When I bought my 1st AK, I was NOT a fan. But, I bought it because it and the ammo to feed it were extremely cheap. A folding stock and a 30 round magazine combined with a 7.62 projectile made the AK my choice for a beater ranch rifle / truck gun. After some years of neglect and abuse in the ranch truck, I realized the weapon NEVER failed to go bang. I have since grown to appreciate how well it does what it was designed to do.
The things just won’t die from what I can tell, also the zenitco b30, b31, and b33 are awesome. Which is also why I never buy American if I have the option.
If folks all the new bells and whistles of the new ak platform then it's ak12 that they want. Everybody else complaining about their 70+ year old rifle and comparing it to the ar15, that's just idiotic. They're both good guns, one is just more robust than the other that's all.
The AR vs. AK debate is a classic example of a phrase I heard awhile back. “Put two gun nerds in a room and the only thing they will agree on it that one of them is wrong.”
That's why I just said the hell with it, walked away from both of em and got me a supper cool Yugo SKS. Everyone else can punch each other in the balls all day long over the A.R. vrs. A.K.
Zastava ZPAP - I just ordered one! I think the AK and AR are equally good weapons just different. They fill a different niche. Police Departments in Alaska prefer AK47s, because they perform more reliably than AR15s in extreme cold. 7.62x39 is harder hitting, but 5.56 has better long range accuracy.
Exactly how I feel about it I love both AR and AK both I'd trust with my life I'm always telling them to quit arguing amongst one another there's plenty of me to go around.
It's always a good day when you see Tim sitting in the shoot shack holding a firearm in front of the "WE WILL NOT COMPLY" sign. Great video and love both the AR and AK
Wow, I am an older guy who comes from the 1903 and M1 era but trying to get more familiar with the AR15 -AK era. Your in depth history and review is without question the best most complete an honest I’ve seen and is greatly appreciated. I’ve just subscribed to your channel because of your efforts. Great informative review! Thanks
I am South African, I walked into the gun store, I had planned for some time to purchase a SAINT Springfield. Along the shelf I saw an first hand original Russian AKM 7.62x39 rilfe made in Russia, I asked if I could please have a look, I racked the slide........ I now own a AKM, once you rack it and shoot it. You will know. Simplicity when taking it apart, engineering marvel. I like all rifles and enjoy shooting anything, but it does just have a more fun value to it, I cant explain it, am glad to have it for when I am in the bush or in a bad scenario. Needless to say all those originals sold out in less than a week across SA.
Few people are even aware why "silencers" even ended up in the 'National Firearms Act of 1934' ... and it wasn't about use by "organized crime", but about use by poachers getting food for their families during the Depression Era following the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
Never cleaned an AK, don't own one, don't want to. But I'll add to Roms comment that the AR while being rather easy to clean doesn't really need it as much as people appear to think on the internet. They really are in a way self cleaning, shoot clean ammo and do a mag dump it's fine. I have maybe the dirtiest AR configurations possible. A 300BLK with a short barrel and very restrictive silencer. And yeah, I slow fire dirty subs and it gets filthy, but I follow that up with a mag dump of supers, and it's fine again.
@Rom vin I don't have all those niche chamberings but "nothing stops these guns from cycling ammo" is a bit hyperbolic. Really the key is in "so much pressure you think the bolt carrier is shooting out the back" As long as there's enough gas to shove the carrier back, and enough spring to shove it forward all is good. Almost all issues are a shortcoming of one of those two. People fussing with it to minimize gas and worn out recoil springs. That 300 I mentioned had some reliability issues but they're all from me pushing the limits and were all easily solved. It's not a hard system to understand and with the DI system and strong aftermarket it's so tunable it'll do about anything.
The reason why the ak is superior imo in terms of maintenance and cleaning is loose tolerances and fitting and simplicity of parts. Also the fact that when field striping the AK only thing that needs to be removed is the piston assembly, the bolt, the spring, and the dust cover thats it. With the ar-15 you have many smaller parts that need to be removed for a full field strip. The bolt carrier needs to be removed along with the bolt the charging handle, the recoil spring, buffer, the firing pin and multiple other parts that make up the bcg. When in the field having to worry about all those individual parts has the capacity to cause issues.
Doesn’t EVERYONE know by now the only logical answer to the age old “AR or AK?” question?!?! - YES....BOTH!!! 🤦🏻♂️ Who in their right mind wouldn’t have both? If possible...multiples of each 👍
I'm definitely more of an AK guy but yeah there is no reason not to own and enjoy both. Both are fine rifles and both have their own strengths and weaknesses.
@@commanderrockwell8509 Yep, I love and appreciate both...can’t really agree with his “AR is just as reliable”. Most ARs can’t handle crap, steel case, hard primer, etx junk ammo very well. My AKs cycle and spit out any and every thing you feed them. 👍👍👍
M.A.C.... Great comparative video! Personally.. I'm NOT a gun "expert", and therefore anything I have to say about either of these two rifles, is purely from personal experience during my three years in "Nam" (68,69 & 70), and NOT since then. All I can tell you about my experience with the M16.. especially during my first tour up in the A-Shau Valley, is that it was a complete PIA.... we had to take down and clean them, At Least a couple of times a day... seems it didn't take hardly anything to "foul" them. I stumbled (literally!) upon an AK-47 one morning, in a dirty stream that was stuck bayonet / barrel first into the bank with a nearly full banana clip in it... I pulled it out of the embankment, rinsed the mud off of it in the stream, pulled the trigger and it proceeded to empty the rest of the clip without so much as a whimper. I carried that Ak for the rest of my 2.5 years (out of nearly 3 full years) over there... rarely ever cleaned it, and it Never let me down in any way, shape or form... and as often as I came across "expired" NVA and / or, "chuck" (VC)... up north, and later.. further south in the Delta, I was never without sufficient amounts of ammo. I can't tell you how many times the M-16 would jam or miss-fire, for one reason or another (carbon build up was one issue), and I was Not the only "friendly" that found and carried a 47.... that AK saved my life more times than I can... or, ever care to remember. The AK's are like just about anything else that the Russian military builds.... what they "may" lack in "finesse" of build or add-on "toys".... they more than make up in Robustness, and I'm alive after three tours.. because of, and Very Thankful for.. that simple quality about them. Call me "biased" if you want, but I literally owe my life to them.... and Gods "hand of protection" over me, all the while.. as well. Thank you for ALL the great videos that you put your time and effort into.... it's all very much appreciated.
