This is America and we can have both ARs and AKs.
I recognize that as I private citizen, I can own both. That’s awesome.

In which application do you think an AK is a better choice than an AR?

Without looking for reviews and doctrinal manuals, I'd say if you're not in the US -- the most prolific battle rifle in history is the AK.  If you need ammo, parts or complete rifles, you have a better chance of a good supply with AKs than ARs.

If I had both an AR and AK available, and need to go deer hunting, I'd pick the AK with more muzzle energy.  Hopefully I have a scope and mount for it, too.

If the AR is a gas impingement model, and I'm in a situation where I must use it for many days without being able to clean it, the AK would be preferable.  A dirty AR will have problems before an AK with the same negligence and long term use.  Not that all dirty ARs are prone to failure -- just more likely than a dirty AK.  With modern ammo, the AR's fouling issues have been greatly reduced, but it's still recommended to clean it after each day's use.

YMMV

9 vs 45

Although all I have are 45s - I agree with Larry Vickers

Nope, sold all the AKs several years ago to focus on proficiency with one platform and reallocate the funds into ARs.

If I was to get into an AK again, it would still have an Ultimak, and maybe an SLR rail like Flapp posted.

I’m in my second SLR rail for my AK project.

Understand about the consolidating. Came full circle on that with handguns. Most of my training time lately has been on AR, but still like to dabble.

I’m in my second SLR rail for my AK project.

Understand about the consolidating. Came full circle on that with handguns. Most of my training time lately has been on AR, but still like to dabble.

I'm of the opinion I benefit more through a variety of platforms to practice with than a single type.

When I decided to get back into shooting, the rule of thumb I followed was to acquire 5 types of firearms:

Revolver (DA/SA)
Semi-auto Pistol
Bolt Action Rifle
Sem-auto Rifle
Shotgun - any action type

That offers the minimum number of firearms the average person should know how to operate, clean and so on.

Once you're at the minimum, adding varieties of each type increases your breadth of skills and knowledge.

I'd hate to have exclusively AR-15s, then one day have to pick up an AK-47 to use in a pinch.

I'm of the opinion I benefit more through a variety of platforms to practice with than a single type.

When I decided to get back into shooting, the rule of thumb I followed was to acquire 5 types of firearms:

Revolver (DA/SA)
Semi-auto Pistol
Bolt Action Rifle
Sem-auto Rifle
Shotgun - any action type

That offers the minimum number of firearms the average person should know how to operate, clean and so on.

Once you're at the minimum, adding varieties of each type increases your breadth of skills and knowledge.

I'd hate to have exclusively AR-15s, then one day have to pick up an AK-47 to use in a pinch.

If I HAD to use an AK ...  it wouldn't be a good day...
BLUF. Comparing an AK to an AR is like comparing an 8 track to a DAT.
Milled modern alloy versus a stamped receiver made in some backyard shop

I'm of the opinion I benefit more through a variety of platforms to practice with than a single type.

When I decided to get back into shooting, the rule of thumb I followed was to acquire 5 types of firearms:

Revolver (DA/SA)
Semi-auto Pistol
Bolt Action Rifle
Sem-auto Rifle
Shotgun - any action type

That offers the minimum number of firearms the average person should know how to operate, clean and so on.

Once you're at the minimum, adding varieties of each type increases your breadth of skills and knowledge.

I'd hate to have exclusively AR-15s, then one day have to pick up an AK-47 to use in a pinch.

I mean I’m all for familiarity with a variety. I own a variety and was expanding for a while. But when it comes to training and classes, I’ve come to appreciate (more) proficiency with the tried and true. Preference from trying different firearms in classes.

I will always own a variety of firearms though, enjoying shooting variety.

I like my 1911's and M1, but in terms of practicality and ease, I take my AR.   it's been continually improved and refined over the last 50 years.....  AK's have just been accessorized.   We are talking about post WW2 technology here.  Come on man!   

If something goes wrong with the AR, being the most popular rifle in the US, you could easily cannibalize parts from other rifles to get your's back in action.  No special tools.  You can use a nail and a hammer, in a pinch.  Probably make your Gucci race AR look like crap,  but you could do it.  AK breaks, bends, or burst, you SOL....

JMHO, Whatever works for you and you trust. 

they warned me about AK owners
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157791991563473&id=172224883472&anchor_composer=false

Besides stang's x39 ar15.

Did anyone mention the 300 blackout? Ar platform with near or almost near identical ballistics of an ak. In which im gonna assume why they made it, after 300 whisper.  Better platform for optics, instead of buying a somewhat bulky yet lightweight side mount or mounting on your gas tube which gets very hot , or buying a 200$+ tws dog leg. Also, didnt need a banana style mag due to reliability from the old c products and bushmaster mags. But technology has become better and mags are somewhat a hit or miss nowadays.

As for 9 vs 45. Id go 9. Good enough, altho i had and still have 38spl, .22lr , 357 mag and 357 sig. I couldnt find the video but a seal once said ... "ill put one in his head and 2 in his heart, and he wont know the difference. Im sure all gun enthusiasts here know most of them military peeps will put 2 in a chest for assurance, as seen on tv. Hahaha.

