This question shows the differences in the idealologies of the US and Russian militaries.
AK's were never designed to be precision firearms. Thier tolorances are purposely loose to allow it to function while full of dirt and mud. Also it was designed to be mass produced as cheaply as posible. It was designed to be rugged, simple to operate, and require little or no training to use and maintain. These factors do reduce quality and accuracy.
AR's just like all newer US military hardware,were designed with relitivly tight tolorances. Tight, accurate, and to be used by a comparitivly education and trained soldier.
While the US has more of a "one shot one kill" frame of mind, the Russians lean more towards an "Overpower your opposition with great numbers" way of thinking.
Think about it.
We build 1,000,000 M-16s they build 10,000,000 AK-47s
We build 1000 high tech M1 Abrams Tanks and they build 10,000 T-72's.
We build 100 missiles that can fly through a window to hit a target. They build 1000 missiles that can hit the building.
An AK could be produced that had tight tolorances, high quality parts, high tech designs and quality workmanship, but that would defeat the purpose for which it was intended.
Cheap, easy to make, easy to use.
I do reacall seeing some AK's that we being sold as "National Match" quality in the late 80's. As I remember, what they gained in accuracy, the lost in reliability and durability.
FYI: I love my AR and my AK
Just my .02
Chuck
[This message has been edited by chucko (edited July 02, 1999).]