This is probably one of the greater debates that go on within the gun community as a whole. The debate of small arm superiority between the AK-47 and AR-15 platforms. While both have their advantages, I believe that one platform is superior to the other. Now, I know I won't be changing anyone's minds as to which is superior. I'm well aware that everyone's minds are already made up on that issue and I have a snowball's chance in hell of changing that. This is just my perspective and opinion that is more for those who have yet to acquire such a rifle.
Customization
One thing that almost every person with a rifle wants to do is customize it. It would be very difficult to prove otherwise, that the AR-15 would be superior in this matter. The AR platform is often referred to as Barbie for men or grown up Legos. This is entirely true as literally every component of an AR-15 can be customized. The level of customization is to the point that you can build an entire rifle from scratch. The AK on the other hand, while having parts that can be customized is nowhere near the level of the AR-15. Yes, you can swap out handguards, grips and stocks. However, most stocks are considered flimsy and the grips and handguards are usually AR derivatives that have been adapted to the AK pattern with mixed results. Top covers can be replaced as well to offer mounting solutions but, most consider them to be inferior and not providing the needed stability to maintain the zero of an optic. While steps have been made in the industry, the AK is still lagging behind the AR in terms of customization.
Optics
Another item that many do (and at this point all should) do with their rifles is mount optics. I really don't anyone is even gonna bother to challenge the fact that the AR-15 is superior in this instance. Almost all AR-15's on the market today have rail sections on the top of the receiver. Most even have them going across the top of the handguard or are easily able to accept handguards that do. This gives the end user near unlimited options in regards to mounting optics. The AK on the other hand, is less forgiving in this matter. Almost all stock AK's require some modification in order to mount optics. This will either be in the form of a railed gas tube or, an added attachment that goes over the top cover. This greatly hinders one's options when compared to the AR. If you use a railed gas block, you are limited to optics with unlimited eye relief that more often than not have no magnification options. If you go with the side mount to go over the top cover, you end up with an optic several inches higher than the iron sights which will pretty much negate any cheek weld you have on the rifle. There are also some after market top cover options but, I've been told that most of them aren't stable enough to maintain zero so take that as you will. With all that said there really is no point defending the AK here.
Reliability
Let the games begin!!! What is probably the greatest argument made by those who are on the side of the AK. You always here of AK's being buried for years or all beat to hell and still working while the AR will fail if not treated with extreme care will fail instantly. However, when it comes to which rifle is more reliable well, I'm gonna say that the jury is still out actually. When it comes to the AR, most of the claims of unreliability are from from when the M16 was first introduced in Vietnam. A rifle built by committee that was heavily flawed then rectified in order for the government to save face. However, given all the modifications and tweaks that can be made to the AR operating system, they can still be a bit temperamental. When it comes to the AK, most of the stories of the AK are anecdotal as opposed to statistically proven. In Range TV did mud tests with the AK and showed them to fail where the AR succeeded due to being a better sealed system. Yet, every shooter has heard some story about some beat up or buried AK that no matter what was done to it, still shoots like it just came out of the factory. Given only one "empirical" test, anecdotal evidence and old fudd myths, I've decided to take the high road and not take a decision on the heavily debated issue.
Magazines
Everyone tends to overlook magazines. Usually, in regards to the fact that most people don't have enough but that's besides the point at the moment. There are many companies out there that produce magazines for both the AR and the AK. When it comes to the AR, pretty much any magazine out there will work. the only magazines that are most considered to be flawed would be early USGI style magazines. Those problems however, can be easily rectified with spring and follower replacements. Beyond that, while people have their preferences when it comes to magazines, anything out there will work. As for the AK, while many people like the polymer magazines, most have a fatal flaw. They usually have weak locking tabs that have a tendency to break under hard use making them inoperable. While the newer Magpul magazines have attempted to fix the issue with metal tabs, the issue still exists. The metal magazines are far more reliable however, given the current market, have become increasingly difficult to find. While the polymer magazines may be cooler, you're better off with the metal ones. Seeing how it's harder to find the metal magazines for AK's, well I guess you're shit outta luck.
Yeah, I'm saying the AR is better no shit. Better customization options, better optic mounting options, arguably more reliable and far more options for magazines. However, believe it or not I really don't have a problem with the AK. They are still a proven rifle system and that fact can be backed up. I'm just saying I think the AR is better. If you already have an AK, keep it an continue to use it. Just be aware of it's strengths and weaknesses. If you don't have a rifle yet, go ahead and get yourself an AR. However, it's your money do what you want with it. I hope this helps people. If you disagree and think I'm wrong I'm open to discussion. If you think I'm wrong and just want to be pissed about it, well, fucking fight me.
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