Thank you 2Stroke for your service and for sharing your story. I've known a few vets from Nam who all said the same thing about the AR platform. I was a die-hard AK fan, and still am to this day for that reason. But I have learned lately what caused the many malfunctions in a rifle that "shits where it eats", and why the military still uses it today. I'm still on the fence about stopping power, but today's AR is so much more superior to those first versions because of what they changed to make it more reliable. First thing is good ammo. That was what fouled up the Nam Era rifles and got our soldiers killed. 2nd thing for me is 30 cal sized rifle to take a target down like the good old days. I've even looked at buying an M14, as I thought it had the best of both worlds with a piston gas system and 7.62 sized chamber. Way too heavy to carry all day (I'm 58 now). I'm thinking AR for the first time because it's versatile and a proven platform that now fits better for what I need for protection. Sorry for the long winded story, but I've struggled with accepting the AR as a good battle rifle. But now I finally can, thanks to MAC and others who have helped me see its advantages.
@@mikewithers299.... Hi, Mike... thanks so much for your response! Yes, after speaking with quite a few fellows over the years, some were Nam era vets... about the history and progression of the AR platform AND the ammo.... and even had chances to shoot a few in more recent years... I would have to agree with you... it's come a long way, since the 1st gens used in Nam. I'm in my early 70s now... so, between that fact and absolutely knowing where this country is headed in the very near future..... I'll probably pass in obtaining one.... besides, POI placement with a small caliber trumps a larger caliber with a miss, every time. ; )
@@ALIVE8455 believe it is "scarlet" for the Marine Corps. Irony... Corps colors on a ComBloc rifle. Gimmicky, too. That VSKA, with no top or side rails, is a range toy, if that. Almost false advertising to call it a "fighting rifle". Preying on new gun owners basically who don't know better.
This man had one too many POS m16s malfunction. Too many firing pins lost. Too many charging handles snapped. It's 1970 and the USSR built a vastly superior rifle plain and simple. Give ak 20 years and billions of dollars of RnD then let's revisit.
I am a huge AK guy. I had a really bad experience with M-16/M-4 in the military, but that was 20 years ago. I recently got into ARs. I am a big fan of the LWRC and PWS. So easy to clean and ran them through multiple classes (1,000 rounds over 2/3 days) without a malfunction. Both the AR and AK are great rifles. There are pros and cons for both.
Without even watching I already know he’s going AR, after watching I gained a new understanding and respect for his choice. Personally, I AK all day, but u know what? Pro 2A family is all I need in my corner ✌🏽
You absolutely presented the best comparison of these 2 battle rifles hands down!!! The Russian did a comparison of ak vs ar, in that video they took both rifles from a warm environment to a snowy one and threw the rifles into the snow...only 1 one rifle worked and that was the AK.
Ammo cost and availability is a pro of the AKs in today’s market. I went to Scheels and they had boatloads of 7.62 and 0 anything else. Everyone was scrambling for ammo and I was there with a cart of 7.62 and a grin.
There's something absolutely awesome about the AK platform. I even have an AK platform 12 gauge that I love. They are so sweet but I do find the AR platform is a lot more user friendly and more accurate for me. In my neck of the woods there is plenty of .223 and sometimes I can find 5.56
We have no ammo shortages in Poland but for obvious reasons 5.45 and 7.62 basically grow on trees while 5.56 has to be ordered from the warehouse (at least in the smaller towns)
I own both and shoot primarily the A/K due to lower cost of operation , interesting side note , I started my oldest Granddaughter out on a pimped out all polymer Zastava -ZPAP with adjustable stock and adjustable cheek riser ( ALG TRIGGER, KNS ADJUSTABLE GAS PISTON , 3X Primary Arms optics ) and then transitioned her over to the A/R platform and she prefers the A/K hands down !
Ak 545 is superior to the 556 modern also in 762 have no recoil ak107 and ak108. You can accessorize the ak the same way as ar. Ak simpler and nicer to shoot. Has a true intermediate cartridge. It's just far superior in many ways to the ar and the ar only was mag reload time really.
@@henryofskalitz2228 You've just sighter three different guns with three different internal designs from the AK.. Are you daft or something? Of course HK is better than either AK or AR :)
I remember being able to swing one of these when I was a kid here in Australia but after 1997 we lost to our governments disarmament program now we can only watch you lucky Free buggers play with them. Hang on to that 2nd lady's and gents.
Don't worry, we're well along the road of gun confiscation and the accompanying Communist takeover of our government. The United States, if it still even exists in ten years, will be unrecognizable.
@@warbuzzard7167 The defeatest message in your comment is what im pointing out.Have you seen the "marxist" enemy? besides Old mummy George Soros..Bernie Saunders maybe..? Where are they? HIDING IN THE SHADOWS WHEN THEY DO COME FORWARD IT WILL BE INSIDE A VIYNL BAG. ALL THIER PROPIGANDA IS NOW BEING REALIZED AND OTHER FROM A FEW STUBBURN PATCHES HERE MAYBE THERE...WILL FIZZLE OUT ONCE EVEN ULTRA INDOCTRINATED YOUTH REALIZE JUST HOW MUCH THESE TEACHINGS ARE UTTER COMPLETE AND ABSOLUTE BULLSHIT AS FAR AS A TAKEOVER IT MORE OR LESS HAS GONE ABOUT AS FAR AS ITS GOING TO THE SO CALLED ELITES THAT PLANNED THIS LONG AGO MADE A HUGE MISCALCULATION ON THE RESOLVE OF AND THE OVERALL NUMBER OF THOSE THAT FILL THE PATRIOTS RANKS. THIS B/S IS ABOUT AS A LIFE AND DEATH WORRIESOME AS A CLOUDY DAY..IVE SEEN ANTIFA AND BLM AND MOST OF THEM APPEAR TO LOOK LIKE A BUNCH OF SUBBERB WHITE BOYS SPOILED ROTTEN THAT APPEAR TO ALL HAVE SOFT..SMOOTH DISHWASHING HANDS. LOLZ
All ammunition, firearm, accessory, & tactical gear manufacturers need void all contracts and warranties to all local, state, federal, and military organizations UNTIL the 2nd amendment is fully restored! This will also help restock the American people! please spread the word, make this our mission to pressure these companies to do exactly this! Spread the word through ALL 2A channels!
Companys make so much $ off military contracts, if a company is able to land one, they are more likely to sell exclusively to goverment instead of civilians.... (colt)
*Facepalm* Lake City is run by Winchester-Olin to produce ammunition that the US Military uses. Lake City simultaneously produces contract ammunition for American Eagle, Hornady, and components for Fiocchi. Production for any contract commercial or governmental is twisted together in the industry.
The AK is as rugged as it gets. The AR is perfect when used in ideal conditions. What I choose depends on if I'm crawling through the bush or in my home or an urban environment.
Plus, you have to endure Brandon Herrera's "AK vs AR guys" videos if you own an AR. No such problem with an AK, and if there is such a video, well...we don't care.
AK fans are much more emotional than they are logical, good point. Like honestly if people ACTUALLY cared about logical and unbiased performance of a weapon the AK would've been phased out awhile ago in the civilian market once the cheap surplus stuff disappeared. Every "modernization" is just addressing the design flaws of the AK and is just confusing why you would want to spend to much money rather than design or buy a new rifle.
