K. That is why I got out of the AK game.

 

[jb1911]

The market has inflated the price of AK's not quality of rifle. I like them and would like to own one again, but Im not paying $700+ for a $250 rifle.

This is the way I feel about AKs.

 

[Hoosier8]

I paid $400 (it actually cost me $300 and some work) for one of Romanians recently that came in during the AWB. I didn't really need it or want it but did to help a friend. Since I didn't have one before, I will keep it.