Just finished shooting a couple ARs and Aks. Trying to make up my mind on what to buy. Both rifles were out of the box stock. I loved the way both rifles shot. I had a much better grouping with the AK at 100 yards. Is this common among stock rifles? looking for some opinions on these two types of rifles. Budget is an issue. Thanks so much.Nathan
Ak vs AR bang for buck
- Thread starter mnhedrick
- Start date
Adamantium
New member
I don't claim to be an expert on either but here are my thoughts.
1. Asking if you should buy a "stock AR" is like asking if you should buy a "truck". What specific AR are you looking at and how much is the person asking for it?
2. What group size are you getting out of both the AR and the AK? Also is this from a bench or just having fun? I would be surprised to see an AK out shoot a low to mid level AR, but stranger things have happened.
3. If you are only really going to punch paper with it and keep it loaded for HD just in case, I'd recommend the AR. You can buy cheapo steel cased ammo for both at the same price but quality 223 ammo is leaps and bounds ahead of 7.62x39mm in terms on availability and choice.
1. Asking if you should buy a "stock AR" is like asking if you should buy a "truck". What specific AR are you looking at and how much is the person asking for it?
2. What group size are you getting out of both the AR and the AK? Also is this from a bench or just having fun? I would be surprised to see an AK out shoot a low to mid level AR, but stranger things have happened.
3. If you are only really going to punch paper with it and keep it loaded for HD just in case, I'd recommend the AR. You can buy cheapo steel cased ammo for both at the same price but quality 223 ammo is leaps and bounds ahead of 7.62x39mm in terms on availability and choice.
Nathan, focusing on your words “bang for the buck” and “budget is an issue” I’d suggest an AK pattern rifle. Adamantium is correct on .223 over 7.62x39 ammo. Therefore, an AK in .223 / 5.56 might just be what you are looking for. I shot a few AR’s and AK’s then settled on a Saiga in .223. Minute of man sized groups to 300 yards, cheap ammo, down and dirty reliability of an AK47, and a price tag of less then $400.
I was an AK guy for 15+ years and never even owned an AR until a week or two ago. I have owned 5 or 6 AK's over that span and until recently still owned 2, one in .223/5.56 and one in 7.62x39.
I finally decided I wanted to try an AR so I sold the .223 AK and I bought a budget S&W M&P-15 Sport for around $680 out the door. I honestly did not know what I was missing. I used to look down my nose at the AR guys, secure in my knowledge that my AK was bomb proof. Well, its true that the AK is rugged and reliable, but the fit and finish of the AR, ergo's of the controls, trigger, accuracy and ease of upgrading really blew my AK's out of the water. I am sold on the AR platform and am in the process of selling my other AK to get another AR!
Its a good thing you got to shoot both of them side by side, that will help you make an informed decision, and as much as I loved my AK's as fun blasters, I think the AR is the better long term choice, even though it may cost a little more up front.
I finally decided I wanted to try an AR so I sold the .223 AK and I bought a budget S&W M&P-15 Sport for around $680 out the door. I honestly did not know what I was missing. I used to look down my nose at the AR guys, secure in my knowledge that my AK was bomb proof. Well, its true that the AK is rugged and reliable, but the fit and finish of the AR, ergo's of the controls, trigger, accuracy and ease of upgrading really blew my AK's out of the water. I am sold on the AR platform and am in the process of selling my other AK to get another AR!
Its a good thing you got to shoot both of them side by side, that will help you make an informed decision, and as much as I loved my AK's as fun blasters, I think the AR is the better long term choice, even though it may cost a little more up front.
better groupings with the ak than the ar at 100 yards? is that a typo? im an ak guy and have one set up with zmax ammo for hd. i'll bet my life on it and grab that before my handguns or shotguns but i don't see how it can ever be more accurate than an ar at long distance. my ak has great accuracy under 50 yards, ok at 100, pretty bad at 150, won't even try 200 yards.
I bought a higher end AK first (Arsenal SLR), then built a high end AR second (BCM). If I had to do it again, I would have done it in the same order. Both are great rifles.
If I could only have one, a really nice AK would beat an average AR in my book. Alternatively, a really nice AR would beat a really nice AK. I like really nice things, and budget/save accordingly.
If I could only have one, a really nice AK would beat an average AR in my book. Alternatively, a really nice AR would beat a really nice AK. I like really nice things, and budget/save accordingly.
All things being equal, the cost of getting into an AK can be significantly lower than an AR and you can find plenty of ammo for each. You can buy a mid to higher range AK for the price of a low end AR.
