ar-15 vs. ak
- Thread starter bandit007
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Badger Arms
New member
For a Toy I'd go with the AK variants. If you get one, make sure it has the ability to accept standard-capacity magazines and has a wide well.
The AR you can get for around 2-3 times what you can get an AK for. For that money, you get an accurate gun that has much less recoil and is 'sexier.' You can spend the extra money on refinishing the AK, a trigger job, and some extra magazines. You can also put a permanent muzzle break on the gun to make it kick as light as an AR.
I've got both!!!
The AR you can get for around 2-3 times what you can get an AK for. For that money, you get an accurate gun that has much less recoil and is 'sexier.' You can spend the extra money on refinishing the AK, a trigger job, and some extra magazines. You can also put a permanent muzzle break on the gun to make it kick as light as an AR.
I've got both!!!
Payette Jack
New member
Before this gets ugly
I'd reccomend using the search function. This is well-trodden ground.
My .02, get the AR. If its just a 'fun' gun, the AR is the better choice (your shoulder will thank me later).
I'd reccomend using the search function. This is well-trodden ground.
My .02, get the AR. If its just a 'fun' gun, the AR is the better choice (your shoulder will thank me later).
Methuselah
Inactive
Forgive me...
I'll say it!! The AK is a peasant gun!! I own one of each of these. The AK was made to be slammed around and still function fine. The AR is also a nice gun, but I'll agree with the above that if you want a good shooter that is cheap, buy an AK. From my limited experience, the Romainian SAR-1's are the most bang for your buck. If you can get a milled receiver, do it.
I'll say it!! The AK is a peasant gun!! I own one of each of these. The AK was made to be slammed around and still function fine. The AR is also a nice gun, but I'll agree with the above that if you want a good shooter that is cheap, buy an AK. From my limited experience, the Romainian SAR-1's are the most bang for your buck. If you can get a milled receiver, do it.
check out the robinson 7.62 x 39 Veprs:
http://www.robarm.com/vepr 7.62x39mm new.htm
http://www.robarm.com/vepr 7.62x39mm new.htm
Destructo6
New member
I like them both. I say that if this is your first military style rifle, buy the AK. Then, if you like it, buy the AR. When I have to decide which one I'll shoot, it's a difficult choice (unless I think about cleaning them, then the AK wins).
Classic Arms is selling barreled milled AK receivers, sans fire control parts and furniture, for $250. Add a KVAR stock set for $90, and some good fire control parts for another $60 or so, and you've got a nice setup for not a ton of money. These should be high quality Bulgarian "Arsenal" receivers, since the Chinese were the only other manufacturer that imported milled receivers, that I am aware, and they haven't done that in quite a while.
Classic Arms is selling barreled milled AK receivers, sans fire control parts and furniture, for $250. Add a KVAR stock set for $90, and some good fire control parts for another $60 or so, and you've got a nice setup for not a ton of money. These should be high quality Bulgarian "Arsenal" receivers, since the Chinese were the only other manufacturer that imported milled receivers, that I am aware, and they haven't done that in quite a while.
You get what you pay for...
My first rifle was a AK. Egyption MAADI Misr AKM $219. It was a total POS. The rifle was painted over with black paint. The front sight was canted very badly. The take down lever on the gas block would not budge. I had to hammer it open to remove the gas tube/upper handguard. It was built by chimps with rudimentary tools in someones garage. That's what it looked like. I sold it without even shooting it once. Why did I buy it? I needed to have a "assault" rifle in the closet until I could save up an buy an AR.
My second rifle was a AR. Bushmaster Dissipator Carbine, full length handguard with 16" barrel. This is a sweet rifle. I pulled it out of 3 years of storage, lubed the proper parts, and fired 200 rounds thru it without one single malfunction. It is very well put together. It is so unlike the AK in workmanship that they should not be compared. You will not be dissapointed.
If you want a plinker, just get an SKS. Most can be had for $130-350 depending on quality and origin. If you want a serious toy, get a quality AR such as Colt or Bushmaster. Or a qualtity milled AK such as the Bulgarian SLR95. Stay away from el cheapo AKs. Remember, you get what you pay for.
My first rifle was a AK. Egyption MAADI Misr AKM $219. It was a total POS. The rifle was painted over with black paint. The front sight was canted very badly. The take down lever on the gas block would not budge. I had to hammer it open to remove the gas tube/upper handguard. It was built by chimps with rudimentary tools in someones garage. That's what it looked like. I sold it without even shooting it once. Why did I buy it? I needed to have a "assault" rifle in the closet until I could save up an buy an AR.
My second rifle was a AR. Bushmaster Dissipator Carbine, full length handguard with 16" barrel. This is a sweet rifle. I pulled it out of 3 years of storage, lubed the proper parts, and fired 200 rounds thru it without one single malfunction. It is very well put together. It is so unlike the AK in workmanship that they should not be compared. You will not be dissapointed.