The 7.62x39 is still popular because it's still fairly cheap to get a rifle in that particular caliber. I believe that the 5.45x39 would have become more popular has the gubment not come in and banned the import of a lot of rifles a few years ago. Even before the panic, I couldn't find a AK74 type rifle for less than 1500 bucks after the import ban.
You are correct. The 5.45 is better and might have been more popular without import restrictions. I chose 7.62 for barrier penetration with specific types of ammo. That and the availability of 40rnd mags and larger drums.
I built a 7.62x39 right in the beginning of the lockdowns when I seen it was the only ammo still readily available and cheap. It's turned in to my favorite AR. I was looking to add the 5.45 but parts for an AR build are scarce at best and ammo seems harder to find than 7.62x39. I'm curious to know why? Or am I not looking in the right places?
@@johndel1971able I did something similar early summer with both an old 5.56 rifle and .300BLK pistol build, for similar reasons, but opted for 6.5 Grendel instead. The 5.56 turned into a 16" Grendel, and the .300BLK turned into a 12.5" pistol. I did this with available $0.30/rd steel-cased Wolf ammo in mind (first few thousand rounds I bought were going for $143/500 shipped!). I now have a high four figure ammo fort of 100gr Wolf now, and don't feel guilty going out and practicing with it. I also have a smaller ammo fort of quality 123gr Hornady Black ELD-M and somewhat affordable American Gunner 123gr for special occasions. That said, the Wolf ammo is actually decently accurate, and decently lethal, with several 50-150yd single DRT hog shots out of my 12.5" build.
It’s worth noting that while the US aftermarket has done a good job at modernizing the AKM, the Russians have moved on from the AKM and 74 to the AK-12. Which we can’t get in the US. It gives the AK a railed, far more secure dust cover, longer sight radius, railed hanguards, adjustable and foldable stock, as well as other improvements. They also have a prototype in development than hinges open like an AR which gets rid of the dust cover issue all together.
At which point you would question why they would build upon the AK in the first place, considering what the AK12 probably costs them. If you basically scrap most of the parts, why not make a new design, that fits the Ak action to save cost and actually is not just botched into the 21st century. I know the finns pinned the dust cover in place too for a longer sight radius on the valmets but I still wouldn't put a real scope on that
AK 12 ain't that good either, they pretty much just added the long awaited tacticool stuff like rails and adjustable stock. However AEK derivatives (currently named A545 and A762 I think?) were approved for use by most special forces after the field tests a year ago and they've recently begun serial production. + Civilian SR-1 is a laser beam
The carrying handle was a nice modern upgrade very useful The power the gun had when it was a M16 has steadily decreased now all the way down to the now to 14 inches and less . Comparatively shortening the AK does little to its power
Yes that is true for 5.56 vs 7.62x39 relative to barrel length. For shorter barrel AR pistols I am going to 300 blackout. One can use the 7.62x39, but it has reputation for early breakage of bolt lugs unless you get a modified AR like the CMMG with an AR10 size bolt.
@@seanomeirs8362 they should have. At the very least, rally, protest, and the display of force should be used. People are too afraid to do that, let alone actually fight if the need be.
@@jaredlavoie635 I have rallied, protested, worked within the system, written letters, and signed petitions, with mixed success. Not only is the game rigged, but I don't believe that politicians can do anything, and corporations won't do anything, without a moral and independent society. Guns are not the problem, but they are not the solution either.
Classic clickbait title. This is the kind of thing I would have searched for in middle school right after “glock vs. 1911!?!?!”. Keep up the good work, Tim. Hopefully for all of us the ammo crisis comes to an end soon.
Yes after 5 minutes I have decided to call Dodge Ram the best pick up truck out there LOL This Gentleman usually pretty good having an opinion. I hope He is not turning into another " Scotty Kilmer" with His headlines..That would be bad..IMO. I haven't watched Scotty's videos for a couple of months now. I don't mind supporting 'youtubers" standard of living ,but they have to stay honest and not be cheap a salesman.
@@johnturner5893 Well recently he did bash the fuck outta Glock saying it's basically an old relic of a gun which is totally fucking insane to say. He based it all off of there being smaller & lighter guns as if smaller & lighter ALWAYS equates to being better which this isn't true. Go ask a snub nose revolver etc. It totally depends on your use & your requirements for a pistol & you can't just say one is better than the other at everything.
It is not the weapon but the warrior who wields it. They're both masterpieces. Choose whichever masterpiece you like and train YOURSELF to be deadly with that masterpiece.
@@andrewpandrew5809 Not really and it depends. Two hundred yards is a long shot in my neighborhood, it is about as far as I can see in most places unless on an elevation like a roof top or in a tree.
@@jbloun911 "-precision at long range - AR" like it or not, this is what you said. so sure, if your definition of long range is 500 meters, all well and good. many others in fact don't consider long range until 1000 or so. for others, 1000 meters is a chip shot. i have personally maxed out my best rifle at 1800. there are folks i know that do 1800 with ease. it's all about what you consider long range, as per my original comment.
@BRDC Exactly. How tactically sound can you really be when you put your prospective students at a disadvantage right out of the gate with a POS from Century Arms (I know using POS and Century Arms in the same sentence is redundant)? However good his tactics may be, combined with a crap AK is just turd polishing. I did a search through all my bookmarks and deleted anything that had "clint smith" or "thunder ranch" in the title. That goofball just inadvertently saved me hours of wasted time.
@@ryanwalker3509 I exaggerated. Century Arms is known for being hit and miss. You can go over to Classic Firearms and see both extremely positive and extremely negative reviews on the same gun from Century. While you will get some outliers on offerings from say a midrange weapon from PSA, their quality is better in general. Although right now there is no such thing as a cheap gun anywhere, regardless of quality. All other things being equal, range time will always outweigh technology. You will be more prepared with your AK if you have more practice with it than some guy with a $5k perfectly zeroed AR that just sits in a gun safe. And given ammo prices these days, you're definitely going to be able to get more range time in, especially if your AK takes 7.62x39.
@@ryanwalker3509 Yeah, very much so hit and miss. My Vska has 2k+ thru it, nothing really jumps out as concerning, but definitely not a 10k+ rifle like a zastava, arsenal, Saiga, Etc. You get what you pay for ig 🤷♂️
@@mmiski From what I know; the Galil, from its beginning, was a redesigned and improved version of the AK system used by Israel's enemies. Then it was modernized as the Galil Ace. I have to admit, a comparison video between the Ace and the modern AR would be great.
@@joseromero3004 get the fuck over yourself….. doesn’t matter when they came out jackass it still doesn’t change the fact the AR is vastly better in EVERY way!!!! Now go take your meds boy…….
If we were to compare the absolute most modern iterations of each, let's say the HK 416 and the AKV 521, we'd find a lot more similarities than differences. They're both great designs and it's clear they've learned a lot from each other over the years. It's no wonder that so much of infantry small arms designs over the last 50 years have been attempts to hybridize both designs.
