I like both platforms. I have more examples of each than I need. I am too old and beat up to go running around in the hills.
When the zombie attack occurs I will just shelter in place. At close home defense distances, 1 moa or 4 moa makes no difference.
I also like the 545x39 but only in the ak platform.

Right there with ya.

I have read a lot of the positives of the 5.45x39.  Back when I was more into trying different platforms, I was tempted to try.  However, that was when 5.45 ammo wasn't that readily available, or if it was, it was expensive.  Main allure of AK for me was cheap(er) ammo.  Or at least cheaper than 5.56. 

I have the same Arsenal SGL21. 
I'm not sure if its exactly the same as yours, but looks very similar to the pic.  it is a great AK, and is worth more than any of my AR's.  I have a PA red dot on it, and it shoots very accurate, better than a milspec AR, but I didn't do extensive testing, just from my limited experience.  it is super reliable, never had a malfunction ever for the several years that I've had it, although I don't shoot it that much.  also, I've never disassembled and cleaned the bolt and it still works great.  a short description of this AK would be: super ultra reliable, good accuracy, very durable
I've also had a WASR but sold it.  never had a problem with it either, but I didn't want 2 AK's and I like the Arsenal better so I sold the WASR
both are very reliable and durable. 
I think a big reason why people say AK's are inaccurate is bc of the crappy iron sights that come with it.  maybe with practice it gets better, but compared to a red dot the factory irons are not nearly as good, IMO


overall I like AR's better
I've built a few in different calibers, but mostly 556.  I built one in 7.62x39 and one in 308.  which is one reason I like AR better.  you can build them easier, modify, upgrade, different calibers, parts are easy to find (although not right now due to covid19)
I like building and modifying things, so the AR is a great platform for this.  AK you can do the same, but just more info and more parts for AR, or at least seems that way to me

You reminded me of another thing about my AK.

I bought expensive, authentic Circle-10 30-rd mags.  Had no problems function checking them all.

At KHSC, a guy came up to my bench as I was shooting the AK. He'd just bought an AK and some other brand 30-rd mags.  He was having a misfeed every 1.2,3 or 4 rounds.  He asked if I'd try his mag in my rifle.

Mag functioned perfectly through 3 x 5-rd reloads.  Shows that some rifles just aren't as compatible with certain mag brands/models.  Also true with certain "flavors" of ammo.

That little test gave me an even higher opinion of this AK's reliability.

I also let him use a Circle-10 mag in his rifle.  No malfunctions at all.  So, now he has to do some experimenting to find what mags in his price range work in his rifle.  Not a position I'd like to be in when the outcome might mean life or death.

I view firearms like I view other products I may one day need to save my life.  It just has to work.  Saving a few bucks here or there isn't worth the chance it may fail in a pinch.

Right there with ya.

I have read a lot of the positives of the 5.45x39.  Back when I was more into trying different platforms, I was tempted to try.  However, that was when 5.45 ammo wasn't that readily available, or if it was, it was expensive.  Main allure of AK for me was cheap(er) ammo.  Or at least cheaper than 5.56.

The 5.45x39 is another oddity. Reminds me of Robin. Not quite full on Batman as ..223 Rem.

You reminded me of another thing about my AK.

I bought expensive, authentic Circle-10 30-rd mags.  Had no problems function checking them all.

At KHSC, a guy came up to my bench as I was shooting the AK. He'd just bought an AK and some other brand 30-rd mags.  He was having a misfeed every 1.2,3 or 4 rounds.  He asked if I'd try his mag in my rifle.

Mag functioned perfectly through 3 x 5-rd reloads.  Shows that some rifles just aren't as compatible with certain mag brands/models.  Also true with certain "flavors" of ammo.

That little test gave me an even higher opinion of this AK's reliability.

I also let him use a Circle-10 mag in his rifle.  No malfunctions at all.  So, now he has to do some experimenting to find what mags in his price range work in his rifle.  Not a position I'd like to be in when the outcome might mean life or death.

I view firearms like I view other products I may one day need to save my life.  It just has to work.  Saving a few bucks here or there isn't worth the chance it may fail in a pinch.

How are P Mags for the AK?

You reminded me of another thing about my AK.

I bought expensive, authentic Circle-10 30-rd mags.  Had no problems function checking them all.

At KHSC, a guy came up to my bench as I was shooting the AK. He'd just bought an AK and some other brand 30-rd mags.  He was having a misfeed every 1.2,3 or 4 rounds.  He asked if I'd try his mag in my rifle.

Mag functioned perfectly through 3 x 5-rd reloads.  Shows that some rifles just aren't as compatible with certain mag brands/models.  Also true with certain "flavors" of ammo.

That little test gave me an even higher opinion of this AK's reliability.

I also let him use a Circle-10 mag in his rifle.  No malfunctions at all.  So, now he has to do some experimenting to find what mags in his price range work in his rifle.  Not a position I'd like to be in when the outcome might mean life or death.

I view firearms like I view other products I may one day need to save my life.  It just has to work.  Saving a few bucks here or there isn't worth the chance it may fail in a pinch.

Good point on the mags.  I've heard and have friends that have AKs that have to be careful with which mags to use.  Don't know what brands, but I believe one is an older Russian.  I assume mostly due to variations in the magwell.  I read some AKs have to be adjusted to accommodate mags, but I wouldn't want a gun that needed that.