The AR wins on ammo options and accessories, especially if you get a flat top.
Since you like both, I'd say pick one and have a blast.
The AR wins on ammo options and accessories, especially if you get a flat top.
Since you like both, I'd say pick one and have a blast.
mnhedrick Junior Member
"Just finished shooting a couple ARs and Aks. Trying to make up my mind on what to buy. Both rifles were out of the box stock. I loved the way both rifles shot. I had a much better grouping with the AK at 100 yards. Is this common among stock rifles? looking for some opinions on these two types of rifles. Budget is an issue. Thanks so much.Nathan "
I LOVE my AKs (and my ARs ) but the AR has better sights , usually a
better barrel , and the 5.56 shoots flatter.
AK s cost less - ammo costs less , rifle itself is sturdier.
You're probably shooting the AR all wrong - No offense.
.
"Just finished shooting a couple ARs and Aks. Trying to make up my mind on what to buy. Both rifles were out of the box stock. I loved the way both rifles shot. I had a much better grouping with the AK at 100 yards. Is this common among stock rifles? looking for some opinions on these two types of rifles. Budget is an issue. Thanks so much.Nathan "
I LOVE my AKs (and my ARs ) but the AR has better sights , usually a
better barrel , and the 5.56 shoots flatter.
AK s cost less - ammo costs less , rifle itself is sturdier.
You're probably shooting the AR all wrong - No offense.
.
The AR is definatly more accurate than the AK. But every so often someone will get an AK that is just put together just right with good quality parts and closer than the usual tollerances and will have a great shooting AK, that is reliable and accurate.
Anything can happen and throw random luck into the mix, and someone will luck-out and get a very good, well made and accurate AK.
J Budd
Anything can happen and throw random luck into the mix, and someone will luck-out and get a very good, well made and accurate AK.
J Budd
i have never shot an ak in .223 but id like to i have been tossing the idea of adding an AR to my collection i have a wasr ak in 7.62and i love it but i wouldnt call it an accurate gun i get decent grouping at 100 yards usually about 3 inches with open sights. id like to know if an Ak like the saiga in .223 is more accurate than the standard 7.62.
Ignition Override
New member
mnhendrick:
You are comparing the standard AR in .223, and an AK 47 clone versus 74?
Many of you realize that Century Arms assembled lots of AK-74s with the wrong bore.
These have 5.56 to shoot a 5.45 bullet, and Century was well aware of this attempt at customer deception.
You are comparing the standard AR in .223, and an AK 47 clone versus 74?
Many of you realize that Century Arms assembled lots of AK-74s with the wrong bore.
These have 5.56 to shoot a 5.45 bullet, and Century was well aware of this attempt at customer deception.
JHansenAK47
New member
There are quite a few russians that would have similar results. I suspect you may need to get a little more familiar with aperture sights. When I first started using them I wasn't as consistent as I am now in centering my front sight with every shot.
Come on really. I have taken friends that were inexperienced shooters that after a few minutes were shooting an old 10/22 with iron sights significantly better than my Anschutz. I'm sure if they shot them more they could do cloverleafs with the anschutz and shoot rings around that 10/22. I don't think they were doing anything wrong they just need more familiarization and experience to start pushing the mechanical accuracy.
Achilles11B
New member
While I do love me some AK action every now and then, I'm an AR guy. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet for the AR side is modularity. You can build an AR literally from the ground up, piece by piece and part by part, exactly to your specs. Also, consider the upper receiver situation. For example, you want a badass SBR? Get the legal stuff knocked out and get an upper 12" barrel...then swap it out with an 18" or 20" upper with a tighter barrel and some good glass if you want to go the distance. Still want to shoot 7.62x39? No problem. Something wacky like .50 Beowulf or .458 SOCOM? Too easy. The possibilities are limitless.
Crankgrinder
New member
many here well know ive been contemplating ar s and such. yes ar s are more accurate and many ammo choices available. but bang for the buck to me goes with the ak for its price, and the price of russian 7.62x39 is about as cheap as it comes if not for .22lr. ar15s can get expensive and if you dont spend that money youll likely end up with a lesser rifle than you would have otherwise. all the advice coming from folks on her points towards opting for the more pricey ar options. by the time you get through with the barrel changes, calliber options, stocks, optics and such you might have 2000$ in it.AR is still a great gun and the prices seem to be going down as well, better ergonomics, more options and such however, bang for the buck as the op implies is the ak. youll spend half as much, buy cheap mags, shoot more and have as much fun.
and per the following its gtreat if you can have of each! I was given the AK so that was easier per no decision needed (heck yes!)