That’s because AK manufacturers have been going out of their way into recent years to copy what the AR platform has been doing for decades. Regardless modern modular AK designs are the exception.
The AK can go much further than it has so far imo. The American market nerding out on the AK in recent years has already made it leaps and bounds better. If that innovation continues, it could be on par. It isn’t yet to the same point as an AR though, that’s for sure.
@@ADUSN We can get a lot of the stuff that’s out there or equivalent stuff. Most stuff doesn’t fundamentally improve the platform though imo. Now I did see the other day an easy change barrel system out of Ukraine iirc. That’s the kind of thing that would make the platform truly better I think.
@@JohnSmith-yx8kf The new carbine they’re working on is indeed cool. I don’t know if it has an easier barrel change but if so that’ll be a major boon to the AK platform. I can’t recall if it has a bolt hold open but I think not?
Got a custom built one that will give a Daniel Defense a run for it's money any day. All my friends talk down about AKs until they try mine, inside 100 yards it beats the AR hands down.
I think the most likely reason for the charging handle being on the right is to simplify manufacturing. This means you can use the same location as the ejection port and you don't have to machine a separate cutout into the dust cover for the charging handle.
Simple answer- I wouldn't want to get shot be either! AR for ergonomics and add on features - but kind of a money pit if you ask Scotty Kilmer (traditionally) AK for a simple good'ol rifle that will last 1 million miles and will never breakdown....oh wait...wrong topic.
I really like AK's. I've owned many, from Bulgarian to Chinese, Romanian, Yugoslavian, and more. I enjoy their history. You could do a lot worse if your only weapon was an AK. Having said all that, I just plain shoot better with the AR, and in the end that's what really matters.
@SlavicEmperor I have dome to believe that in terms of modern production, 1998-2023, the Polish have produced nicer guns. I have a beryl and everything about it is really nice, equal if not better than any Saiga or SGL I've ever seen and felt. The reason why I said Bulgarian is because they're were still a steady stream of Arsenal rifles coming in and Russians couldn't be imported so it would be much easier than buying a Saiga sporter and then converting it for essentially the same gun in terms of performance.
I think the first important thing to note is this is debating the two most prolific rifles of all time, and that each has thoroughly proved to be an effective platform. Second, I think the generalizations are exaggerated and outdated. The reality is a properly tuned AR is very reliable, and an AK that’s built correctly will provide more than acceptable accuracy. In my opinion, it matters a lot less which platform you choose, and more on if you train and learn to run that platform effectively. The guy with the 5k Gucci AR can still get smoked by a guy with a 600 century if he doesn’t train. Same thing in the other direction as well
I agree with your general statement, however this was more of a technical discussion as to why the AR has evolved and aged so much better than the AKM has over the decades. A guy that's never trained with his AR can get smoked by a guy with a Sharps rifle that regularly trains. That wasn't part of this discussion. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Yeah, I agree..your overall statement is spot on. Training in general beats ‘having’ ANY firearm that’s accessible..regardless of how accurate, reliable..’new” or otherwise. Get YOUR firearm, train with it..RESPECT IT.
@@Militaryarmschannel As an Army vet, who has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, I hate the M4 gas driven rifle. I much prefer the AK-47/74 variants over any M4 rifle. Just because the AR-15 can have a bunch of gadgets mounted on to it doesn’t mean it’s a better shooting rifle than the AK variants. That being said, I’d love to own a SCAR Light or Heavy as it’s a piston driven rifle. To which means, less carbon build up and cleaning.
@@travelinman482 No doubt the AKs action is better suited for the sandbox, but there’s a whole lot more to it than simply being able to add more gadgets.
I have both and prefer the AK for reliability. Really depends on what you expect from it to decide what is better. As for the 30 vs 5.45 in popularity, its most likely because 30 has been around longer and also fits the sks.
My CA runs like a champ, no jams with 75 round drums. I can run the trigger like it's full auto. I've heard a lot of them are trash, but like he said in the video, sometimes you get a good gun, & I think I got a good one. Oh & my mag well is actually kind of tight, a lot of people said they have mag wobble, I've had to sand some mags that were TOO tight lol
As a guy who has actually had to carry a rifle for miles, this whole argument boils down to one. Size and weight. Even when using comparible calibers, the AR can be made lighter and more compact. When you pass mile three or four in broken country with a three day ruck and 210 rounds, ounces matter. Ask any guy who has been through basic training if they want their rifle a pound heavier and the answer will always be "no" preceeded or followed by expletives. Modularity is all bonus.
Counter point: I'd sooner cut that weight out of my pack or kit than my weapon. Theres probably less vital things to cut out (I personally am guilty of packing much more than the essentials) and much easier to do this before step off than to change weapon platform. People seem to not want a 7 lb weapon any heavier but compete to be the guy on the 27 lb 240b so I'm suspicious that there are other characteristics more important to a weapon than its weight.
@@flopus7 I never said the AK had no advantages as was pointed out in th video. My point is that a 5.45x39 and 5.56x45 are similar in size, weight and performance. For identical load outs the AK is heavier. Likewise, assuming everyone is stripping their pack to minimum requirements, the weapon system is still heavier.
@@carlb2727 im trying to point out that I think rifles should not be evaluated by weight first. I think its a consideration between similar rifles but .5 to 1 lb of difference is not as big if you can get a decisive advantage out of something. I actually prefer the AR platform but for other advantages it brings.
I believe the correct term is "intermediate cartridge" not "intermediate caliber." Since caliber (in the context of personal arms) refers to the diameter of the bullet, in which case the 7.62x39 is the same caliber as the 7.62x51, but is intermediate in power as the cartridge length (and available powder volume) is significantly less than the full power NATO round.
Sort of. But there is more to it: 1) If we are going to be getting pedantic about terminology, caliber does NOT refer to the diameter of the bullet - as you state. It refers to the internal diameter of the bore. 2) That aside, you are correct. But there is a difference between a technically accurate distinction, and a useful distinction. The term "caliber" has been used imprecisely since the advent of self contained cartridges, and is in common use in a wide variety of contexts. No one bats an eye when people say things like "9mm is a good handgun caliber", even though that's a category which would technically include 357 Sig, 380 ACP, 38 special, and a litany of other cartridges other than the one which we know that they are talking about. Furthermore, there is no technically correct definition for "intermediate caliber", so the possibility of confusion is pretty much non-existent. Its a bit like "clip". Sure, its cool to understand the distinction between a clip and a magazine. But if your battle buddy says he needs a clip, are you going to be the guy who gives him a lecture or the guy who gives him a magazine? -A salty US Army small arms maintainer
@@snek9353Really? I thought it was the opposite. I thought that one of the most prevailing critiques of modern liberals is that they get their feathers ruffled when people don't use exactly the right words for things... Regardless, I don't disagree with you that it is better to be accurate in our terminology. I'm all for precision of language, as the erroneous use of some terms can be quite harmful to our community. But pointing out that Tim of Military Arms Channel said "intermediate caliber" instead of "intermediate cartridge" is a comically trivial thing to correct - especially coming from someone who wasn't able to accurately differentiate between projectile diameter and bore diameter as it pertains to the definition of "caliber".
