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I know, I know...there is a lot of "derp" out there when it comes to this subject. But...I actually have given this a LOT of thought and have had a LOT of meaningful experience with both the AR and the AK. So here's my "take" on it and why I've decided to focus my resources and training time on the AR platform.
I've spent the last several years using the AK platform both plinking and range fun and in a number of formal, serious intense AK classes. Yesterday was the final straw for me and I made the decision to seek an amicable divorce from the AK style rifle. These are only my reasons, my opinions and what is best for me, but others might have wondered about using AK v. AR and here is a list of reasons why I'm saying adios to the AK, as always, your mileage may vary. But based on my experience, rather extensive, really giving each platform a good working out over a whole lot of training classes, including advanced marksmanship, CQB, moving and shooting, etc. This list of items is NOT based simply on standing still on a square range plinking at paper.
AR safety easier to use and safer than AK safety system.
AR safety faster to manipulate, both on/off.
AR safety is safer than AK.
AR bolt can be easily locked open.
AR bolt locks open on last round fired.
AR magazines are easier and faster to load.
AR ergonomics are superior to AR ergos (unless you modify AK to be more like AR).
AR is easier to get into battery.
AR optics are easier to put on rifle.
AR is more controllable and easier to get on and stay on target with multiple rounds.
AR standard adjustable stock allows for much better LOP options than AK.
AR sights are easier and faster to use.
AR standard 5.56 round is plenty effective.
AR ammo and mags are lighter weight and you can carry more.
AR .223/5.56 ballistic performance superior to 7.62 x 39 (why do you think the Soviets moved over to the 5.45 round)
AR rifles are "America's rifle" and enjoy the longest running status as America's primary small arm.
AR rifles parts and manufacturers are all over the USA and parts are plentiful and the quality of the modern AR is simply outstanding, unlike any "american" AK.
AR ammunition is made here in the USA (for the most part) and we are not reliant on overseas manufacturers for AK ammo supplies.
ARs are much more easily obtainable here in the USA than any other assault rifle.
Now, this isn't to say you can't modify an AK out the wazooo to achieve comparable systems, heck, the Soviet Union did it a LONG time ago...adopting a 5.56 style round and modifying their AK rifles to offer some of the same functionality of the AR platform (drove St. Michael of Kalishnikov crazy, by the way), so does that tell you anything?? It should.
And full disclosure, my son has AK rifles (I gave him two of them) so I can have all the fun I want with his And, I bought him a BCM AR and ... he loves it. Says it is better in every way than his AK.
So, I'm now going to be selling off all my AK ammo, magazines and rifle and sticking with the AR platform.
And that's how I feel about that.
I know, I know...there is a lot of "derp" out there when it comes to this subject. But...I actually have given this a LOT of thought and have had a LOT of meaningful experience with both the AR and the AK. So here's my "take" on it and why I've decided to focus my resources and training time on the AR platform.
I've spent the last several years using the AK platform both plinking and range fun and in a number of formal, serious intense AK classes. Yesterday was the final straw for me and I made the decision to seek an amicable divorce from the AK style rifle. These are only my reasons, my opinions and what is best for me, but others might have wondered about using AK v. AR and here is a list of reasons why I'm saying adios to the AK, as always, your mileage may vary. But based on my experience, rather extensive, really giving each platform a good working out over a whole lot of training classes, including advanced marksmanship, CQB, moving and shooting, etc. This list of items is NOT based simply on standing still on a square range plinking at paper.
AR safety easier to use and safer than AK safety system.
AR safety faster to manipulate, both on/off.
AR safety is safer than AK.
AR bolt can be easily locked open.
AR bolt locks open on last round fired.
AR magazines are easier and faster to load.
AR ergonomics are superior to AR ergos (unless you modify AK to be more like AR).
AR is easier to get into battery.
AR optics are easier to put on rifle.
AR is more controllable and easier to get on and stay on target with multiple rounds.
AR standard adjustable stock allows for much better LOP options than AK.
AR sights are easier and faster to use.
AR standard 5.56 round is plenty effective.
AR ammo and mags are lighter weight and you can carry more.
AR .223/5.56 ballistic performance superior to 7.62 x 39 (why do you think the Soviets moved over to the 5.45 round)
AR rifles are "America's rifle" and enjoy the longest running status as America's primary small arm.
AR rifles parts and manufacturers are all over the USA and parts are plentiful and the quality of the modern AR is simply outstanding, unlike any "american" AK.
AR ammunition is made here in the USA (for the most part) and we are not reliant on overseas manufacturers for AK ammo supplies.
ARs are much more easily obtainable here in the USA than any other assault rifle.
Now, this isn't to say you can't modify an AK out the wazooo to achieve comparable systems, heck, the Soviet Union did it a LONG time ago...adopting a 5.56 style round and modifying their AK rifles to offer some of the same functionality of the AR platform (drove St. Michael of Kalishnikov crazy, by the way), so does that tell you anything?? It should.
And full disclosure, my son has AK rifles (I gave him two of them) so I can have all the fun I want with his And, I bought him a BCM AR and ... he loves it. Says it is better in every way than his AK.
So, I'm now going to be selling off all my AK ammo, magazines and rifle and sticking with the AR platform.
And that's how I feel about that.
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