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Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

S

sprice

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Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 19, 2011
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Utah
I've been trying to decide on whether I should buy an ak or an ar recently. This will be my only rifle for about 5 years. I was leaning towards an ak but I can have an ar for the same price.

It's between the Smith and Wesson mp15-t and the arsenal sgl-21. I can have them and everything I would want to throw on them for the same price.

The Ak would be outfitted with a 2x acog and buis (either the regular sights with a side mount or a texas dog leg with it's back up.
The Ar would have a 1-6 variable optic.

AR pros:
I all ready have magazines.
Gun used by the Military.
Accuracy and ease of scope mounting.
Easier to make shots connect.

AR cons:
Lighter, more expensive cartridge.
I don't think it's as durable or reliable (but it is enough).

Ak pros:
Cheap, hard hitting ammo.
would be better at shorter combat distances.
Maybe better for hunting? (better caliber under 200 yds I think, but not sure if shots would connect).
It's used internationally, and is not the most common around here.
Reliable and durable.

Ak cons:
I would have to buy all new magazines.
Heavier magazines and ammo.
Not as accurate at longer ranges, harder to mount a scope.
Awkward optic mounting.


So what do you think I should get first? I will try to use it for hunting, and also for recreation. I will own both one day.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

AR cuz they are so tacticool
2010-MALL-NINJA-SMALL.jpg


I am also surprised because I didn’t see one reference to Zombies, “when the shit hits the fan”, “end of the world as we know it”, or the words, Bunker, Bug Out, Dooms Day.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

hahahahahaha that picture is so disturbing hahaha... and zombies are implied
wink.gif
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sprice</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been trying to decide on whether I should buy an ak or an ar recently. This will be my only rifle for about 5 years. I was leaning towards an ak but I can have an ar for the same price.

It's between the Smith and Wesson mp15-t and the arsenal sgl-21. I can have them and everything I would want to throw on them for the same price.

The Ak would be outfitted with a 2x acog and buis (either the regular sights with a side mount or a texas dog leg with it's back up.
The Ar would have a 1-6 variable optic.

AR pros:
I all ready have magazines.
Gun used by the Military.
Accuracy and ease of scope mounting.
Easier to make shots connect.

AR cons:
Lighter, more expensive cartridge.
I don't think it's as durable or reliable (but it is enough).

Ak pros:
Cheap, hard hitting ammo.
would be better at shorter combat distances.
Maybe better for hunting? (better caliber under 200 yds I think, but not sure if shots would connect).
It's used internationally, and is not the most common around here.
Reliable and durable.

Ak cons:
I would have to buy all new magazines.
Heavier magazines and ammo.
Not as accurate at longer ranges, harder to mount a scope.
Awkward optic mounting.


So what do you think I should get first? I will try to use it for hunting, and also for recreation. I will own both one day.
</div></div>

I have both and I would have recommended the AR except - the AK would be better suited for hunting as it's a .30 caliber cartridge. I know several states have restrictions on the minimum bullet diameter for humane hunting kills.

AvsFan
cool.gif
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

I have a RRA that I carry at work and it is a great gun. The Arsenal AK in my safe is for when shit gets serious and is a go-to-gun. Both are great guns and have their uses but the no nonsense construction of the AK appeals to me.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

shit in your boot or shit in your glove? pick a GOOD one of either, and you are fine. for me, i have had a pile of ak's and a pile of ar rifles. put a lotta rounds down range with both. pick one that feels GOOD to YOU. also, get one you have confidence in.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

let your personal preference decide which one to get first. Cuz you will own both...
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VYD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">let your personal preference decide which one to get first. Cuz you will own both... </div></div>

+1
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

They are both great rifles and I have a few of each. If I could only have one I would pick an AR. A quality one is every bit as reliable as a good AK (don't let anybody convincer you otherwise). The AR platform is much more accurate, has a much better range, and the gun as well as ammo weighs a lot less.

That said I love my AK's too. I have two Yugo M70AB2's and a M70B1 but I would still choose a good AR over one of them any day.

The S&W AR's aren't bad but there are better in the same price range. I wouldn't buy anything but an LMT but BCM and Colt are good altenatives.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

AR hands down.

I really like the 7.62x39 but I have done ALOT with a 5.56. Deer, varmint, everything.

And obviously 5.56 edges it out in accuracy. The AK is nice to have 30 of when you want to start a coup and hand them out to bystanders. Otherwise its just a novelty item.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Lets talk about flexibility.

An AK is what it is. That has it's pros and cons.