@@Triangle26 BTW this applies elsewhere in a more important application IMO. Tim got all pissy with me in the comments once when I pointed this out. That is the name of the channel "Military Arms Channel". The arms he covers are not largely military arms, they are almost all civilian arms. More so the implication that they are "military arms" is counter to many of our arguments with the grabbers who would argue that these arms should be only for the military. To be clear the grabbers position is of course incorrect. There really is no such thing as a "military" small arm. To the extent in which there is a "military" small arm, that nature as being in common use by the military is more evidence of it's protection by the Second Amendment.
I’m an AR15 guy all the way but to make this video and make no mention of the innovation that SLR, Rifle Dynamics, or Meridian defense have brought to the AK platform is mind blowing
@@hollyh00d12 But they aren’t one off rifles, they are production rifles that if purchased come stock like that. Also he’s comparing earlier iterations of the AK to the AR instead of a modern variant like the AK12 or even some of the 100 series rifles. Also their are modern solutions to the reasons he ranked the AR above the AK, (KNS pistons, Ulimak rails, sight/ gas tube combo blocks, and their are company’s that build them standard like that, the ones I listed above. If you are going to make an argument for one or the other, it should take into consideration the innovations of both platforms entirely.
I refuse to choose, so I purchased a few of each. My AR is A colt H-Bar great out to about 500 yards and my AK is a Norinko 56-S, good out to about 450 yards. Both very good rifles that exceed their designs for their time. The others are good also, these two are the cream of the crop.
The Clint Smith rifle makes perfect sense to Clint since Century wrote him a check to use his name on a run of the mill AKM clone. Getting paid for doing little to nothing makes sense to me.
I shot the prototype of that rifle at ThunderRanch last year, pretty sure Clint is not doing it to get rich. It is a pretty plain Jane AKM. There was another one from another maker too, it had a better trigger.
@@Aonghuis Didn't he say something to effect that the idea was to come up with a simple rifle that you could use for defense inside a home, where just the basic iron sights and maybe a flashlight would be plenty good enough? I understand why the rifle won't appeal to everyone, but if that was the framework it would make sense to me.
@@dexm2010 , yes he wanted a rifle anyone could afford, with only what a person needed, a sling so you could open a door or pick up a child, and a light to see what you were shooting at. He also said everyone needs to be able to pickup and operate either an AR15 or an AKM as those are two of the most widely used guns in the world.
That's why I stocked up on shotgun reloading supplies soon as they said covid was in states. If shtf I can put rocks, marbles, BBs, screws, nuts, bolts, whatever will fit in a 12 gauge hull
Having owned, shot, carried, and loved both platforms over the course of my 50+ years, I'd say it comes down to 2 things...What's the mission, and where's the mission? Accuracy and mod-ability pretty much goes to the AR. Usability and ease of maintenance, definitely the AK. You can reach out and touch someone with a "good" AK, but usually even a mediocre AR will out shoot it. However, in a desert environment (lets say) with a lot of blowing sand etc, the AK is definitely your friend. There's a reason why the AK doesn't have a dust cover, or a forward assist. There are other variables that I'm sure we could all think of, but that's my own two cents. At the end of the day, they're such different platforms, it's a lot like comparing a Glock to a 1911...They're both great for different reasons!!
Cold weather reliability is a big issue that is often overlooked as well, AK platform is vastly superior in cold weather. There is a reason why some police departments in Alaska actually use AK instead of AR.
@@-Zevin- id like to see some proof of that. Living in Norway, where NATO troops have been working alongside our own in the worst winter conditions possible, ive seen little to support your claim. That is.. we do not get to test a lot of AKs up here, so I can not attest to that platform, but the AR platform has seen plenty of service up here. So.. again, what do you have to support your claim?
I agree that its a bit pointless to compare the two.. that being said however, when i shoot a smooth tuned AK thats well zeroed, I’m much more impressed than when i shoot a boutique AR
I like AK and I like this video. It means nothing. This is just a description from his point of view. I would recommend AR for clean conditions, for police and special forces. AK recommend for harsh conditions, for military, war... I agree for ergonomics that it's a better AR, but I disagree that AR is more durable than AK. Btw. I like both and AK an AR. I use in military "Zastava M70AB2" (Serbian copy of AK-47) and this rife was so accurate, reliable and powerful. I like weapons and respect MAC, because he has military experience, he talks nicely and I enjoy watching his videos. I don't dislike, just if he say for some weapon is bad. Maybe he's right. Greeting from Serbia for MAC. All the best.
@@robbywoolums9071 Deadly combat is not about feelings, it's about superiority. If specifically willfully ignorant people refuse to comprehend basic difference between a rifleman, an infantryman, and motorized infantryman, then there is no point in attempting to discuss weapons such different combat roles are armed with.
@@mikecarlson3575 And for his comparison he's using a Romanian rip-off of the 1960s design instead of the stuff that's actually coming off the conveyor belt at Izhevsk right now. I understand he can't get hold of a copy because of the embargo, but there are plenty of videos on TH-cam that tell you about the 10 series AKs in great detail.
Saberwerks has an ingenious solution that doesn't sacrifice the pillar of the platform. The only thing is it must be built with it, it's not an accessory
@@FirstnameLastname-do1px Every aparent ergonomic drawback has a mechanical rationale; the large safety can be better actuated in icy conditions; the paddle release won't freeze up and is inherently ambidextrous; the rock and lock mechanism ensures proper seating of the mag, and this is precisely why the AK can always accommodate 30 rounds whereas it's recommended to load 28 rounds for the AR.
The one major problem the AK-12 has is the handguard is made of polymer and is flexible, so nothing placed on it will hold zero. If it’s replaced with machined aluminum, I think that solves that issue.
The real answer is both. Own both and enjoy both, problem solved. One primary reason is during recent ammo shortages I could usually find ammo for one or the other, but rarely both at the same time. Options are good.
One thing I’ve noticed through shooting eventually everyone returns iron sights some form or another. One of my favorites is a A1 to just a modern upper with irons is just fun too.
