Why I don't bother with any AK: no bolt hold-open on last shot, mags are screwy to load into the weapon (compared to AR), safety is stupid and noisy, and "accurate enough" just doesn't cut it when 4moa is the norm.
It used to be cost and reliability were the two AK advantages. Short of opening the upper on an AR and dumping dirt into the FCG, ARs are just as reliable. The AR/M-16 reliability crap dates back to the Vietnam era when poor ammo powder caused excess fouling. Another problem was crappy steel mags, but modern Pmags are awesome. In fact, I have seen several AKs at the range that are completely unreliable due to the large number of out of spec aftermarket parts. And now a decent AK costs as much, or MORE than a solid AR (DPMS, M&P-15, etc) that can be found for around $650. My $600 DPMS has several thousand rounds through it without a malfunction, and can shoot 1/2 MOA. My best 5 shot group is .42"
It used to be cost and reliability were the two AK advantages. Short of opening the upper on an AR and dumping dirt into the FCG, ARs are just as reliable. The AR/M-16 reliability crap dates back to the Vietnam era when poor ammo powder caused excess fouling. Another problem was crappy steel mags, but modern Pmags are awesome. In fact, I have seen several AKs at the range that are completely unreliable due to the large number of out of spec aftermarket parts. And now a decent AK costs as much, or MORE than a solid AR (DPMS, M&P-15, etc) that can be found for around $650. My $600 DPMS has several thousand rounds through it without a malfunction, and can shoot 1/2 MOA. My best 5 shot group is .42"