AK-AR suggestion

[Blackhawk Dave]

OK, all. I've pretty much decided to splurge on either an AR or an AK. Here's my issue. I am weaker than many due to certain neurological issues, so weight is an issue, as is recoil. I also want a full stock, not a folding stock. Finally, don't need an elephant-killer, just a good weapon that is accurate, reasonably inexpensive to fire.

Suggestions, folks?

[skullfr]

cost wise the AK is the better choice.Recoil isnt bad but the AK is not as accurite as an AR due too the tolerances in ak

[Zhurh]

I have a few 556 AR's, they sit in gun vault. I have a 6.8 spc stag and it never gets put away; have killed a few bear, wolves, and a bunch of caribou with that sweet shooter; about 6-7 lbs; collapsible stock, 16 inch barrel; luv that gun.

[Deputy Dawg]

As for myself the recoil on either one is allmost none existing. I have one of each and I like both of them.

[Iron Eagle]

Originally Posted by Blackhawk Dave

OK, all. I've pretty much decided to splurge on either an AR or an AK. Here's my issue. I am weaker than many due to certain neurological issues, so weight is an issue, as is recoil. I also want a full stock, not a folding stock. Finally, don't need an elephant-killer, just a good weapon that is accurate, reasonably inexpensive to fire.

Suggestions, folks?

Do you have a range in your area where you might be able to rent one of each to see if you like them?

[aa1911]

AK will most likely be cheaper. As said, recoil is next to nothing on either choice. Ammo is roughly the same.

I was eyeballing the M&M LLC AK, looks like a very nice set up rifle; has rails already and full synthetic for $500. I have a couple Romanians that I like, looks like at least the same quality if not better.

AR's are everywhere, can't really go wrong with one of those either, just will be more expensive. Better chance of accuracy also vs. the AK although AK is plenty accurate for most purposes.

[TheGunClinger]

I have an AR-15 in 7.62X39 which is AK ammo. Shoots great and is cheap to get ammo for. Recoil is not bad at all.

[3/2 STA SS]

I want to get the Smith version in 5.45X39mm

[Zane71464]

I have the AR, Stag in 5.56 and love it. With a good scope and not much more on it, it's light and the recoil...wait, what recoil?

[carver]

Originally Posted by Blackhawk Dave

OK, all. I've pretty much decided to splurge on either an AR or an AK. Here's my issue. I am weaker than many due to certain neurological issues, so weight is an issue, as is recoil. I also want a full stock, not a folding stock. Finally, don't need an elephant-killer, just a good weapon that is accurate, reasonably inexpensive to fire.

Suggestions, folks?

Dave, what do you intend to do with this gun? Shoot targets only, or is to be a home defense weapon also? Do you want to hunt with this gun, if so, what do you want to hunt?

[hkruss]

AK is going to weigh 2 1/2 to 3 pounds more.

According to most posts I've read on the subject, the AR gets the nod on inherent accuracy in general.

If you are going to use the iron sights, not some sort of optics, that back sight notch on the AK is awfully tiny (not that it can't be changed). The peep sight on the AR is much easier to use if you have 'middle age eyesight' like me!



Both are fun rifles for sure. Based on your requirements, I think you would be happier with the AR.

(plus, Alpo LOVES those black plastic rifles, so that's good enough for me!!!)

Running for my bunker before he reads this!



.

[aa1911]

wait, we've all been ignoring the obvious: why not get one of each? then there's no dilema and you will be able to compare first hand!

life is full of tough choices.... the more guns I get, the more I want; shouldn't it be the opposite? My wish list seems to be growing much faster than my collection is, cripes

Let us know what you decide on, and don't forget pics!

[Zane71464]

Originally Posted by aa1911

wait, we've all been ignoring the obvious: why not get one of each? then there's no dilema and you will be able to compare first hand!

life is full of tough choices.... the more guns I get, the more I want; shouldn't it be the opposite? My wish list seems to be growing much faster than my collection is, cripes

Let us know what you decide on, and don't forget pics!

,,,just when I actually tell myself, "what else more do I need..."...
The ONLY cure for me, is to STAY away from gun shops...and I dont see that happening anytime soon!

[Deputy Dawg]

Originally Posted by aa1911

wait, we've all been ignoring the obvious: why not get one of each? then there's no dilema and you will be able to compare first hand!

life is full of tough choices.... the more guns I get, the more I want; shouldn't it be the opposite? My wish list seems to be growing much faster than my collection is, cripes

Let us know what you decide on, and don't forget pics!

That my friend is why I have 2 ARs, One Ak, One SKS ,and One Ruger Mine 14.

[GunHugger]

I have to recommend a AR.

The AK is a solid weapon and yes all the stuff you hear about how they shoot after being buried in sand for years somewhat true...but...they're commie guns.

