There is a new book out by C.J. Chivers titled The Gun. As part of the publicity for the book, he is getting out and making the rounds. He had an nice long interview on NPR all about the AK-47.

I'm a very big fan of the AK-47 for its simplicity and reliability. It may not be as accurate as many other battle rifles, but it does have its place.

2A - I have to agree with you WRT the AK-47.  I was not a big fan of it until I started taking some course to see how it can be used.  It's simple and tough.  I never had to baby it.  As far as accuracy, it is poor but I won my fair share of ACTs stages in Tucson with a Saiga that had a Tapco G2 Trigger and iron Sites.  Ak's are great.  I think every household should have one but I might be overstating that.  Perhaps it is the GLock of  all assault rifles.  Maybe....just my opinion.


 I wonder if NPR has a podcast of the interview?

There is. Just follow the link or download the interview here.

I really wish I could get on the AK bandwagon.  Conceptually, I appreciate everything it has going for it.  I like the cartridge, the reliability, the simplicity.  However, as many variants as I have fired, I just do not care for shooting them.  All of the full stocks I've tried have been cheek biters.  I don't like folders because I can't get a good cheek weld.  And I'm just not crazy about a pistol grip. 

If someone were to make an AK in a Monte Carlo stock...

You mean like the Saiga?

Yeah, I keep looking at the Saiga, but it also has turn-offs.  Like not taking AK mags without modification and problems with the front sight being mis-mounted.  If I come across a Saiga carbine in 7.62x39 in a gun store, I'll almost certainly buy it.  Not willing to order one sight unseen, though... to many folks telling tales of woe.

I honestly haven't heard anything about the front sight problems or really any other problems. There is the problem with not taking AK mags and not being 922r compliant if you do mod it and stick in 30 rounders. I have a stock one that I plan on modifying it in the future. I think it is a great rifle at a great price. Picked it up from Young Guns a while back.

Love the AKs, so many flavors to choose from, love everything about them. In fact, they're the only rifles I own.

I can't speak highly enough for the AK--there are so many myths and half-truths going around, probably due to quality variance and use and abuse. I've had 2 Saiga SGL10s modded by Chris Butler, and both consistently held 1.25" at 50yd with a Micro Aimpoint mounted on an Ultimak rail. In practice, for me the AK is a very efficient and confidence inspiring weapon for which adaptation comes quickly. Those with a tri folder, and a fixed plastic non-NATO stock.


OTOH with two months time off, I find myself having to initially search for a proper cheek weld. The AKs iron sights and the Micro Aimpoint/Ultimak set up, requires a tighter cheek weld compared to the AR. The AK with a forward mounted Aimpoint/Ultimak is definitely front heavy compared to an AR, but you get used to it. Same with the Ultimak--the forward mount becomes sweet with practice, and it opens up peripheral vision.


If it wasn't for my time and history with the AR, I would have adopted the AK. I have huge love for the AKs caliber, handling, and recoil impulse. No problem with fast doubles.