The Difference Between AR-15 and AK-47 Rifles- Which is Better For You?
AK 47
For decades there has been a rivalry between the AR-15 and the AK-47. Both are reliable rifle platforms and both have their own advantages over the other. Police, civilians, and the military use both guns extensively, but if you need to choose one or the other then you should learn about the difference between them before making your decision. The AR-15 and the AK-47 have both played a major role in countries around the world for the last 50 years. The AK-47 was designed by Mikhail Kalishnikov and introduced in 1949, and the AR-15 was built by ArmaLite, sold to Colt, and then became available in 1963.
AR-15 and AK-47 Construction
Of course the most obvious different between the rifles is their caliber, but other big things to consider are reliability, price, comfort, and accuracy. AR-15 rifles usually shoot 5.56x45mm ammunition, are light weight, and more accurate. However, they often cost twice as much as an AK-47 does and they are prone to malfunctioning in dirty environments. The AKs usually shoot 7.62x39mm ammunition, weigh more, cost less, are less accurate, and function in pretty much any condition. Drop an AK-47 in the mud, roll it around in the dust, and it will still fire. These characteristics alone are usually a deciding factor for many shoppers. The AK-47 is built for tough work so it is often a favorite to those what use it for self defense or on the job. The AR-15 is usually favored by marksmen who shoot for a hobby. That being said, both guns are pretty exciting to take to the range.
AR-15
The Nitty Gritty on Both Rifles
If you are still undecided between the AR-15 and the AK-47, consider which specifications you find most desirable. In terms of weight, the AR-15 takes the lead. It weighs 7.8 lbs when empty while the AK-47 weighs 9.5 lbs. Keep in mind that the exact weight also varies by manufacturer.
The AR-15 also wins when it comes to muzzle velocity at 3,200 feet per second versus the AK’s 2,346 feet per second. The velocity also effects their range and the AR-15 once again is superior with up to 600 yards. The Ak-47 stops short at a 400 yard range. All this in mind, the AK-47 is basically a cheaper, more reliable rifle that is less accurate than the AR-15. Which of the two is better for you depends entirely on what you would prefer.
The AK-47 is only produced by Kalashnikov Concern, a Russian weapons manufacturer. It is the most common small firearm in the world with an estimated 100 million units. This is mostly because of its use in the military due to its ability to operate under any conditions. The AR-15 is highly popular because of its accuracy, long range, and modular construction. It is easy to build an AR-15 with a kit and replace or upgrade any of its parts. If you choose to build an AR-15 you can reduce your costs by quite a bit and construct it in the way that you want to. This is because there are many variations of after market parts available for the AR such as more comfortable grips, laser sights, short barrels, and more. Just be sure to pay attention to the legalities of the various parts and designs. For example, fully automatic rifles are not legal for civilians to own in many countries. Some of the more popular AR-15 manufacturers include ArmaLite, Colt, Bushmaster, and Sig Sauer. If you opt for the AR-15, you will need to do some extra research on the various manufactures and the quality of their rifles.
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I can see lots of differences betweens on this site and can’t stop exploring. All weapons are dangerous.
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Hippos, mosquitos, multi-drug-and-antibiotic-resistant bacterium (MRSA, MDR-Tuburculosis & XDR-TB (Citizens of the South Western, US, you know what I mean), thunderstorms, commercial airliners (shall we do a Compare/Contrast vs. US Military fixed-wing aircraft; and see which group has a lower probability of one of the myriad metrics we can apply?), sadly: Our neighbours for 15 years might have a big-ass hole, a basket, hose, and lots of lotion inside their home, not to mention your automobile and it’s ability to cause incredible horror upon innocent drivers sharing the roads! Let’s BAN them! Speech will follow shortly, as feelings are easily ‘hurt’ these days, LOL! Oops, I forgot another dangerous weapon. Well, he’s more the benefactor and Director for those paid Morons causing violence and harming innocent people and destroying SMBs. But yeah mate, “all weapons are bad”. I’ve a Black Belt. Does that mean I’m a threat, simply by default?
Cheers,
M. Renton
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Silly me. Forgot to provide an example. The individual of whom I spoke, is the multi-billion USD Hedge Fund Manager; Mr. George Soros.
Meant Culpa! Merry Christmas and Cheers!
M. Renton
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When was the last time a thunderstorm walked into a school and slaughtered 17 students?
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Do you mean like the Terrible Killer tornadoes that have been tearing up the country so badly the last few years???
