AR versus AK - which is better? Why?

[admin]

I'll beat the newbies to the inevitable question that no discussion forum is complete without. It's the perennial conundrum: AK or AR; which is better?

Yeah, yeah... different tools, different purposes, etc. There are many reasons to claim it's not a fair comparison, yet here it is.

So, which is it? Why?

 

[omegaman]

AR just ask the late r lee lol

 

[Tim McBride]

I'll take either one. It's the man, not the machine.

 

[Muzap]

Okay, I'll play!
I have both. I like AKs. I love ARs - probably mostly due to modularity and parts options, greater ease of optic mounting, et cetera. So, yeah, I'll go with AR over AK.
I have a couple of Russian AKs that I'll probably sell off at some point, as I hardly ever shoot them anymore. I'll keep my AK SBRs, though. Those things are too cool and obnoxious to get rid of.

 

[admin]

I would agree with Tim on principle, of course - but that's not the point of the question, all things being equal.

I definitely prefer the AR over the AK platform, and my collection certainly reflects that. I just prefer the modularity, overall accuracy potential, ease of building one and how ubiquitous it is.

However, I did recently get an AK I had been looking for, for quite some time. A Chinese spiker AK. Always liked the look of them, but couldn't ever afford a Polytech one, so I got a MAK90 spiker, and just put on a Polytech wood grip and stock.

 

[Tim McBride]

In all seriousness, I own both. But if I had to pick just one, AR platform every time.

 

[[+]]

I have several of both but prefer the AR platform.

 

[GringoLoco]

AR wins. It’s taken about 16 years to come to that conclusion.

1.) lighter weight
2.) lighter recoil (5.56 vs 7.62x39)
3.) optic mounting
4.) ergos all around
5.) easier to SBR
6.) easier to customize/swap parts
7.) easier to suppress
8.) iron sights are better

There are more but I’ll stop there.

I still really like AKs though!

 

[Lucafu1]

AR. Cause 'Murica thats why.

 

[rizzo]

Apples vs. oranges, those are 2 very different platforms. Personally, I go with the AR-15 - easier to modify/customize, easier to handle for all involved parties.

 

[Jack Dupp]

I need a CMMG Mutant.

 

[GunNut]

Own both, but it is apples to oranges question

To clear a close range position - AK - Yugo Pap M92 Pistol
To hit the eye of a bird at 300 yards - AR - any quality brand

Kind of like what is the best car/truck to own?
What is the best cake to eat?
What is the best type of girlfriend?

 

[samnev]

AR wins. It’s taken about 16 years to come to that conclusion.

1.) lighter weight
2.) lighter recoil (5.56 vs 7.62x39)
3.) optic mounting
4.) ergos all around
5.) easier to SBR
6.) easier to customize/swap parts
7.) easier to suppress



There are more but I’ll stop there.

I still really like AKs

I agree with everything above plus easier to get a much better trigger. my love for AK's is gone . Haven't shot one in 10 years and sold off s few.

 

[NONEYA]

I own both platforms. I do prefer the AR over the AK.

 

[Rubber Duck]

For me it's pretty close. Love the AR but I'm a huge AK-74 fan. Ergos have improved greatly with the AK with all the after market options now available. The AK-74 Military 30rd magazine is superior IMO but I guess the AR still takes first place overall.

 

[effjaybay]

AK all day

 

[What]

AK, because bAKon.

 

[Razai]

What GringoLoco said.

 

[Yellowcarbon]

I used to love AK's when you could get them dirt cheap. I remember buying SAR-1 for $225 and thinking they were way too much when they went to $300. Now I can almost put an AR together for $300. Funny how things change.

 

[azrednex]

I love them both. that being said I own 1 AK and multiple AR's. and MY rifle, the one on my shoulder when I'm in the bush is and AR. Lighter mostly. If weight wasn't an issue I would carry my FAL!!