AR versus AK - which is better? Why?

[h8pvmnt]

I own, shoot and really like both but if could only have one it would be an AR Type. Mainly because of ammo commonality within the US and parts availability. That said if i could only have 2 one would be an AK and one would be an AR.

 

[Jack Dupp]

I agree with h8pvmnt. I'd also add a big reason the AR trumps the AK is that one can easily assemble one from scratch or swap out parts with minimal tools and effort. An AK? Fuggetaboutit.

 

[GringoLoco]

Beautiful! Would love to have a Chinese AK similar to that!

 

[GringoLoco]

It may have already been said but the firearm world is so weird right now compared to how it was when I first got into it back in 2000. I know things change but the change isn't a natural economic change, it's purely political in nature.

A Colt in 2000 was like $1500.00. A Romanian SAR-1 or WASR-10 was about $250.00-$350.00. And AR15 mags were not that great back then and they cost about $25.00 for USGI ones. High quality AK mags were about $5.00. I remember getting a few 4-packs from CenterfireSystems for $20.00 with free shipping. 7.62x39 ammo prices were about $80.00 / 1000 rounds and 5.56x45 ammo prices were about $200.00 / 1000 rounds. I had very limited funds back then, so the AK was the way to go if I wanted to shoot a lot for not a lot of money. Fast forward to now and it's a completely different story. The AK only had an advantage when the price was low. Now there is no real advantage. Do I still like the AK? Yes! But until the political restrictions on them go away, if they ever do, it's kind of a dying platform, in my opinion.

 

[admin]

I think some of that transformation was economic. People generally got the AK because it was cheap. If it were the same as an AR, people would have purchased AR's, so they got the AK due to economic considerations. Demand for the AR increased as the accessory market ramped up, which brought more and more AR manufacturers into the game, which in turn drove down costs due to competition and efficiencies in manufacturing. It was also a boon that any Joe could "build" an AR with basic tools, whereas doing the same with an AK required quite a bit more.

Not nearly as many AK parts builders or manufacturers in the US for the AK because of all the imported parts and kits, which have now dried up - so the costs are now high.

 

[GringoLoco]

I think some of that transformation was economic. People generally got the AK because it was cheap. If it were the same as an AR, people would have purchased AR's, so they got the AK due to economic considerations. Demand for the AR increased as the accessory market ramped up, which brought more and more AR manufacturers into the game, which in turn drove down costs due to competition and efficiencies in manufacturing. It was also a boon that any Joe could "build" an AR with basic tools, whereas doing the same with an AK required quite a bit more.

Not nearly as many AK parts builders or manufacturers in the US for the AK because of all the imported parts and kits, which have now dried up - so the costs are now high.

Excellent points, all true!

I was just generalizing about the executive orders/sanctions against Russia, the ban against "foreign machine gun barrels", and all the conflicts around the world, causing a shortage of quality AKs.

So while yes, economics (supply + demand) definitely have impacted the current AK market, I believe the supply was mostly affected by politics. I'm only speculating though. I don't claim to be an expert about any of this.

 

[admin]

You're correct. If it weren't for politics, I'm sure we'd still be enjoying cheap AK parts kits being imported.

 

[Tim McBride]

An AR more easily lends itself to economy of scale style production and CNC production.
Once the parts are made, the skills to assemble one is minimal.
AKs on the other hand require a lot of hand assembly and fitment.
The post 9/11 war era truly ramped interest in the AR combined with video games and threats of taking them away meant everyone and their brother who had a decent CNC shop could start cranking out AR parts and make a profit.
I am amazed that prices are still so low. I truly expected by now that AR prices would start creeping up with lower demand but that hasn't seemed to have happened yet. If anything the market is still flooded with cheap ARs

 

[admin]

I really think that the mom-and-pop AR manufacturers will slowly go out of business over the next few years, which will gradually drive prices up a bit more. Maybe some of the more enterprising ones will move to AK parts, but the AR market is absolutely flooded. One of the big downsides is that a lot of those who got into the AR manufacturing game after Sandy Hook are Chinese manufactured parts (LPK's etc) and certainly a lot of people used them in home-assembled AR's.

 

[Berd]

I'm with Tim.

Either one. Here in the states AR wins for only rifle ever because it's so prevalent.

I wouldn't feel undergunned with either.

 

[Yugmoto1]

I'd use either one, although I have a lot more experience with the AR. I own both and can use them both effectively. The only problem with AKs is you can't buy a good one for a reasonable price right now. So, on that plus ergos, because the AR was built with a rifleman in mind, it gets the edge. You can buy or build any AR you want for a fair price. For now...

 

[cat-mechanic]

I've had a couple AK's over the years, but had problems with each one. So now I stick with my AR's

 

[brandyspaw]

I'd hate to make a choice between my AK's and AR's. However, if it came down to which one I'd grab for a serious situation it be one of the AR's. The ergonomics of the AR is the reason.

 

[DHG388]

AR for me but my budget does not like the limitless accessories. The good thing though if you get tired of the gun you can keep the accessories for the new gun.

 

[schiffer99]

As someone on the old board said, the AR is an adult Lego set. With some basic tools and youtube you are your own armorer. Same reason I have gone all glock on handguns.

 

[AGE Mechanic]

I went with the AR as the answer to the question. If the question was, Which one would you want in the event it was needed? I would say choose the one that has access to the most ammo. Also, the one your most familiar with,

 

[mike400]

I have both and try and stay somewhat proficient with each. However if I had to pick one, AR15. Something about 3+ MOA that makes me cringe..

 

[Sobrbiker]

-Only accurate rifles are interesting.
-200rd grab and go load is light
-I’m not 5’ 2” with a round head
-when we fight on our turf I think it will be blue helmets or our own, and I want to grab ammo in the fight


Guess my choice...

 

[lew]

I have both, and they work flawlessly. AR wins due to better customizability, accuracy, ease of mounting optics, mag changes, aftermarket support, etc...

 

[knockonit]

who gives a shiat about customizing it, its about longevity and use for intended purpose, but thats just me, could care less if its purple, black, green, brown or has an aluminum rail with all kinds of hootsies, what i do care about is will it hit point of aim for the duration i'm gonna need it. again thats just me.

been up against aks, mean as mothers, in the right hands its an ugly deal
Rj