Posted by on 5/2/2022 to
AK or AR? Not even a question right? AR all the way. However, what are the differences between these two, and where do they excel? Reliability? Ease of use?
Both the AK-47 or AKM and the AR-15 are extremely reliable, they should both do great when the time comes. But does one outperform the other? Many AK-47s are made with stamped steel, which allows them to be cheaply made while the steel makes them strong. AR-15s on the other hand are mostly milled and aluminum, milled for more precise measurements and aluminum for lightness. So on the one hand you have a heavy, reliable, tough-as-nails rifle, and on the other hand, you have a light and reliable rifle that will last a long time if you take care of it.
When it comes to reliability, both of these rifles excel. The biggest thing the AK might have a problem with is mud, though it seems to be able to take a lot. However, too much of it and the bolt on your AK can jam. With the AR the issue tends to be cold temperature. When the military was first testing out the M-16 in the late 50s they had to make many tweaks to get it qualified for colder temperatures. It’s still an issue however really not much of one as most people aren’t out shooting in temperatures low enough to be problematic. A possible jam in cold weather, one that can be cleared relatively easily. It should be noted that though these are weaknesses, they aren’t commonly encountered with these well designed rifles. The reason that the AR can handle mud well is due to its closed system while the AK handles cold and water well since it has loose tolerances.
If accuracy is the most important then the AR-15 is definitely the way to go. With tighter tolerances, the rifle is put together more precisely and you should automatically get closer grouped shots. ARs will often have adjustable stocks which means you can change the length of pull or even have a superior cheek weld which should help with the accuracy. There are a lot of choices with the AR including classic parts as well as new technologies that are being integrated into the AR. ARs are called Legos for adults for a reason, parts are easily interchangeable, quite varied, and easy to come by.
When it comes to recoil there is not much to compare. The AK uses larger ammunition and has a buffer system that is basically a piece of plastic. The AR on the other hand has a sophisticated buffer system with a piece of plastic, embedded in metal, with a spring. This system provides a much better experience with much less felt recoil. Of course with lighter ammunition that also means you can carry more. If you want to hunt with your AR there are many ways to do so from using the normal .223REM or 5.56NATO to changing out some parts or getting another AR with a different caliber. The standard .223REM still packs enough power to hunt whitetail and mule deer with it.
Reloading is pretty easy with both rifles, however, the AR may come out ahead on this one too. With the quick push of a button, you can take your empty clip out of the rifle and replace it with a full one. You don’t need to fight with it, it just drops right out. The AK on the other hand requires that you grip the magazine tightly and then rock it out, then rock the full mag back in. It’s probably not that big of a deal, but the AR does seem to be an improvement. The AK does have a side charging handle which can definitely be a good thing.
Free-floating handguards are huge when it comes to ARs. These have been shown to increase accuracy due to negating the effects of barrel whip. They can also have a bunch of places on it to add whatever accessories you want. With most of these M-LOK or Keymod you only need to make sure your flashlight or handle or laser is compatible, then attach it.
Now it’s said that AKs are cheaper than ARs, and that can be true depending on the time and place. But right now, here in America AR-15s are very affordable and often less than AKs. These days there are plenty of options. If you really want that AK but with an AR buffer system, you can do that now. You can also get many of the adaptations that the AR-15 features on the AK, or you can just get that AR-15.