An M4 on the other hand can be many things just by swapping out the upper. Want to give pistons a try today instead of direct gas impingement? Tomorrow some long range target shooting? That night a carbine for home defense?
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

I didn't think an lmt, bcm, or colt were in the same price range? I can get that smith for about $900 out the door because they have a military discount.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Either is great, but I'd still go with the AR. In 5 years when you want another rifle, you could skip the 7.62x39 and go with a 7.62x51. That will make you happy.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sprice</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I didn't think an lmt, bcm, or colt were in the same price range? I can get that smith for about $900 out the door because they have a military discount. </div></div>

You can get a complete LMT lower for $330-350 shipped to your dealer with standard stock and trigger. You can get the 16" upper for around $400, BCG for $125-130, a BCM GF CH for $45 or less, a set of plastic hanguards for $20, and a good fixed BUIS for $75. That puts a complete LMT rifle with a couple upgrades in your hands for around $1000. A BCM can be built for the same. You can buy a LE6920 for around $1100 if you shop around.

The reliability of these over a S&W is well worth a $100-200 price difference. I had a M&P15T that never ran right. Stock form I had FTE's and some feeding problems too. The FTE's decreased when I did a BCM extractor spring upgrade but it still never extracted 100%, I'd still get a couple every couple hundred rounds which is not acceptable to me. Search google, you will find plenty of similar problems

I currently own 2.5 LMT rifles. One MRP rifle, one 16" rifle, and another 16" upper with about 50K rounds combined and not one has ever malfunction. I've had the same flawless function with BCM uppers as well. I've only had one example of a colt and it ran perfect except when suppressed, it never ran right with a can but I know others with them that have no issues with cans on theirs.

If you don't want to spend the cash for the best I'd buy a Stag over the S&W. Their performance has been better than Smith's.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

It comes down to what you will do the most with it. I get asked the AK vs AR question a lot, and the first thing I say is "throw out that SHTF Red Dawn zombie apocalypse ideology". Then, look at it objectively and consider which one fits your needs the most. The fact that the military uses one rifle, while another is more popular throughout the world is moot.

If 99.5% of your shooting is going to be target shooting, then buy it for target shooting. If 90% is for target shooting, but there's going to be 9.5% for hunting, get one that is cheap to shoot, but will kill the critter you want to hunt.

I like the AR, because you can do a lot more with an AR than you can with an AK. New uppers, different components, different caliber options (.300BLK, 6.8SPC, etc) and high modularity.
On the other hand, the AK is inexpensive and ammo is cheap.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Buy whatever fits u better. I have a couple of both platforms. I personally prefer the AR Platform over the AK. Look into the RRA line. I believe that they have a military discount also. Good lick with your decision.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

I think if I was going with a 7.62x39 and wanted a all around gun maybe a good SKS would fit the bill. Would be a better hunting rifle and can be modified to use hi cap mags.

Personally I went with a Galil. It has not been a perfect weapon ( its a century arms) but it did fit the bill I wanted it to.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

AR for sure. arsenal makes some pretty good guns. That being said, i dislike almost everything about an AK. I hate the accuracy, i hate the flimsy wood feel, i hate the way you have to put in the magazine. But that’s MY personal opinion!

I personally love the accuracy the AR gives me, the quality of the parts I put on it, the way the magazine drops free and doesn’t require to be at an angle to be inserted, the light weight ammo. But again, just MY personal opinion. Just an FYI 5.56 can be had for as cheap as a little over $200 for 1,000 rounds. So 7.62x39 isn’t that much cheaper

I will reiterate what other members here have said, do whatever makes you happy.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the first thing I say is "throw out that SHTF Red Dawn zombie apocalypse ideology".</div></div>
Boy are you going to be surprised when undead Cuban paratroopers start attacking high priority targets such as high schools in the Midwest.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

It is impossible to answer your question without knowing what you want to accomplish with the rifle.

BTW - The AK and the AR are not the same price.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

I'd say, whataver you like best, and WHAT WORKS FOR YOU.

Don't get into what anyone else says, try both, see which one you are most comfortable and best with.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

OP,

I been through dozens of rifles and attended a weekly rifle league for many, many years. Over the course of time I have owned high quality and low quality versions of ARs, AKs, and a lot of others as well, such as Aug, FNC, FS2000, PS90, and on and on.

I eventually sold almost everything except AR-15s. The fact is, they were all generally reliable, but the AR-15 is just HANDS DOWN better than the AK in almost every conceivable way. You forgot to mention some important pros of the AR:

Far more ergonomic controls, allowing for speedier and more natural operation.

Vastly larger market for aftermarket accessories, allowing for much greater customization and continuous improvement over the years.

Vastly more types of ammunition that is readily available, allowing for tailoring ammo for specific purposes, such cheap plinking rounds, SS109, tracers and match ammo.

