AR vs. my new AK

[Bob Mayne]

AR vs. AK, a never ending argument, isn't it?  Well, for me I decided to settle it for myself.  So I bought a new AK!  Pictured first, it's an Arsenal SGL-21, 7.62X39.  Picture with the 5 round magazine shipped with it.  My AR-15 is a DTI upper and lower, with a BCM complete bolt carrier group (M-16 style) and Magpul furniture, with a Magpul BUIS. 


So, my goal will be to take an AR class and an AK class and run each extensively to settle the question for myself, AR vs AK!

I have a feeling neither will win, they will both be awesome.

My AR has had a 2,000 round trigger job, my AK has yet to be fired.  I'm waiting for my US Palm 30 round magazines to arrive.

This is my version of "Homeland Security."

[jeff4423]

great gun, but wow you missed the good prices by years. so after many tact days at the range, i would have rec the 5.45 x39 by saiga converting them is half the fun. a much better round for keeping shots on target too!. Have fun im sure this will not be your last ak.

[Bob Mayne]

True, but I've got my AR that I can shoot the 5.56 rounds out of if I want, close the 5.45 round. 

[ExpatBen]

AR or Ak is all about your individual needs.  I own both and love shooting them.  For precision work at long or close ranges that AR wins with open sites.  The AKs are still cheaper and can be made into a smaller package.  My trunk gun right now is an AK because my AR won't fit.  I put a folding stock on my AK and it fits under the back seat and in a smaller bag so it doesn't look like a rifle when I'm taking it in and out.  I also carry the AK when I travel out of town.  With the stock folded it fits in a duffle bag.  Yes it's funny to see me carry an old worn out duffle bag into nice hotels, but the rifle doesn't fit in roller luggage and I'd rather have it with me. 

My ultimate decider was the rifle size.  If it wasn't for size constraints I would still be using an AR.  The system is lighter overall, more accurate, and I can run it faster.  It's all about your needs.  Define what you want the gun to do, then pick which system you want. 

[jeff4423]

I agree with the idea "precision work" the AR would be better at longer ranges but for most situations that i would encounter my AK 47 would be better stopping power with just fine accuracy. I find when i shoot close range the recoil of the 47 affected shots 2+ it becomes a little hard to keep on target that's why i went to the 74. I love my AR's but the ak in any form i have found to be more reliable in more conditions, it frankly shoots every ammo in every condition period. Do you think you could shoot a AR for a year without cleaning it, and have zero malfunctions? Maybe, but are you willing to bet your life on it. 

[Tennessee Jed]

Dang, those are both very nice rifles.  Any chance you will throw the Mini 14 into the mix as well? 

[Jon Payne]

I agree with the idea "precision work" the AR would be better at longer ranges but for most situations that i would encounter my AK 47 would be better stopping power with just fine accuracy. I find when i shoot close range the recoil of the 47 affected shots 2+ it becomes a little hard to keep on target that's why i went to the 74. I love my AR's but the ak in any form i have found to be more reliable in more conditions, it frankly shoots every ammo in every condition period. Do you think you could shoot a AR for a year without cleaning it, and have zero malfunctions? Maybe, but are you willing to bet your life on it.  

Jeff4423,
Where do you get this from?  Have you ever ran an AR for a year without cleaning?  Several of my peeps have and so have I.  Lube is much more important with the AR than "clean" is.  I teach the AK as well and have found people make allot more from this because of what they've heard or read.  The AR is much more reliable than it gets credit for and the AK is more accurate than it gets credit for.  Pick which ever you like and learn to run the darn thing.

[Bob Mayne]

Dang, those are both very nice rifles.  Any chance you will throw the Mini 14 into the mix as well? 

I thought about it.  In fact, I was going to get a Mini 14 tactical because it eats the same ammo as my AR.  But I wanted an AK (again) and broke the bank paying for it, so a Mini 14 won't happen for awhile.