Great information and a very balanced and imformative video. I respect his choice. One's preferrence is based on their personality, temperment, and experiences. However I retired in 2000, and my experiences are based on the years I served. Both are good. I personally as an Airborne Ranger, Special Forces, Black Operations combat veteran, like the AKM, RPK, and AK-74 better. However I can make AR work also. The AK is far more accurate then many believe, if it is zeroed. The magazines are certainely far more less apt to bend or get damaged. Also it takes a lot more carbon build up than the AR. I do like the M-4 far better than M-16 but that is based on the kind of missions, and also for airborne infiltration. I like the reliablity of the AK and the robustness over the AR. Also as the carbon builds up in the AR, upon continuous firing, I always used the changing handle after a magazine change and struck the forward assist. This I taught to my troops as sometimes the standard quicker way of pushing the magazine stop often failed to send the bolt fully home. Due to the higher cyclec rate of fire of the AR the extraction, ejection system could not keep up between 200-300 rounds, due to carbon, and thus stove pipes. Also the AR internal system in not totally sealed. The area where the upper and low reciever group connect allowed dust to enter in a dusty situation or LZ. Thus experienced soldiers up camouflage stick on there to prevent this. The M-16 was always too long for Jumping. Often when jumping a M-16 a large man could fall on the weapon even in the weapons bag and break off the hand guards. AR has no folding stock capability. The AR safety is one great plus on the AR. But, I also like the new enhanced safety's that are available for the AK. Also the AR magazine well is better to place in a magazine. But one can do a "Press Check" on the bolt carrier handle of the AK, and insure a round is chambered, and still able to push the round fully into the chamber. With the AR not so easy. It's true that the AR now has all these extras, and that is a good point. However I know the AK can be set up for these also. The AK is however an older weapon made for soldiers before all the new things came on line. I like also the fact that the AK operating system can be used in many different calibers of weapons, and thus training is far simplier. One can also fire off single rounds with trigger control on automatic setting with the AK. Bottom line, I am still overall an AK man all the way. But that is just me, and if one feels better using the AR that is fine. It's a personal preferrence. Great job as always..
@@joshuagibson2520 eh maybe. Idk I enjoy his stuff, but I understand how people don’t like some guntubers style, like how Im not a fan of demolitionranch. I don’t know much of what goes on with his business, I’ve seen complaints about different builds for the first ak’s but now they’re different parts. Idk it seems like he’s improving. I don’t really care if he’s getting help with CAM as I would certainly need help with that.although once it’s finally done it would be a good thing of him to list the people who helped him with his idea...
Your AK bolt DOES losk to the rear. Charge your bolt to the rear and slide your safety catch up to catch the charging handle. Observe the hole in the safety cover catches the charging handle, much like a slide catch on a pistol. Once you've locked in a loaded magazine, simply release the safety catch, releasing the bolt to load a round.
Romanian variants have significantly improved over the past few years. They're fairly accurate, durable, and easy to handle. They also aren't picky with what ammo you fire through them.
A US Army officer, who trained Iraq military and police forces, told me they removed rear stock and cut off the mounting prongs on their AKs. Didn't use sights at all, or even grasp the concept. Couldn't hit anything useful. Big surprise! Spray and pray specialists. He was training them to use the M-16/4 (with sights). To prove it was reliable, they documented several that were NEVER cleaned as they were used in many training cycles. Only lube was 3-4 drips of oil directly from the dip stick (of a vehicle parked there) at 8,000 rds. When this officer rotated out, over 12,000 rds had gone through those rifles, without a failure.
2009 - I prefer the AR15 because the AK is for poors.
2021- I prefer the AR15 because I can't afford an AK
$2 grand for the same Kalashnikov/Saiga I bought 23 years ago for $299.
😅 So true so Sad it drivers one MAD....
I remember paying like 300 bucks for a wasr-10 back then brand new😂
AKs have become even more of a hipster firearm. I can't imagine paying KAC prices for an Arsenal.
@@sunshynjunky dam lol I bought my Sam7 for $1200 in 2016 and that was considered over price then...
When I bought my 1st AK, I was NOT a fan. But, I bought it because it and the ammo to feed it were extremely cheap. A folding stock and a 30 round magazine combined with a 7.62 projectile made the AK my choice for a beater ranch rifle / truck gun. After some years of neglect and abuse in the ranch truck, I realized the weapon NEVER failed to go bang. I have since grown to appreciate how well it does what it was designed to do.
The things just won’t die from what I can tell, also the zenitco b30, b31, and b33 are awesome. Which is also why I never buy American if I have the option.
@@8166PC1 it’s reliable but not as reliable as an ak, they are lying to themselves if they think that.
@@8166PC1 How many AR boys have cleaned their weapon by running water from the garden hose through the action?
@@8166PC1 They are not wrong. An AR is just as reliable as an AK...until you run out of Hoppe’s No. 9.
If folks all the new bells and whistles of the new ak platform then it's ak12 that they want. Everybody else complaining about their 70+ year old rifle and comparing it to the ar15, that's just idiotic. They're both good guns, one is just more robust than the other that's all.
The AR vs. AK debate is a classic example of a phrase I heard awhile back. “Put two gun nerds in a room and the only thing they will agree on it that one of them is wrong.”
And alphabet boys are bad.
It’s because I’m always right! Lol!
No matter which gun you've got, learn it, shoot it, make it your friend, update it if necessary, keep it clean.
@@davenettlesmusic2954 who cleans an AK. Pour some water on it and your good.
That's why I just said the hell with it, walked away from both of em and got me a supper cool Yugo SKS. Everyone else can punch each other in the balls all day long over the A.R. vrs. A.K.
Zastava ZPAP - I just ordered one! I think the AK and AR are equally good weapons just different. They fill a different niche. Police Departments in Alaska prefer AK47s, because they perform more reliably than AR15s in extreme cold. 7.62x39 is harder hitting, but 5.56 has better long range accuracy.
In an apocalypse, I'd die in front of my safe trying to decide what to grab!
mwhahaha =))
Lol... great comment!
Lol seems legit
Yes! 😆😆😆
What is your go-to gun....which ever one I grab first 🤔😉.
Can't we talk about something less controversial like politics or religion? 😆
how about gender and racism? That's why AK is better, Russians don't suffer from retarded self inflicted wounds like gender and racism issues.
Sure, let's repeal the 17th amendment.
Dr. Suess Books
😂🤣
@Danila Makarov I'd vote for that but it wouldn't change anything. The 19th Amendment is moot.
Get both of them and enjoy the freedom that we still have.
Not only that, but in a SHTF situation, having something that shoots 7.62x39 that may be 'found' could be very useful.
@@Robnord1 Heh heh
Amen brother. I’m there with you. I love my AK and my AR like a son and daughter.
I remember back in the day Tim preferred the AK.
This is the way.
The best solution to this problem is to buy both.
That’s what I did lol
Exactly how I feel about it I love both AR and AK both I'd trust with my life I'm always telling them to quit arguing amongst one another there's plenty of me to go around.
@@RobertSmith-yl5mv
If we don't argue with each other we'll have to argue with our wives. Nobody wants that!
