Buying first SHTF rifle - AK or AR15?

Chevy-SS · October 27th, 2009, 04:04 PM

Assuming this is your very first military-style SHTF gun - would you buy an AK or AR15?

Myself and two other guys at local gun club are trying to make this decision now. I realize it's been debated to death. We are researching articles, posts, videos, etc. I was just curious to see what percentage here would buy which gun.................

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Bfunk · October 27th, 2009, 04:14 PM

I voted AR-15, its a great platform

For a SHTF rifle though, have you considered something like the Armalite AR-10... its an AR-15 chambered in 7.62; Best of both worlds

edit - I've owned a 2 AR's and 1 Yugo AK... both are great guns but I could reach out twice the distance w/ the AR's

Landor · October 27th, 2009, 04:29 PM

I guess it depends on how bad the SHTF is. I love my AR and AK but like a Glock, an AK just keeps going and going. The AR's as stated win for distance but they have more moving parts and require more lubrication. It is a loaded question. :)

Siafu · October 27th, 2009, 05:08 PM

AK or AR? This video should help you decide. I am an AR guy for the obvious reasons.

YouTube - AK 47 vs M16

Cuda66 · October 27th, 2009, 05:14 PM

Of the two you listed*, AR-15.

Reasons--accuracy, accuracy, accuracy. I've owned a couple AK's (Maadi ARM and Norinco 56s), and neither one will break 4" at 100 yards; my worst AR will go well under half that, and my best will break 3/4 inch--both with irons.

Add in how much the AR is completely customizable to what you want, ammo (here in the US--I couldn't care less what they're shooting in darkest Dirkadirkastan) would be more common in SHTF, ease of adding optics to an AR, MUCH better ergo's in the AR...it's the better platform.

As far as reliability, if this was a true M4/M16 vs AK47 debate, there'd be valid points...however, since we're only talking about semi-autos, not so much.

*(My true choice for a SHTF rifle would be a HK91. I'll take the .308, I'll take it's roller-locked reliability, and I'll take it's accuracy.)

Ram Rod · October 27th, 2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landor

I guess it depends on how bad the SHTF is. I love my AR and AK but like a Glock, an AK just keeps going and going. The AR's as stated win for distance but they have more moving parts and require more lubrication. It is a loaded question. :)

I seldom find replies that express my sentiments on the subject at hand. This one just fits, and I don't feel the need to add anything to it. Put me down in the minority side of the list for the AK as well.

Random · October 27th, 2009, 05:40 PM

You can carry twice as much 5.56 as you can 7.62. Do you want to make bigger holes or more holes?

adaman04 · October 27th, 2009, 06:19 PM

With the price hike AKs have taken, an AR isn't any more expensive any more. The days of $325 Romanians are gone I'm afraid. I'd go AR.

Katana · October 27th, 2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landor

I guess it depends on how bad the SHTF is. I love my AR and AK but like a Glock, an AK just keeps going and going. The AR's as stated win for distance but they have more moving parts and require more lubrication. It is a loaded question. :)

This.

It's a question of durability versus accuracy. The AK is known for it's durability, whereas the AR is known for it's accuracy. Which is more important to you and your friends?

Personally, I prefer the AK for TEOTWAWKI scenario.

Oh, and I'm making popcorn if anyone wants some.

Guns and more · October 27th, 2009, 07:19 PM

AR= America's Rifle

View Poll Results: For your very first SHTF gun - would you buy AK or AR15?
AK style	54	36.00%
AR15 style	96	64.00%
Voters: 150. You may not vote on this poll

October 27th, 2009, 04:04 PM	#1
Chevy-SS Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 341	Buying first SHTF rifle - AK or AR15? Assuming this is your very first military-style SHTF gun - would you buy an AK or AR15? Myself and two other guys at local gun club are trying to make this decision now. I realize it's been debated to death. We are researching articles, posts, videos, etc. I was just curious to see what percentage here would buy which gun................. - __________________ I am aware of many things, especially my own ignorance...............

October 27th, 2009, 04:14 PM	#2
Bfunk Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 59	I voted AR-15, its a great platform For a SHTF rifle though, have you considered something like the Armalite AR-10... its an AR-15 chambered in 7.62; Best of both worlds edit - I've owned a 2 AR's and 1 Yugo AK... both are great guns but I could reach out twice the distance w/ the AR's __________________ WHO DEY?! "To my mind it is wholly irresponsible to go into the world incapable of preventing violence, injury, crime, and death. How feeble is the mindset to accept defenselessness. How unnatural. How cheap. How cowardly. How pathetic." Ted Nugent

October 27th, 2009, 04:29 PM	#3
Landor Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 520	I guess it depends on how bad the SHTF is. I love my AR and AK but like a Glock, an AK just keeps going and going. The AR's as stated win for distance but they have more moving parts and require more lubrication. It is a loaded question. :) __________________ ---------- CCW Targets

October 27th, 2009, 05:14 PM	#5
Cuda66 Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: minnesota Posts: 485	Of the two you listed, AR-15. Reasons--accuracy, accuracy, accuracy. I've owned a couple AK's (Maadi ARM and Norinco 56s), and neither one will break 4" at 100 yards; my worst AR will go well under half that, and my best will break 3/4 inch--both with irons. Add in how much the AR is completely customizable to what you want, ammo (here in the US--I couldn't care less what they're shooting in darkest Dirkadirkastan) would be more common in SHTF, ease of adding optics to an AR, MUCH better ergo's in the AR...it's the better platform. As far as reliability, if this was a true* M4/M16 vs AK47 debate, there'd be valid points...however, since we're only talking about semi-autos, not so much. (My true choice for a SHTF rifle would be a HK91. I'll take the .308, I'll take it's roller-locked reliability, and I'll take it's accuracy.) __________________ One man's theology is another man's belly laugh. --RAH*

October 27th, 2009, 05:08 PM	#4
Siafu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: East Jahunga Posts: 983	AK or AR? This video should help you decide. I am an AR guy for the obvious reasons. YouTube - AK 47 vs M16

October 27th, 2009, 05:40 PM	#7
Random Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Clayton NC Posts: 267	You can carry twice as much 5.56 as you can 7.62. Do you want to make bigger holes or more holes?

October 27th, 2009, 06:19 PM	#8
adaman04 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Show Me State Posts: 570	With the price hike AKs have taken, an AR isn't any more expensive any more. The days of $325 Romanians are gone I'm afraid. I'd go AR.

October 27th, 2009, 07:19 PM	#10
Guns and more Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Fl Posts: 830	AR= America's Rifle

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