If you want a plinker, just get an SKS. Most can be had for $130-350 depending on quality and origin. If you want a serious toy, get a quality AR such as Colt or Bushmaster. Or a qualtity milled AK such as the Bulgarian SLR95. Stay away from el cheapo AKs. Remember, you get what you pay for.
FireForged
New member
If you want to save some money.. Buy a POLY-TECH AK from http://www.cdnninvestments.com $399.00. Its the best Post-Ban AK available. Fit and finish quality is top notch and they are very accurate for an AK. The Poly's have better barrels and the thickest stamped receivers. The trigger pull on a Poly cant be matched for sweetness by any AK.
I love my Bushmaster Shorty but if I had to grab only one rifle to put through hell, it would be the POLY.
Best to worst:
1. Soviet Legend- too expensive and hard to locate
1a. POLY-TECH
2. NORINCO 386
3. ROMAK 991
3. SAR SERIES
4. MAADI
I love my Bushmaster Shorty but if I had to grab only one rifle to put through hell, it would be the POLY.
Best to worst:
1. Soviet Legend- too expensive and hard to locate
1a. POLY-TECH
2. NORINCO 386
3. ROMAK 991
3. SAR SERIES
4. MAADI
SKS.............
If you are just looking for a "toy" then why not consider getting an SKS? You'll get the same chambering as the AK and you'll spend less money. Then with the money you will save by purchasing an SKS, go out and buy a case or two of ammo! My $100 Chinese SKS has never let me down after a couple thousand rounds.........JMO of course!
If you are just looking for a "toy" then why not consider getting an SKS? You'll get the same chambering as the AK and you'll spend less money. Then with the money you will save by purchasing an SKS, go out and buy a case or two of ammo! My $100 Chinese SKS has never let me down after a couple thousand rounds.........JMO of course!
George Hill
Staff Alumnus
Between an AK and an AR - I'ld take the AK EVERY DAY.
Peasant gun or not - it works and you dont have to baby it like a prom queen.
Peasant gun or not - it works and you dont have to baby it like a prom queen.
AK. They work great and hit hard at close ranges. For further out, give me a battle rifle in .308 like a Galil or M1A.
First off, the supply of foriegn AKs is drying up - quick. Get one now, make it a good one that you will take care of. Cost will be maybe $200 or more but it will go a long, long way later on down the road when you can't get anymore foriegn AKs.
(are the Veprs built from Saiga receivers?)
FF...
I'd put a Bulgarian SLR over the Polytech and Russian ones. At the top of the heap, I might say is a Yugoslav AK, but those are RARE. Fit and finish on the Bulgies from Arsenal are top of the line.
The AR is a great rifle, don't get me wrong (token anti-flame statement) but I will take an AK for plinking or good close up work that might require hard cover penetration. Sure, you probably won't win any popularity points for getting one here in the US, but it's all good.
They are built to work and take one hell of a beating and are FUN to shoot.
Once you decide on the AK, you will have more questions, but this is a good place to start.
First off, the supply of foriegn AKs is drying up - quick. Get one now, make it a good one that you will take care of. Cost will be maybe $200 or more but it will go a long, long way later on down the road when you can't get anymore foriegn AKs.
(are the Veprs built from Saiga receivers?)
FF...
I'd put a Bulgarian SLR over the Polytech and Russian ones. At the top of the heap, I might say is a Yugoslav AK, but those are RARE. Fit and finish on the Bulgies from Arsenal are top of the line.
The AR is a great rifle, don't get me wrong (token anti-flame statement) but I will take an AK for plinking or good close up work that might require hard cover penetration. Sure, you probably won't win any popularity points for getting one here in the US, but it's all good.
They are built to work and take one hell of a beating and are FUN to shoot.
Once you decide on the AK, you will have more questions, but this is a good place to start.
One point missing
If you do buy, go European. The Chinese models are just a money making scheme of the Chinese Arms industry, controlled and benefitting the baby-killers and armed thugs that suppress freedom.
Most AR parts are still made here, if that's any comfort. Soon enough the Chinese will be making them.
If the Chinese were so good at making firearms, why do Polytech M14's suck? I don't trust a rifle you have to re-heat treat in order for it to last.
Final note, Chinese steel isn't that great. Most of the good stuff they import from Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Domestically produced stuff they use in general construction. Their tool steel is a joke.
If you do buy, go European. The Chinese models are just a money making scheme of the Chinese Arms industry, controlled and benefitting the baby-killers and armed thugs that suppress freedom.
Most AR parts are still made here, if that's any comfort. Soon enough the Chinese will be making them.
If the Chinese were so good at making firearms, why do Polytech M14's suck? I don't trust a rifle you have to re-heat treat in order for it to last.