It's always a good day when you see Tim sitting in the shoot shack holding a firearm in front of the "WE WILL NOT COMPLY" sign. Great video and love both the AR and AK
Wow, I am an older guy who comes from the 1903 and M1 era but trying to get more familiar with the AR15 -AK era. Your in depth history and review is without question the best most complete an honest I’ve seen and is greatly appreciated. I’ve just subscribed to your channel because of your efforts. Great informative review! Thanks
I see “WE WILL NOT COMPLY” sign
I get asked to click subscribe
I comply
I wonder if he got that in DC from a Maryland group
As you should lol
I am South African, I walked into the gun store, I had planned for some time to purchase a SAINT Springfield. Along the shelf I saw an first hand original Russian AKM 7.62x39 rilfe made in Russia, I asked if I could please have a look, I racked the slide........ I now own a AKM, once you rack it and shoot it. You will know. Simplicity when taking it apart, engineering marvel. I like all rifles and enjoy shooting anything, but it does just have a more fun value to it, I cant explain it, am glad to have it for when I am in the bush or in a bad scenario. Needless to say all those originals sold out in less than a week across SA.
honestly, AK and AR guys need to come together or we will lose both
yeah, I like both systems from Illegalistan
Underrated comment
No o can assure you if and when the government wages war on its citizens, they will come together. I promise
You're right we need to fight it out once and for all.
would be awesome to see a blend of the AK and the AR into an AKR.
Question: Would I rather have an AR or an AK in a tough spot?
Answer: Yes.
Ak for me. When shit goes wrong, ak goes in my hand.
Both are outstanding picks in a tough spot.
or a FAL or G3. any of those 4 would make me feel re-assured.
I'll take both please!
Good answer. Very good answer.
The one firearm accessory I wish people would fight for is a suppressor. We really need to push for that. The current paperwork is ridiculous.
Hell yes brother, should only be a 4473 to get 1
@@sykoslim8851 It should just be over the counter like in most countries. It's just a tube, after all.
Its more or a safety issue. Suppressors are still loud just not as loud.
Silencer
Few people are even aware why "silencers" even ended up in the 'National Firearms Act of 1934' ... and it wasn't about use by "organized crime", but about use by poachers getting food for their families during the Depression Era following the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
Surprised that the most important comparison was not even mentioned. Ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Never cleaned an AK, don't own one, don't want to. But I'll add to Roms comment that the AR while being rather easy to clean doesn't really need it as much as people appear to think on the internet. They really are in a way self cleaning, shoot clean ammo and do a mag dump it's fine. I have maybe the dirtiest AR configurations possible. A 300BLK with a short barrel and very restrictive silencer. And yeah, I slow fire dirty subs and it gets filthy, but I follow that up with a mag dump of supers, and it's fine again.
@Rom vin I don't have all those niche chamberings but "nothing stops these guns from cycling ammo" is a bit hyperbolic. Really the key is in "so much pressure you think the bolt carrier is shooting out the back" As long as there's enough gas to shove the carrier back, and enough spring to shove it forward all is good. Almost all issues are a shortcoming of one of those two. People fussing with it to minimize gas and worn out recoil springs.
That 300 I mentioned had some reliability issues but they're all from me pushing the limits and were all easily solved. It's not a hard system to understand and with the DI system and strong aftermarket it's so tunable it'll do about anything.
The reason why the ak is superior imo in terms of maintenance and cleaning is loose tolerances and fitting and simplicity of parts. Also the fact that when field striping the AK only thing that needs to be removed is the piston assembly, the bolt, the spring, and the dust cover thats it. With the ar-15 you have many smaller parts that need to be removed for a full field strip. The bolt carrier needs to be removed along with the bolt the charging handle, the recoil spring, buffer, the firing pin and multiple other parts that make up the bcg. When in the field having to worry about all those individual parts has the capacity to cause issues.
@@traviswilliams9932 There's no reason to remove the recoil spring and buffer, nor disassemble the BCG in the field.
@Rom vin with the right bolt yes. But with mil spec bolts lack of lubrication will stop it from cycling.
Macaulay Culkin called. He wants his hat back.
Too bad, he and Ron still need to have a serious talk.
Most under rated comment.
Lol.....more lol
*KEEVVINN!!!!!*
Probably wants that SVD too
Doesn’t EVERYONE know by now the only logical answer to the age old “AR or AK?” question?!?! - YES....BOTH!!! 🤦🏻♂️
Who in their right mind wouldn’t have both? If possible...multiples of each 👍
^This guy gets it... 👍👍👍
I'm definitely more of an AK guy but yeah there is no reason not to own and enjoy both. Both are fine rifles and both have their own strengths and weaknesses.
@@commanderrockwell8509 Yep, I love and appreciate both...can’t really agree with his “AR is just as reliable”. Most ARs can’t handle crap, steel case, hard primer, etx junk ammo very well. My AKs cycle and spit out any and every thing you feed them. 👍👍👍
im building an AR15 in 7.62 just so i could have the best of both and use the same ammo for my SKS lol
So I am on the right path? ok cool !
I thought it weighted as much as 10 moving boxes, I feel I have been misinformed....😆
I heard that crazy bitches voice in my head reading this
Don’t forget it’s 50 caliber.
My Vepr 54 weighs 11 boxes . Eeeleven!!
At 14’s are
No that would be the AR-14...
M.A.C.... Great comparative video! Personally.. I'm NOT a gun "expert", and therefore anything I have to say about either of these two rifles, is purely from personal experience during my three years in "Nam" (68,69 & 70), and NOT since then. All I can tell you about my experience with the M16.. especially during my first tour up in the A-Shau Valley, is that it was a complete PIA.... we had to take down and clean them, At Least a couple of times a day... seems it didn't take hardly anything to "foul" them.
I stumbled (literally!) upon an AK-47 one morning, in a dirty stream that was stuck bayonet / barrel first into the bank with a nearly full banana clip in it... I pulled it out of the embankment, rinsed the mud off of it in the stream, pulled the trigger and it proceeded to empty the rest of the clip without so much as a whimper.
I carried that Ak for the rest of my 2.5 years (out of nearly 3 full years) over there... rarely ever cleaned it, and it Never let me down in any way, shape or form... and as often as I came across "expired" NVA and / or, "chuck" (VC)... up north, and later.. further south in the Delta, I was never without sufficient amounts of ammo.
I can't tell you how many times the M-16 would jam or miss-fire, for one reason or another (carbon build up was one issue), and I was Not the only "friendly" that found and carried a 47.... that AK saved my life more times than I can... or, ever care to remember.
The AK's are like just about anything else that the Russian military builds.... what they "may" lack in "finesse" of build or add-on "toys".... they more than make up in Robustness, and I'm alive after three tours.. because of, and Very Thankful for.. that simple quality about them.
Call me "biased" if you want, but I literally owe my life to them.... and Gods "hand of protection" over me, all the while.. as well.
Thank you for ALL the great videos that you put your time and effort into.... it's all very much appreciated.
