AR vs. AK #1; The Challenge, Which One is Right for You?
AR vs AK
Which one is right for you?
For my first blog post, I thought I would tackle a very polarizing subject. This debate rages on, and even gets fiercer than the “ tastes great, less filling battle”, or the “Edward vs. Jacob” foolishness.
Now, I am not going to take sides, but to let you know, I have already chosen one, as a main SHTF rifle for defense. See if you can tell which I have chosen by the end.
I will list a few things that are important to me for an emergency rifle; one I would plan on using to defend myself and my family if things were to ever go south. I will post a different aspect, acouple times a week.
…A little about me, so that you know a little background. I am an armorer, and build rifles as a business. I specialize in one of the above.
Mobility
Both rifles are “carbine” style weapons. In the mobility category, I am talking about being able to carry (on your person) a couple hundred rounds at least. Both are excellent for this purpose. 3 magazines for each is 90 rounds and are easily carried in pockets if worst comes to worst. (I have done so in some of the carbine classes I have attended…not because I had to, but because I wanted to improvise for a situation where I had to adapt.) The 5.56 round is about 3/5 as heavy as the AK (7.62×39) round, and the magazines are smaller and can double stack them in your back pockets. You have heard the old saying, “ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain!…” Simply, you can carry more ammo with the AR platform.
On the other hand, the AK has a fully collapsible stock as an option. It is much less obtrusive when you are entering and exiting vehicles. It is easier to shoot and maneuver in enclosed spaces. It is also easier on you when you are crouching and have it slung from a single point sling, it does not dig the muzzle into the dirt. This may not seem like that big of deal, but many have opted not to bother with the single point sling with the AR for this purpose.
They can both become so small as to fit in a backpack…but only the AK47 can store in a backpack without separating the upper from the lower.
Weight being an issue, they are both about the same. AR a little bit lighter, but both carry options that are going to affect weight drastically…both are about 6-7 pounds for a standard carbine.
Feel free to comment on mobility. I will discuss other things such as firepower (bullet damage), accuracy, versatility, philosophy of use (in other words, what they were made to do) and a little bit of the history behind each carbine, and why it was made.
Joe Harris
“The AK has a fully collapsible stock as an option” it sounds like you are describing the AR there? What type of AK stock? Side folder? Under? Or six position AR stock kit for the AK? As for weight of ammunition, the Ak74 shoots the 5.45-39. That round is closer to the 5.56 in weight. Thus you are able to carry the same amount as the AR with about the same weight. If I were to guess your choise for a SHTF rifle, I’d say AK. I’m sure you are aware of the fact that parts will be hard to find during civil unrest, and aware that the AK has very few moving parts that could break. The AR on the other hand, is known for parts failure. I am sure you chose the longer lasting rifle. I myself have an AK74, and know how well those little “poison pills” do on flesh. I have no disrespect for the AR family, they are great rifles. I just want one that will work longer than I can naturally live.