Final note, Chinese steel isn't that great. Most of the good stuff they import from Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Domestically produced stuff they use in general construction. Their tool steel is a joke.
cuerno de chivo
Moderator
I'd take a Norinco 56S series pre-ban over a piece of sh*t, soft receivered American B-West AK anytime. Mak 90s are also great.
Steve Smith
New member
AR or AK?
AK.
AK.
George Hill
Staff Alumnus
I dont know...
Sexy is, as Sexy Does.
Beauty has its own requirments and definitions.
Now, some guys think Kate Moss is sexy as all get out.
Some say Salma Hyak is sexy as all get out.
When it comes to shagging one or the other - I'ld shag Salma - who is much better equipped for a night of it... Where Kate would be too tender and need too many considerations and pampering.
When its time to shag - its time to shag.
The AK remains sexy in my book. When I have to shoot - I have to shoot NOW, not after farting around with o-ring line up, ejector plungers, pins, other parts.
Sexy is, as Sexy Does.
Beauty has its own requirments and definitions.
Now, some guys think Kate Moss is sexy as all get out.
Some say Salma Hyak is sexy as all get out.
When it comes to shagging one or the other - I'ld shag Salma - who is much better equipped for a night of it... Where Kate would be too tender and need too many considerations and pampering.
When its time to shag - its time to shag.
The AK remains sexy in my book. When I have to shoot - I have to shoot NOW, not after farting around with o-ring line up, ejector plungers, pins, other parts.
TheBluesMan
Moderator Emeritus
My only experience with the SKS is that it is a jam-o-matic. Might just have been a cheap gun, but FWIW, I've never had a jam, FTF, or stovepipe in either my AK or AR.
I have one of each too, Badger, so right back at ya! 
Bulgarian SLR-95:
Cost: About $600-$900 depending on your area of the country.
Ammo: About $80-$100 per 1000 depending...
Comments: The milled receiver makes this gun one of the most acurate AKs around. It is a lot of fun to shoot and the ammo is cheap, so you can shoot a lot if you are of a mind to do so. It is a true battle rifle that you can abuse and it will keep on functioning. At it's best, it will never be as accurate as an AR, though. Deal with it.
Colt HBAR Match Target (AR-15):
Cost: $850-$1,200 depending...
Ammo: $95-$120 per 1000 depending...
Comments: This is the most accurate military-style rifle I have ever shot. Right out of the box with very little tuning you can be shooting MOA groups. It is also very fun to shoot, but can be temperamental. Keep her clean and she'll take good care of you.
I would recommend that you not skimp to save a few $$$. Buy something of quality. Something that you can pass down to your children or grandchildren. If you take care of a quality firearm, it will outlive you. If you take care of a POS, it will still be a POS.
FWIW.
I have one of each too, Badger, so
right back at ya! Bulgarian SLR-95:
Cost: About $600-$900 depending on your area of the country.
Ammo: About $80-$100 per 1000 depending...
Comments: The milled receiver makes this gun one of the most acurate AKs around. It is a lot of fun to shoot and the ammo is cheap, so you can shoot a lot if you are of a mind to do so. It is a true battle rifle that you can abuse and it will keep on functioning. At it's best, it will never be as accurate as an AR, though. Deal with it.
Colt HBAR Match Target (AR-15):
Cost: $850-$1,200 depending...
Ammo: $95-$120 per 1000 depending...
Comments: This is the most accurate military-style rifle I have ever shot. Right out of the box with very little tuning you can be shooting MOA groups. It is also very fun to shoot, but can be temperamental. Keep her clean and she'll take good care of you.
I would recommend that you not skimp to save a few $$$. Buy something of quality. Something that you can pass down to your children or grandchildren. If you take care of a quality firearm, it will outlive you. If you take care of a POS, it will still be a POS.
FWIW.
In shooting side matches for almost a year I've never seen an AK jam.. I know it can happen i've just never seen it. I've seen all kinds of AR's jam or misfeed.
There are a lot more moving parts in an AR.. less in an AK. The AR is a tighter tolerance gun, and has mush better long range accuracy and sights. The AK is much more robust and requires a lot less TLC.
There are "quirks" of the AK however.. slow magazine changes, its heavier and the stock can loosen up under repeated firing in the stamped stock models. Some of them are notorious for "doubling" and slam firing. Still they are a lot cheaper than AR's and ammo is still inexpensive, esp. if you buy the non reloadable stuff.
Lots of good info is available at http://www.ak-47.net
There are a lot more moving parts in an AR.. less in an AK. The AR is a tighter tolerance gun, and has mush better long range accuracy and sights. The AK is much more robust and requires a lot less TLC.
There are "quirks" of the AK however.. slow magazine changes, its heavier and the stock can loosen up under repeated firing in the stamped stock models. Some of them are notorious for "doubling" and slam firing. Still they are a lot cheaper than AR's and ammo is still inexpensive, esp. if you buy the non reloadable stuff.
Lots of good info is available at http://www.ak-47.net