I have a range of mags, from new gen Magpuls, to surplus Bulgarian and Korean that are likely older than Inspector.  They all worked in my AKs.  I was expecting the surplus Korean mags to not fit well, but they were fine. 

The 5.45x39 is another oddity. Reminds me of Robin. Not quite full on Batman as ..223 Rem.

(Batman reference)

I was interested in 5.45 when it WAS cheap.  But when I was looking at 5.45, they were going for more than 5.56!   

How are P Mags for the AK?

Works on mine.

I have about 25 AC Unity mags that work too.

How are P Mags for the AK?

I haven't tried any Magpul AK Mags. 

Lots of reviews out there.  I seem to remember reading of some compatibility issues when first released, but the design was modified.

One issue was the plastic lugs were wearing.

If you haven't tried one, an AK mag doesn't insert straight or drop like on an AR.  There is a tab you must first insert into the front (muzzle end) of the mag well, then pivot the mag toward you until it locks.

To fix it, Magpul AK mags now have steel reinforced locking lugs on both the front and rear where it locks into the well.

if you buy Magpul AK mags, make sure they have metal locking lugs.   

Magpul is a reliable brand.  I'd have no problems adding them to my stash.   


https://magpul.com/firearm-accessories/pmags/ak-akm/pmag30ak-akmgenm3-7-62x39.html?mp_global_color=118

How are P Mags for the AK?

I have tried all three Gen AK mags.  I'd have to check, but I think I mostly have Gen 2. 

Like FJ said, believe the Gen 1 criticism was the locking tabs.  Some had to file the tabs to work.  All the Gens have been fine for my AKs. 

The rifle that was having problems with mags, particularly with Magpul mags was a friend's Sig Sauer 556R in 7.62x39 (strange name for the model, but anyways).  There was another friend's AK that was more finicky on mags, but I can't remember the make. 

Gen 3 magpul works great on the AK. My favorite thing about the platform is when it gets a scratch I touch it up with duracoat low gloss black engine paint and it looks practically brand new again.

Shows that some rifles just aren't as compatible with certain mag brands/models.

So much for the vaunted idiot -proof and unber-compatible design of the AK?

J/K, my only AK experience was firing some full auto AK-74s.

edit: Remembering my brief encounter with the AK-74, was not familiar with the much shorter hand-guard than the AR and M-14, and burned myself after a full auto string.  Never saw the need for those tacti-cool handstops on ARs, but can see how they might help on an AK with a HG barely long enough to grab and easy to overshoot to the gas block.

So much for the vaunted idiot -proof and unber-compatible design of the AK?

J/K, my only AK experience was firing some full auto AK-74s.

edit: Remembering my brief encounter with the AK-74, was not familiar with the much shorter hand-guard than the AR and M-14, and burned myself after a full auto string.  Never saw the need for those tacti-cool handstops on ARs, but can see how they might help on an AK with a HG barely long enough to grab and easy to overshoot to the gas block.

I'm not sure how uber-compatible the AK is.  My AK has a Kalashnikov receiver from Izhmash Armory.  Beyond that, the US 922r compliance requirements means that the rest of the parts are a combination of foreign and US manufactured components.

Now, when the AK was made 100% in Russia or other Warsaw countries, I'm sure the standards were much easier to control.  Not as manny parts makers as today, so when they got one right, they were all right -- give or take.   

I think the horror stories of AKs having major problems are from home builds or buying the cheapest rifle they could find.  That is like buying a Saturday Night Special.  You're lucky if you don't blow your own hand off.

AR 7.62x39 bc I prefer the AR platform but like AK ammo

AR 7.62x39 bc I prefer the AR platform but like AK ammo

SNIP

Awesome!

I'll admit it.  I've long wanted an AK because of Red Dawn.   

AR 7.62x39 bc I prefer the AR platform but like AK ammo

Buy both so you get both worlds
That what I did.

Buy both so you get both worlds
That what I did.

 I only own the AR because it is more environmentally friendly than a less accurate AK. Less lead in the ground, less powder being burnt due to missed shots. With an AR you waste less.

I have an AR that identifies as an AK.

The rifle that was having problems with mags, particularly with Magpul mags was a friend's Sig Sauer 556R in 7.62x39 (strange name for the model, but anyways).  There was another friend's AK that was more finicky on mags, but I can't remember the make.

556 russian. Strange but easy way to distinguish a regular 556, 556xi, and 556 russian. I think 556 was the model not based on caliber. Like 552 swat. Russian in its name Prob cause x39 ammo?

Century arms ak and saigas had issues with mags iirc. Importing them they had to do something with the frame? I could be mistaken again. I had a ddi before psa bought them out. So i had to do alot of research 4 years ago.

556 russian. Strange but easy way to distinguish a regular 556, 556xi, and 556 russian. I think 556 was the model not based on caliber. Like 552 swat. Russian in its name Prob cause x39 ammo?

Century arms ak and saigas had issues with mags iirc. Importing them they had to do something with the frame? I could be mistaken again. I had a ddi before psa bought them out. So i had to do alot of research 4 years ago.

Ahh, probably.  I just know that it was a Sig, shot 7.62x29, and didn't like certain AK mags.  Other than that, it shot great and was fun to shoot. 

I recall something about some AKs (or maybe it was SKSs) that needed mag mods to be imported.  I also assumed the less expensive ones have different levels of quality control.  I think Century and another company was hit or miss with canted front sights.