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All weapons are not dangerous – its the people and how they handle weapons that makes them dangerous.
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That is what is called the “guns don’t kill people” idea.
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Why would anyone be having a weapon if he doesn’t like harming people.
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A policeman might have one if you were being attacked by a machete-wielding terrorist ; a soldier might carry one to repulse an attack on a childrens’ hospital . Also , a guide might carry one to protect a tourist traveling at danger to animal attacks .
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When mankind first discovered fire, they began eating games in a more digestible manner. He increased the availability of food in his diet because not only did he make food more available for sustenance but for therapeutic purposes as well. He in effect needed fire to process food in a lot of ways. He then invented traps to have food. Then he fashioned a spear to kill games for food. Then blow pipes with poisoned tips to kill games for food. Then bow and arrow to kill animals for food. Then manufactured guns to easily take down games for food. Nauman, excuse me for saying it, you have the most narrow-minded view of what a device is being used for. I for instance, hit the punching bag to get in shape and not to harm people with my fist.
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Actually, I believe a ‘weapon’ is by definition ‘dangerous’. A gun is a device designed to do harm. These type of assault rifles are specifically designed for killing people. Best case scenario, ‘good’ owner keeps his AR secure in its safe and has the peace of mind knowing that whatever life event comes up, for better or worse, owner will have power to immediately take another person’s life or take their own life if they wish!
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Yes, these are actual Assault Rifles, fully automatic, and come in several different designs; such as the addition of a K-Bar, or a degrade launcher. If you want to play with these you need to: Enlist in your Military, join the Sinola Drug Cartel, or acquire one via nefarious means. If the later, you obviously have a connection to organised crime and have zero regard for the law (US or International Laws), so this topic shouldn’t even appear as a blip on the radar screen.
The “Assault Rifles” you can purchase at many a big-box, or specialty store, are merely hunting Rifles, 30-06, AR-15, Shotguns, et al., but if you’ve the money and desire, you can accessorise your Rifle and aside from looking like a Military/SWAT, many of these accessories are rather funtional/useful, but, they do not change the facts: They are not Assault Rifles, they are not fully-auto, and you can not purchase many types of the specialised ammunition offered for aforementioned Military Standard Issue Field Rifles.
As to why have them anyway? Like Former United States President Ronald W. Reagan said when he reversed Former President Carter’s decision to cancel the development and deployment of the B-1B Lancer (a supersonic, variable degree swept wing, utilising stealth-like technology that would grow and help improve our stealth platforms. Ex: low RCS, RAM paint, geometrical/angle design, dispersal of exhaust = a smaller heat signature, and the ability to ‘Hug The Earth’ whilst travelling at extremely high speed and avoiding most radar bands, thus allowing the Lancer to deliver either a shitload of munitions, and/or launch JSO/AGM or cruise missiles capable of delivering a significant thermonuclear payload. Sorry, but most individuals know so little about these incredible aircraft, I felt the need to explain a bit more about why the Lancer is so important.) Pres. Reagan answered the question with a brilliant, simple, and direct answer to:
Repoter – “Why do we need 100 of these Bombers?”
Pres. Reagan – “So we NEVER have to deploy them.”
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“you can not purchase many types of the specialised ammunition offered for aforementioned Military Standard Issue Field Rifles.”
You can buy all the same ammo you want that is used in the M-16 variants that the military uses. The military ammo is typically not as high quality as the civilian manufacturers ammo, that is why the more popular ammos are the hunting or plinking rounds. Most ar15s are “military grade” which means they can operate with either 5.56 or .223 ammo. They just arent set up with a trigger system that can shoot full auto or burst.
“Yes, these are actual Assault Rifles, fully automatic, and come in several different designs; such as the addition of a K-Bar, or a degrade launcher. If you want to play with these you need to: Enlist in your Military, join the Sinola Drug Cartel, or acquire one via nefarious means. If the later, you obviously have a connection to organised crime and have zero regard for the law (US or International Laws), so this topic shouldn’t even appear as a blip on the radar screen.”
You can also legally purchase and own a fully automatic firearm in the US. You have to have a a special license, that has very strict background checks and is not easy to get. You also have to be willing to invest a lot of money to purchase a fully auto variant of a specific firearm, as they typically cost tens of thousands. The firearms are licensed with the ATF and are not easily transferred.
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So a BB ‘Gun’ was Designed to kill People? Grow Up!
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The AK isnt the most common small firearm in the world. Mauser still currently holds that title @ 125+ million. The AK is the most used firearm in militaries around the world.
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