Saturday, November 30, 2013

Firearm Forum Question: AR-15 (M-16) 5.56x45mm versus Avtomat Kalashnikova AK-47 7.62x39mm

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Which is the better assault rifle to own for civilian self-defense: The AR-15 (223/5.56) or Soviet style AK-47 (7.62x39mm)?
Thank you The Big Red 1

The AR-15 has many variations and styles. Shown is the later version for civilian use, the semi-automatic AR-15/M4 Carbine in 223/5.56.

The old Soviet based designed AK-47 is manufactured by many countries and also has many variations and styles. Shown is the original Russian post WW2 style design in 7.62x39. The civilian model is the same but in semi-automatic only.

Answer:
Blog Administrator -
It all depends on your own personal choice and needs, like buying a car, each person has their own opinion what they want and think is better. Personally I own both.
But here are some facts you may want to consider: The AK-47, SKS Assault Rifle has been around longer. It is almost indestructible. It rarely ever jams. Will shoot any kind of ammo manufactured that fit the standard 7.62x39mm. The AK/SKS is the most widely used weapon in the world in war and conflict. The ammo (ammunition) is less expensive per round to shoot than the 223/556. The AK is easy to disassembly and clean. It is heavy with the original wood stock, but the more modern versions have the synthetic stocks as well. The AK is less vulnerable to sand, dust, water, and the cold than the AR-15 and it's cousins. It you purchase one make sure it's the real thing and not American made and sold. I personally would recommend one that is 100 percent made in the Czech Republic. 
Note: I would stay away from the Chinese made weapons such as Norinco.

The AR-15 (M16) has been around since the Vietnam War, and started off using the .223 Remington Ammo. The post Vietnam AR-15 Assault Rifle and it's cousins fire both the 223 Remington (good for target practice), and the 5.56 rounds. Some of the AR designs are more particular to what ammo they fire and are subject to jamming. They also have Magazine issues, as in using off brand mags can cause jamming. The AR requires more maintenance and is harder to clean, disassemble, and reassemble. It is the standard weapon used by the U.S. military and most federal and local U.S. law enforcement. Therefore, in an emergency the ammo would be more readily available. The AR15 ammo is generally more expensive per round than the AK 7.62. The AR15 is made both in the USA and Europe for civilian use and widely sold here.

Both the AR15 and the AK47/SKS ammunition types can easily be found at a Wal-Mart store. Choose wisely grasshopper.

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