And if you want the best of both worlds, get a Robinson Arms XCR in 7.62 x 39 (or 223 or 6.8)
Actually its a great gun. More accurate than the AK, not as consistent group wise over 5 shots as the AR (hard to beat a well done AR with the free float barrel)
XCR has better controls setup than either gun.
You can change calibers and barrels (maintains its accuracy which you really have to try to believe).
And I own one each of all three so have a good basis for an opinion.
AK is just fun, not accurate but fun, and it does not miss a lick
XCR would be the to to hardier of all of them as its solid but better controls and the accuracy is good (tend to shoot a gun you know is accurate better IMHO)
You want a good target gun that is flexible and barring trips to the Sand boxes, is reliable, accurate, but controls are poor location. Short of combat something you can live with and adjust to.
And if you want the best of both worlds, get a Robinson Arms XCR in 7.62 x 39 (or 223 or 6.8)
Actually its a great gun. More accurate than the AK, not as consistent group wise over 5 shots as the AR (hard to beat a well done AR with the free float barrel)
XCR has better controls setup than either gun.
You can change calibers and barrels (maintains its accuracy which you really have to try to believe).
And I own one each of all three so have a good basis for an opinion.
AK is just fun, not accurate but fun, and it does not miss a lick
XCR would be the to to hardier of all of them as its solid but better controls and the accuracy is good (tend to shoot a gun you know is accurate better IMHO)
You want a good target gun that is flexible and barring trips to the Sand boxes, is reliable, accurate, but controls are poor location. Short of combat something you can live with and adjust to.
You might want to read this article...
You might find your answer here:
http://suburbansurvivalist.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/ak47-vs-ar15/
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu10.htm
You might find your answer here:
http://suburbansurvivalist.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/ak47-vs-ar15/
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu10.htm
Crow Hunter
New member
Something most people leave out when looking at different rifles is "operator effectiveness". It isn't all about just the cartridge/accuracy/"reliability".
When your magazine runs dry, will you know?
How quickly and easily can you change magazines to get back into the fight?
Can you fumble it and cause a malfunction?
Now how about when you are laying prone?
What happens when you have a malfunction? (They all do, even AK's)
How easy is it to quickly diagnose and clear?
How easy is to go from safety on/patrol carry to "rock and roll"?
How does it perform when shooting 2 or 3 magazines in a row? Can you still hold the handguard or will you have to shoot one handed?
How does the rifle do in different lighting circumstances? Can you see and use the sights the same at 3:00 am as you can at 12 noon?
Can you get parts?
Can you get parts that will fit, or do you have to get parts specifically tied to your rifle's country of origin?
The rifle I have owned the longest is a Polytech AKS-762 that I bought back in 1997. I have more shooting time with it than any other rifle.
I am still better with an AR any day of the week.
I get much more bang for my buck with the AR than the AK because I am more "effective" at turning chemical energy to directed kinectic energy with it.
Now if all you want to do is blast rounds at a backstop. Which ever you like better and makes you feel cooler is the way to go.
When your magazine runs dry, will you know?
How quickly and easily can you change magazines to get back into the fight?
Can you fumble it and cause a malfunction?
Now how about when you are laying prone?
What happens when you have a malfunction? (They all do, even AK's)
How easy is it to quickly diagnose and clear?
How easy is to go from safety on/patrol carry to "rock and roll"?
How does it perform when shooting 2 or 3 magazines in a row? Can you still hold the handguard or will you have to shoot one handed?
How does the rifle do in different lighting circumstances? Can you see and use the sights the same at 3:00 am as you can at 12 noon?
Can you get parts?
Can you get parts that will fit, or do you have to get parts specifically tied to your rifle's country of origin?
The rifle I have owned the longest is a Polytech AKS-762 that I bought back in 1997. I have more shooting time with it than any other rifle.
I am still better with an AR any day of the week.
I get much more bang for my buck with the AR than the AK because I am more "effective" at turning chemical energy to directed kinectic energy with it.
Now if all you want to do is blast rounds at a backstop. Which ever you like better and makes you feel cooler is the way to go.
I picked up a cheap cheap ak 74 century build and got lucky it shoots just over 2" with some loads. I have seen several and that isnt normal, but for the cheapness of the gun and the ammo Im a big AK fan and own a couple. They shoot well enough to be fun shooting. I love ARs to, build on from a kit and it isnt much more then the ak and fun building it.