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I do not hunt or plink but would like a long gun to supplement my handgun. I know this is not much info ( I do live in a semi-rural area) but anyone have any opinions on the AK as opposed to the AR?

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I've thought about getting an AK myself, but any "non-gun person" would think my (pre-1980s ban) 7.62x39 SKS with a 50 round mag is one anyway .. I might some day, but don't know a benefit of an AK over an SKS... easier to clean? or whatever?

AR prices are mostly out of my budget. I tend to customize and stuff too much, but I've seen some really nice ones.

' Got one of each and the AK in 7.62 X 39 is the "go to" gun for 2-legged varmits. Not that the AR is not an excellent choice for some people, I just have more confidence in the reliability of the AK and 154 grain softpoints.

That's like askin' if Ford or Chevy is better; everyone has their preference. I have both but prefer my AR's to my AK. I say AR in 300 BLK and load it with 125gr polymer tips, best of both worlds.

Quote/Question: benefit of an AK over an SKS... easier to clean? or whatever?

AKs are typically shorter than an SKS. And while SKSs can be converted (sometimes unreliably) use a 30-round mag, they are generally limited to 10 rounds.

In today's market the SKSs will go for roughly $300, while the AKs start in the range of $500. (With bare bones ARs now down to as "little" as $700).

Greybeard wrote:Quote/Question: benefit of an AK over an SKS... easier to clean? or whatever?

AKs are typically shorter than an SKS. And while SKSs can be converted (sometimes unreliably) use a 30-round mag, they are generally limited to 10 rounds.

In today's market the SKSs will go for roughly $300, while the AKs start in the range of $500. (With bare bones ARs now down to as "little" as $700).

Pre-1980s ban at a gun show in Houston I used to see SKS in wooden barrels for $89.00 each ... glad I picked up a few and accessorized so they all got grandfathered in under the ban, which doesn't matter now much since the ban went away.

I had 20/30/40/50 round mags, folding stocks with pistol grips and even an evil flashlight and laser and scope on one

I sold most of the ones I had at a nice profit

Some brands of aftermarket detachable SKS mags worked, others didn't ... I bought a couple drawers full at shows pre-ban of all brands and types...the tang on the mag was designed differently on some by some manufacturers. I sold all those extras except about 3 mags I kept.... along with a couple of the originals.

This looks like a topic that could use my opinion.

As a preface so I don't ruffle some AR feathers:

Both systems are fine choices for self defense, with proper maintenance both are reliable systems, and both are accurate enough to be used at any range we're going to be fighting as civilians.

Why I prefer the AK-

Heavier hitting round that is better at penetrating cover. Read a quote somewhere that said "7.62x39-because people have a strange habit of hiding behind things when you start shooting at them."

Compactness/concealability- My AKs have folding stocks. I really like the ACE side folder set up on my Saiga, because it gives me the ability to shorten the weapon system down enough to carry in a tennis racquet case, but is a robust stock and I can achieve a good cheek weld with it. In most scenarios short of TEOTWAWKI, you really don't want other people to see you toting around a rifle case. (my opinion) My neighbors probably think I'm into tennis. A racquet case raises no eyebrows from neighbors, soccer moms, or cops.

A few words of warning: Not all AKs are created equal. The easiest and surest route to get a quality AK is to look for either a new or used Arsenal AK. These are made in Russia, brought over here brand new in a sporter configuration and restored by Arsenal to original AK specs.

There are other quality choices as well, but that is the quickest and easiest answer I can give. If you have other questions, feel free to PM me.

And now some unabashed showing off of my Saiga conversion.

74novaman wrote:This looks like a topic that could use my opinion.

As a preface so I don't ruffle some AR feathers:

Both systems are fine choices for self defense, with proper maintenance both are reliable systems, and both are accurate enough to be used at any range we're going to be fighting as civilians.

Why I prefer the AK-

Heavier hitting round that is better at penetrating cover. Read a quote somewhere that said "7.62x39-because people have a strange habit of hiding behind things when you start shooting at them."

Compactness/concealability- My AKs have folding stocks. I really like the ACE side folder set up on my Saiga, because it gives me the ability to shorten the weapon system down enough to carry in a tennis racquet case, but is a robust stock and I can achieve a good cheek weld with it. In most scenarios short of TEOTWAWKI, you really don't want other people to see you toting around a rifle case. (my opinion) My neighbors probably think I'm into tennis. A racquet case raises no eyebrows from neighbors, soccer moms, or cops.