IF the SHTF and you ever need ammo 5.56 will hopefully be easier to get and more plentiful...hopefully. And the AR has become very reliable too, they are far from the M16's issued in Viet Nam that you hear about even 50 years later.

The AR is far more accurate, easier to scope, more aftermarket accessories available, they can be customized a lot easier, easier to work on and they are American.

I'm not going to suggest brands to buy, almost all are worthy as range guns. Some are built of better materials and all of the major components tested and can survive harsh and heavy use without failure. There are difference, don't believe like some that they are all more or less the same. For the most part, as always, you get what you pay for most of the time.

There are many variations and types of AR rifles/carbines. But to make it simple first decide what it's main use will be. If you want something smaller, lighter and quicker to handle a 16" carbine is the way to go. They do almost everything you could ask and make a good starting point for a close quarters gun that's quick on target with a red dot sight. Add a light and it's a good home defense gun. Still accurate enough...

But if you want a longer range and more accurate AR a rifle length non chrome bore, free floated target barrel might be what you want.

Here's my LMT Defender, 16" free floated chrome bore, 5.56 chamber with an EOTech, TROY backup sight and Surefire light. This is it's "home defense" setup.

I'll bet these pics are too big...oh well. Hopefully they will give you an idea or two.



Here's my ArmaLite M15 National Match with a 20" triple lapped non chrome lined stainless barrel, 4X ACOG. The barrel is free floated too (but doesn't look like it is) and it shoots real well. I also have a Weaver V16 scope for it for more precision shooting. Not the best choice for up close or tight places.

[polishshooter]

[QUOTE=aa1911;973971]...life is full of tough choices.... the more guns I get, the more I want; shouldn't it be the opposite? QUOTE]


You got it brother! My wife is constantly throwing one of my quotes back in my face every time I buy another one from when I bought the Swift (or was it the AR, I forget)..."This will probably be the last gun I will need...."

She didn't catch the nuance...

NEED is not the same as WANT.....

[polishshooter]

Now I love my AR, but for what it's worth, since I started handloading heavily and am now into highly accurate rifles, I seem to shoot it less and less. Heck, I lugged it to South Dakota this year again but didn't even take it out of the case...but as for accuracy with good ammo my 16" HB Rock RIver will shoot MOA and I had taken dogs out to 175 with it from a bench with a scope.

My problem is that chasing the brass is getting old, even with a brass catcher which looks hokey BTW, about 50% of the cases still end up on the ground.

When I take out the SKS it doesn't bother me banging away with steel case cheap ammo and leaving it lay or picking it up and throwing it in a can for scrap, but chasing them down, checking for damage, cleaning them, then full length resizing, reaming the primer crimp, etc, gets old. But then again the SKS isn't a tack driver either.

Shooting a bolt gun as a single shot putting each case nicely back into the case and then just neck sizing it later is more fun for me....but that's just me.


I have to admit, the AR is now just for me insurance so after socio-economic collapse I can protect my tomatoes and other things not to mention my family and my life from the zombie hoards...a little better than I could with the Swift....

[CHW2021]

What would a "comfortable" weight be and what would you be able to tolerate for recoil?

Would you be able to support the weapon while firing or would you be benchresting it ? I guess the question is "what are you comfortable with"?

[Smoke]

Originally Posted by 3/2 STA SS

I want to get the Smith version in 5.45X39mm

I would agree with STA SS The S&W 5.45 AR is far less recoil than the 5.56 version.
I know this because the one I bought my girl friend has all but took it over, she loves to shoot it.

[3/2 STA SS]

Originally Posted by Smoke

I would agree with STA SS The S&W 5.45 AR is far less recoil than the 5.56 version.
I know this because the one I bought my girl friend has all but took it over, she loves to shoot it.

Thats the one!! You lucky individual....

[therewolf]

All things about your personal situation considered,

I'd see what J&G has for an AR-15 clone in .223 ...

[Tmergen24]

I like my bushmaster carbon 14 ways in at just over 5 pounds acurate lil to no recoil

[ka64]

Originally Posted by aa1911

AK will most likely be cheaper. As said, recoil is next to nothing on either choice. Ammo is roughly the same.

I was eyeballing the M&M LLC AK, looks like a very nice set up rifle; has rails already and full synthetic for $500. I have a couple Romanians that I like, looks like at least the same quality if not better.

AR's are everywhere, can't really go wrong with one of those either, just will be more expensive. Better chance of accuracy also vs. the AK although AK is plenty accurate for most purposes.

You can get the M10 for 500 buy it, over 600 in my area.......

[aa1911]

I know, really want one but gotta save for a scope and mount for the M1A right now; I need another AK as one of mine is blown up so I'm down to only 1 !! gotta have at least a couple working AK's IMO....

plus that M&M comes with a rail system already and full polymer, exactly what I want.