But yeah in all seriousness ill agree with everyone who said what works for you atm.

If 10 of my friends omly had aks. Id prob get an ak. Cause if shit went down ill most likely be cruisin with them.

Same goes for ar15.

In the past ive owned .22, 9, 40sw, 357 mag, 357 sig, 308, x39, 12 ga, 20ga. .380, x51. 6.8spc

Yea not as much as most of you here. But i downsized to just a handfull of diff calibers now. Just easier for me and choose whatever is easier for you... choose your ak or ar and 9 or 45. All are great👍🏻

The only reason i didnt get a 45 was that i dont like 1911 platforms, ive shot several diff kine. I just dont like it. Personal preference. And the fact i would need to buy minimum 500 rounds of it. While i have 1000+  in several diff calibers already. Btw i wouldve gotten a p 227. 😋

I'd hate to have exclusively AR-15s, then one day have to pick up an AK-47 to use in a pinch.

I am a M-14 trained guy that barely transitioned (never had to qualify) to the M-16 before getting out.

The one time I fired an AK (the -74) it was child's play.  Obvious bolt handle to load and cock, safety only works when cocked (like an AR) etc.  Anyone that has used a semi-auto rifle should be able to cycle the action in the dark, almost.  I would want light to make sure I could see how to lock and release magazines, that might be a bit weird but still doable for the semi-auto familiar.

From a pure performance standpoint like first shot from a ready position, split times, reloads,

Why don’t we see AK pattern rifles used in competition at a high level?

I think one of the current IPSC world champ runs a Saiga in Multigun (if we're counting that since it's an AK).  As for carbine competitions why would you want to shoot a rifle that recoils more just to make bigger holes in paper (since that doesn't matter)?





The thing that I hate most about the AR are those times you think you have it in, but then it's not really in all the way, and it slips out and everyone sees - super embarassing and awkward.  To top things off your Force Recon dad starts yelling encouragement to you from the sideline... With the AK I know it's in and it's in securely, sometimes so securely it gets stuck and you have to beat on it to get it out.

(Skip to 24:00 for a visual)

Grunt vs Comrade
"next, double tap. anyone worth shooting once is worth shooting twice"   

I like my 1911's and M1, but in terms of practicality and ease, I take my AR.   it's been continually improved and refined over the last 50 years.....  AK's have just been accessorized.   We are talking about post WW2 technology here.  Come on man!   

If something goes wrong with the AR, being the most popular rifle in the US, you could easily cannibalize parts from other rifles to get your's back in action.  No special tools.  You can use a nail and a hammer, in a pinch.  Probably make your Gucci race AR look like crap,  but you could do it.  AK breaks, bends, or burst, you SOL....

JMHO, Whatever works for you and you trust.

There are updated versions of AKs, or their outright successors, but don't think they are available in US.

But yeah in all seriousness ill agree with everyone who said what works for you atm.

If 10 of my friends omly had aks. Id prob get an ak. Cause if shit went down ill most likely be cruisin with them.

Same goes for ar15.

In the past ive owned .22, 9, 40sw, 357 mag, 357 sig, 308, x39, 12 ga, 20ga. .380, x51. 6.8spc

Yea not as much as most of you here. 1) But i downsized to just a handfull of diff calibers now. Just easier for me and choose whatever is easier for you... choose your ak or ar and 9 or 45. All are great👍🏻

2) The only reason i didnt get a 45 was that i dont like 1911 platforms, ive shot several diff kine. I just dont like it. Personal preference. And the fact i would need to buy minimum 500 rounds of it. While i have 1000+  in several diff calibers already. Btw i wouldve gotten a p 227. 😋

1) I'm similar.  I buy bulk ammo for a few calibers.  Beyond that, I may buy some ammo here and there, but not much.  At one time, I wanted to try a lot of different calibers, platforms, etc.  But not anymore.  Maybe if I lived in a more gun friendly state or one of those backyard ranges.

2) That's some fightin' words   
I own 1911s and I enjoy shooting them, but they aren't my preference either.  There are many those who would take those words as blasphemy.  Mostly kidding, but a little bit of truth in that.   

1) I'm similar.  I buy bulk ammo for a few calibers.  Beyond that, I may buy some ammo here and there, but not much.  At one time, I wanted to try a lot of different calibers, platforms, etc.  But not anymore.  Maybe if I lived in a more gun friendly state or one of those backyard ranges.

2) That's some fightin' words   
I own 1911s and I enjoy shooting them, but they aren't my preference either.  There are many those who would take those words as blasphemy.  Mostly kidding, but a little bit of truth in that.   

if only i owned firearms and ammo, then i could join in on these discussions...

if only i owned firearms and ammo, then i could join in on these discussions...

You like buy?  I sell to you, real cheap (in Vietnamese accent)

if only i owned firearms and ammo, then i could join in on these discussions...

C'mon man!

C'mon man!

heads

 

You like buy?  I sell to you, real cheap (in Vietnamese accent)

fifteen dolla too beaucoup...