Don't get me wrong, the AK is a workable platform too, I just don't see much benefit beyond cheaper ammo. Even that advantage went away for me as some of the ranges around where I live are banning all ammo that isn't brass cased.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

AR-15 hands down!
(really holding my tongue here) So,
AR-15 easy choice is all I will say.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Things you may wish to ask yourself.
What do I see more of in competitions?
-this would be the choice of the individual professional

What do local PDs and SDs tend to use?
-Local Professionals
What does the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard use?
-National Professionals
What do Navy Seals, Marine Corps Force Recon, Air Force Commandos and Army Rangers use?
-National professionals with a much higher budget

hmmmmm

Well, who does use the other one?
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Don’t fall into the beliefs that ARs are unreliable. A lot of people spout off these allegations that ARs jam all the time, same people who have only shot a bushmaster or DPMS AR. If you have any sort of semi-quality or better AR (M&P would qualify for that title), you will not have failures in the gun. I have personally never had a rifle caused failure in any of my ARs; and I have shot thousands upon thousands of rounds through them. I have however had tons of jams that require a "kick start" in my numerous AKs (most of them were not of the Arsenal quality though), It’s quite possible that these failures have driven my distain for the AK platform.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Absolutely right. I've put thousands of rounds through my 'go-to' AR-15 5.56 carbine, and it has never failed once.

I had some problems with a 6.5G AR-15 once, but it was my fault for accidentally the putting the upper on a lower that had the wrong buffer in it. Once I swapped it back, the problems went away, and the gun is now 100% reliable.

AK-47's are reliable insofar as they are simple and tolerant of large variations in fit and finish.

AR-15's need to be built more precisely, and maintained more diligently.

But the reward is a superior weapon.

 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sgt. 0811</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AR-15 hands down!
(really holding my tongue here) So,
AR-15 easy choice is all I will say. </div></div>

AK's are junk. They can be fun, but so can hot rodding a Jetta rental car. Ar's kick their ass.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

I prefer the Ar style platforms. To me, they are not as clunky or akward as the AK. As far as accuracy goes, There isnt that great of a difference for combat purposes. Both will be MOH (minute of human) at 300 yds, in most cases the maximum combat distance. You can always get an upper chambered in 762 x 39 for the AR if that is the round you want. Then youll have both 5.56 and 7.62 options.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big_Rig_416</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I prefer the Ar style platforms. To me, they are not as clunky or akward as the AK. As far as accuracy goes, There isnt that great of a difference for combat purposes. Both will be MOH (minute of human) at 300 yds, in most cases the maximum combat distance. You can always get an upper chambered in 762 x 39 for the AR if that is the round you want. Then youll have both 5.56 and 7.62 options. </div></div>I know some people have 7.62x39 uppers that the claim work well on an AR-15. I for one could never get anything bigger than a 5-round magazine to be reliable on my Colt 6830. So I sold it, and haven't looked back. If I need to shoot up my stash of Wolf ammo I'll pull out my SKS.

It's more useful than that 6830 was, since it goes 'BANG' every time - even with big magazines.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nuttshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think if I was going with a 7.62x39 and wanted a all around gun maybe a good SKS would fit the bill. Would be a better hunting rifle and can be modified to use hi cap mags. </div></div>

+1! I found my Yugo's have been flawless & accurate, where my AK was neither. 3 failed primer strikes in the first mag alone(unconverted Saiga). Yea, it comes apart easy, cleans easy if you even want to clean it......

But they are fit together like crap. Nearly all mods have to be "milled" Red Jacket style to fit, and all the parts are cheap. The better one's may work every time, but I'd much rather have a 7.62 X 51!! Or if you want to shoot for cheap, get a 7.62 X 39 upper for your AR.

AR's have much better tolerances, much better materials, and quite frankly, they're made in the USA by US workers!!


Skip the S&W, get a BCM, DD, LMT, or Colt. Daniel Defense ought to be had at $1000 or $1050, even without a discount.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

I will agree on stepping up just a bit more for a BCM, they are by far the best bang for the buck! those things are beasts when it comes to reliability
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

I've played with both platforms off and on for years.

I DO like the AK74 but I'm also shooting VERY cheap 7N6 ammo up. Also bought both of my 74's when they were quality barrels, mags were dirt cheap and both though quality builds, were cheap by todays prices.

Also have a piston 5.45 upper that has run quite well. But like the 7.62x39 in an AR...MAG's are the issue. Nothing seems to be 100%. Though the 5.45 with tweaked C Products mags does allow me 99% reliability with up to 28 rds per mag. and I have six that work to that level. So good enough for me for 3 gun and playtime.

Seemed as soon as the cheap 7.62x39 dried up...the 47's and I lost interest. My SGL-21 is 2" accurate at 100 yds on a VERY good day, with an optic. With irons...far worse.

The 7.62x39 IS a very decent deer hunting round with real soft point hunting loads NOT fmj's. Basically a .30-30 Win.