A few words of warning: Not all AKs are created equal. The easiest and surest route to get a quality AK is to look for either a new or used Arsenal AK. These are made in Russia, brought over here brand new in a sporter configuration and restored by Arsenal to original AK specs.

There are other quality choices as well, but that is the quickest and easiest answer I can give. If you have other questions, feel free to PM me.

And now some unabashed showing off of my Saiga conversion.

I had to check my tennis bag....My AK fold to the right..it still in the bag

old farmer wrote:

I had to check my tennis bag....My AK fold to the right..it still in the bag

The hinge I have on there can be set up to fold left or right. I'm a lefty, so I just prefer it to fold that way. My other AK folds to the right though.

I don't think there is a correct answer here. Both weapons systems are excellent and battle proven. I have both rifles and while they are very different, either will both be more than adequate to protect the old homestead. If you are not a gun nut, like many of us on this board, I would recommend the AK as the operating system is simpler. An AK can be broken down with no tools and there is not much to mess up in there. The AR is not exactly difficult, but the AK is about as easy as it gets.
Good luck with your search.

karder wrote:I don't think there is a correct answer here. Both weapons systems are excellent and battle proven. I have both rifles and while they are very different, either will both be more than adequate to protect the old homestead. If you are not a gun nut, like many of us on this board, I would recommend the AK as the operating system is simpler. An AK can be broken down with no tools and there is not much to mess up in there. The AR is not exactly difficult, but the AK is about as easy as it gets.
Good luck with your search.

I've come to the conclusion that even if you are a gun nut (like me) every collection should include at least one AK. I am working my way up to acquiring one, and this from a guy who has 6 ARs in his family with two more on the way. I plan to have a side folding stock—I too am a lefty—and throw the gun in a small duffel or other carrier and keep it in the back of my car for a "something arises" long gun. We also have two M1As in the safes so, between those and the ARs, we are pretty well set for a small family when it comes to battle rifles. What I like about the folding AK is the compactness, and the fact that it can lie neglected for a long time in a duffel, and if a little dust gets into it, it's not going to decommission the rifle. Cheap ammo is a plus. I have full confidence in my ARs, but because they can't be folded, they are somewhat less practical in this particular regard. I drive a mid-sized SUV...a Pathfinder....and there is no inboard or outboard storage capacity other than the space behind the seats. So what I get, it pretty much has to be concealable in a smallish bag of some kind. I don't want to go the SBR route with an AR because it is my most sincere desire to keep the BATF out of my affairs as much as possible, and the AR can't be folded. Otherwise, I know that, if I can see it, I can hit it with any of my ARs out to any distance at which I have any business using a carbine in a light caliber. And I take care of my ARs so that they will always run if I need them to. But there is a lot to be said about a sort of Allis Chalmers EBR which conceals readily in a bag, and will start every time you turn the key. That would be the AK......and I say that with full respect for what it is.

AKs look better with boots.

Chevy or Ford is right. I also own both and have fondness for both. I think the AR is more ergonomic, but the AK is a more reliable weapon. The sights on an AK leave a lot to be desired, but can be upgraded. The sights on an AR are what every battle rifle should have and need nothing. The AK kicks more and heaves a bigger round than the AR. Both are more than lethal at any range the weapon is capable of. If I were only buying ONE, I would choose a quality AK in 7.62x39. Upgrade the sights and install a folding stock that is capable of good cheek weld. Practice practice practice. If its runs reliable but you can't hit anything with it, then its just a noise maker...

You have to look at the design of each and decide for yourself. The M-16/AR-15 family of rifles were made for a reasonably educated and trained military force. They are accurate, light, and ergonomic. Modern ARs require SOME reasonable level of cleaning and maintenance, but if they get that, they work just fine. They are very adaptable.
The AK was designed to be a mass-issue rifle for an under-educated and likely poorly trained military force. It was designed to be churned out in BULK. It was designed to be RELIABLE almost to a fault. It was NOT designed to be exceedingly accurate or ergonomic. It can be customized, but takes a bit more work to do so than an AR.
I have both an AR and an AK. I like them both for different reasons. I am not former infantry, LEO, SWAT, "security specialist", competition shooter or anything resembling an expert on firearms. Just a guy who likes to shoot when I can.

Carry-a-Kimber wrote:That's like askin' if Ford or Chevy is better;

Glock or 1911?