[Bob Mayne]

I want to be careful not to turn this into an AR vs. AK thread, because it's a no win argument.  My intent with this thread was that, both have excellent qualities, so to settle the question, I got both!  

I have a lot more trigger time behind the AR-15.  That will change though, soon.  I do agree, that as a civilian, using a rifle in self defense will probably be slim, to begin with.  The chances of shooting beyond 100 yards in self defense is probably even slimmer.  So I'm going to practice under 100 yds most of the time.

As a side note, I shot in a carbine match a few weeks ago, and used my Glock 34 on the same course of fire.  In terms of speed, I shot faster than a lot of rifle shooters!  Some were using optics.  I'd have to go back and look at the scores, but I shot faster than approximately 7 rifle shooters, 2 of them using optics.  Again, I was using 17 round magazines in my Glock 34 pistol and they were using 30 round magazines in their AR's, some with optics.  I still shot faster in a course designed for rifles.

[Mudcat]

Jeff4423,
Where do you get this from?  Have you ever ran an AR for a year without cleaning?  Several of my peeps have and so have I.  Lube is much more important with the AR than "clean" is.  I teach the AK as well and have found people make allot more from this because of what they've heard or read.  The AR is much more reliable than it gets credit for and the AK is more accurate than it gets credit for.  Pick which ever you like and learn to run the darn thing.

This is true to my experience as well. I did go nearly 4000 rounds through my AR without cleaning but it got drowned so a good cleaning was in order. No problems and still running like a champ.
 With my AK I also have shot a Rifleman score at an Appleseed and qualified with it on a KD range, they are more accurate than most give them credit for.

I think you will like the AK Bob they are a lot of fun and make a fine fighting rifle. But for problem free mags I would recommend the Bulgarian surplus for durability and cost. Usually run less than $10 each mine have been beat to death never had one fail. Though it is a possibility I know but it has not happened yet. Not a fan of the US Palm mags myself but the grips are awesome.

[cornmastah]

But for problem free mags I would recommend the Bulgarian surplus for durability and cost. Usually run less than $10 each mine have been beat to death never had one fail. Though it is a possibility I know but it has not happened yet. Not a fan of the US Palm mags myself but the grips are awesome.

I second this.  The old steel bulgarian surplus magazines are awesome: cheap, durable, strong, and reliable.  The steel feed lips are thick and strong on those.  Don't waste money and time with the polymer/plastic mags--they will wear out much faster.

[Bob Mayne]

I just got the 3 US Palm magazines in the mail today.  I have to say, they seem to be very well made.  The body is one single piece and they are steel reinforced where they need to be.  The self cleaning follower and the design of it is perfect.  The best thing is they are light weight.  The proof is after I run them hard, but I don't know what's so bad about polymer designed magazines.  I seem to remember a few polymer handguns that are incredibly well made and durable.   

[Mudcat]

I just got the 3 US Palm magazines in the mail today.  I have to say, they seem to be very well made.  The body is one single piece and they are steel reinforced where they need to be.  The self cleaning follower and the design of it is perfect.  The best thing is they are light weight.  The proof is after I run them hard, but I don't know what's so bad about polymer designed magazines.  I seem to remember a few polymer handguns that are incredibly well made and durable.   

Nothing wrong with most polymer magazines such as the Magpul or the original surplus AK polymer. I had the US Palm magazines and they broke at the feed lips during the first class I took with my fancy magazines and new AK.
These are not mine but they broke just like the ones in the pictures. If they now have metal in the feed lips then they may be worth a shot but if not...
As far as weight there isn't that much difference I just don't notice the weight difference between them. But 9 bullet proof magazines vs 3 magazines of somewhat questionable durability for the same money.

They may have updated them with the metal feed lips I don't follow them much, just tried them out when I first got my AK. I picked up many surplus mags and really don't need any more mags unless they get down to $5 or less again. lol

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the new blaster, Bob.