My biggest glitch with all the AK's is that they are really not very accurate. The Hornady Steel cased non corrosive ammo with the SST slugs IS about as accurate as one can buy...but for 40+ cents a round in the 5.45 .....I can shoot very decent 5.56mm ammo. And get even better accuracy. And in the 7.62x39 they run about 80 cents a pop.

Scope mounting; Hands down the AR wins. Mounting anything on the AK's is a PITA and seldom reliable. Then throw in cheek weld issues with overly high optics, overheating with some of the optic mounts for aimpoints, it never seems to end.

Frankly if I didn't have 10K+ of nickle a round 5.45 and still have a few cases of 8 cent a rd Yugo 7.62x39 ALL of my AK's would be down the road.

FN in MT









 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

If I only had one rifle and it had to do everything, it would be the AK over the AR. You can never argue a lighter bullet is better for defense, hunting or terminal ballistics. If you are looking for a light recoiling rifle that is cheap to feed, then the AR is for you. If the rifle has to do everything, including defense of myself or my family, I am gonna hit them with the biggest bullet I have. Just my .02.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

I have had 4 AK's....Built Two (romanian G and Yugo Underfolder)...and had two 74's...Bulgarian (had it built) and a Polish Tantal....

Ive also had 5 AR's...Built two also...Retro A1 all out....Retro XM177E2...also all balls out....Had a DPMS A2...and a DPMS NM A2....

I have sold all these, (along with all my other "surplus rifles" and only have ONE AR left...but I built it JUST the way I wanted it....If i had to choose, it would be an AR....more accurate, you can build them in just about any way possible...and regardless of what people say, yeah theyre pretty damn reliable....AK reliable? maybe not to that extent...but pretty damn reliable....I think with the reduced recoil (not saying an AK has a bad recoil but an AR has less) better accuracy and the ability to easily modify and change barrels (compared to an AK) gives the AR a win in my book....Dont get me wrong the AK is awesome! and I have found myself wanting one (or two) again....but I shoot my AR more often....the AK is shot not for accuracy for me...but more because its an AK
wink.gif
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Well boys I'll save my penny's for a BCM!
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Get the SGL. They're just more fun. As for the "accuracy sucks" claims, I find it hard to believe these people have ever shot an AK, or else do not know how to use them. Within the effective range of the cartridge itself (around 400 yards) you can hit anything you'd ever want to. And that's with a cheaper AK. The Arsenal's are extremely accurate.

If all you care about is making a few holes very close together from very far away, then get the AR.

If you want a more all-round, kick-around, mess-around, fun gun then get the AK.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Get the SGL-31, ammo is cheaper, it's similar to 556, it weighs less, follow up shots are easier, and it's easier to clean because there's less powder per round so less carbon fouling(which is very important when shooting berdan primed ammo).
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Also, Russian optics are much cheaper and every bit as good as American optics. I had a PK-AS on my AK for a while, and it is stupid good for $350. Can be used without batteries (black dot), has an oval rangefinder, is built like a tank, and returns to zero after unclamping/clamping dozens of times. For all those features in a red dot for an AR I'd have to spend around $500, and it couldn't be used without batteries, and it probably wouldn't have a return-to-zero clamping device.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

I went HK93. Reliability close to AK, accuracy of AR. Downside is cost but they are a blast to shoot. Mine is a tack driver and have yet to have a single FTF or FTE.

Good Luck,
Merritt
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sprice</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well boys I'll save my penny's for a BCM!
</div></div>

Good plan bro! its amazing what a few extra bucks will buy you in the gun world.

check out BCMs Filthy 14 article, its pretty impressive for the price you pay
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sprice</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well boys I'll save my penny's for a BCM!
</div></div>
+1 for BCM
From another forum about Pat Rogers's " BCM AR " ...........................


Pat Rogers and his "Filthy 14" BCM carbine.

According to Pat, it started having some reliability issues at about 26,460 rounds, at which time it was given a "quick clean" (its first!) which did not rectify the problem, so the BCG was replaced.

As of 3/21, Filthy 14 has 31,675 rounds through it and is in need of an extractor replacement on the "new" bolt (which now has about 5200 rounds on it).
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bpnelson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also, Russian optics are much cheaper and every bit as good as American optics.</div></div>
Meh. I had a BP-02 mount that broke at the casting area near the screws. I decided to get a PK-A with integral mount and that broke after a year, right after I sold it to a friend. Embarrassing. I'm never touching Russian optics again.
 
Re: Ak-47 vs. Ar-15 For Only Rifle?

Howz about this one. Its from Rock River, so it has to be good. All the same features of your AR, flat top receiver for your favorite optic, cheap and easily found mags, and harder hitting cheaper ammo. I keep a few of both, but really do like this Rock River.

lar47_1263v.gif
 
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