Thank you for your service, and glad you made it home 👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you 2Stroke for your service and for sharing your story. I've known a few vets from Nam who all said the same thing about the AR platform. I was a die-hard AK fan, and still am to this day for that reason. But I have learned lately what caused the many malfunctions in a rifle that "shits where it eats", and why the military still uses it today. I'm still on the fence about stopping power, but today's AR is so much more superior to those first versions because of what they changed to make it more reliable. First thing is good ammo. That was what fouled up the Nam Era rifles and got our soldiers killed. 2nd thing for me is 30 cal sized rifle to take a target down like the good old days. I've even looked at buying an M14, as I thought it had the best of both worlds with a piston gas system and 7.62 sized chamber. Way too heavy to carry all day (I'm 58 now). I'm thinking AR for the first time because it's versatile and a proven platform that now fits better for what I need for protection. Sorry for the long winded story, but I've struggled with accepting the AR as a good battle rifle. But now I finally can, thanks to MAC and others who have helped me see its advantages.
@@mikewithers299.... Hi, Mike... thanks so much for your response! Yes, after speaking with quite a few fellows over the years, some were Nam era vets... about the history and progression of the AR platform AND the ammo.... and even had chances to shoot a few in more recent years... I would have to agree with you... it's come a long way, since the 1st gens used in Nam.
I'm in my early 70s now... so, between that fact and absolutely knowing where this country is headed in the very near future..... I'll probably pass in obtaining one.... besides, POI placement with a small caliber trumps a larger caliber with a miss, every time. ; )
@@airborneinfantrynstuff489..... Thank you, sir...... much appreciated. You, as well... yes?
Proof positive! Thank You Brother for you're service. God Bless
As long as both are assembled properly and not made with cheap parts both will serve extremely well.
I like Clint and thunder ranch, but man selling a century in-house build as a “fighting rifle,” or life saving tool seems like a money grab.
@@dudeguy4047 They are referring to the VSKA rifle at 32:59 of the video.
Kinda surprised that Clint would want his name on a Century Arms product! WTF?
And what's with the pink grip? That looks like ass
@@ALIVE8455 believe it is "scarlet" for the Marine Corps. Irony... Corps colors on a ComBloc rifle. Gimmicky, too. That VSKA, with no top or side rails, is a range toy, if that. Almost false advertising to call it a "fighting rifle". Preying on new gun owners basically who don't know better.
This man had one too many POS m16s malfunction. Too many firing pins lost. Too many charging handles snapped. It's 1970 and the USSR built a vastly superior rifle plain and simple. Give ak 20 years and billions of dollars of RnD then let's revisit.
I am a huge AK guy. I had a really bad experience with M-16/M-4 in the military, but that was 20 years ago. I recently got into ARs. I am a big fan of the LWRC and PWS. So easy to clean and ran them through multiple classes (1,000 rounds over 2/3 days) without a malfunction. Both the AR and AK are great rifles. There are pros and cons for both.
The M4 is great once people stop screwing with them.
@kilgor5793 Look at the entire history of the M16/M4 in military service then ask that question again.
Without even watching I already know he’s going AR, after watching I gained a new understanding and respect for his choice. Personally, I AK all day, but u know what? Pro 2A family is all I need in my corner ✌🏽
You have the right to have your own wrong opinion
@LebaneseChristian whered you get that crap? AK jammed almost half of the time in war
@LebaneseChristian i dont have a chinese AK… i have a real russian AK. and i just said, back in russian wars, AK would jam
@LebaneseChristian no really
Cant stick a belt fed system to a AK
You absolutely presented the best comparison of these 2 battle rifles hands down!!! The Russian did a comparison of ak vs ar, in that video they took both rifles from a warm environment to a snowy one and threw the rifles into the snow...only 1 one rifle worked and that was the AK.
Nothing I haven’t known for several years, but I keep watching.
Ammo cost and availability is a pro of the AKs in today’s market. I went to Scheels and they had boatloads of 7.62 and 0 anything else. Everyone was scrambling for ammo and I was there with a cart of 7.62 and a grin.
This
Good thing I have a 7.62 AR. Now if I only lived near Scheels.
There's something absolutely awesome about the AK platform. I even have an AK platform 12 gauge that I love. They are so sweet but I do find the AR platform is a lot more user friendly and more accurate for me. In my neck of the woods there is plenty of .223 and sometimes I can find 5.56
Yeah I have a vz58 and it felt good to be the odd one out
We have no ammo shortages in Poland but for obvious reasons 5.45 and 7.62 basically grow on trees while 5.56 has to be ordered from the warehouse (at least in the smaller towns)
I own both and shoot primarily the A/K due to lower cost of operation , interesting side note , I started my oldest Granddaughter out on a pimped out all polymer Zastava -ZPAP with adjustable stock and adjustable cheek riser ( ALG TRIGGER, KNS ADJUSTABLE GAS PISTON , 3X Primary Arms optics ) and then transitioned her over to the A/R platform and she prefers the A/K hands down !
"One is vastly superior, which one?" The one you have when you need it.
Underrated Comment
Vastly superior? The one that you have plus the one with the ammo.Which right now could be neither!
*dual wields ar/ak combo* por qué no las dos?
@@o01chris10o cliche comment
Well, the one you have is the one you bought, so which one do you buy? AR for the win.
45 seconds in and I already know that the AR-15 will be declared the “superior of the two” rifles.
Took you 45 seconds to figure that out?
You’d think just a little common sense is all it would take lmao.
Ak bettr
Murica baby! Yeah I dont think there is a superior rifle. Each have there strong suits and compromises.
Well it's just common sense.....
My mind tells me the ar is superior, but my heart yearns for the ak
Sad but true!
Ain't that the truth buddy
AK is superior
Ak 545 is superior to the 556 modern also in 762 have no recoil ak107 and ak108. You can accessorize the ak the same way as ar. Ak simpler and nicer to shoot. Has a true intermediate cartridge. It's just far superior in many ways to the ar and the ar only was mag reload time really.
@@henryofskalitz2228 You've just sighter three different guns with three different internal designs from the AK.. Are you daft or something?
Of course HK is better than either AK or AR :)
I remember being able to swing one of these when I was a kid here in Australia but after 1997 we lost to our governments disarmament program now we can only watch you lucky Free buggers play with them. Hang on to that 2nd lady's and gents.
You didn't read the sign behind him.
Don't worry, we're well along the road of gun confiscation and the accompanying Communist takeover of our government. The United States, if it still even exists in ten years, will be unrecognizable.
@@warbuzzard7167 They can try to take them, but in reality, in America theres no chance they will be able to stomp out the second amendment.
@@warbuzzard7167 The defeatest message in your comment is what im pointing out.Have you seen the "marxist" enemy? besides Old mummy George Soros..Bernie Saunders maybe..? Where are they? HIDING IN THE SHADOWS WHEN THEY DO COME FORWARD IT WILL BE INSIDE A VIYNL BAG. ALL THIER PROPIGANDA IS NOW BEING REALIZED AND OTHER FROM A FEW STUBBURN PATCHES HERE MAYBE THERE...WILL FIZZLE OUT ONCE EVEN ULTRA INDOCTRINATED YOUTH REALIZE JUST HOW MUCH THESE TEACHINGS ARE UTTER COMPLETE AND ABSOLUTE BULLSHIT AS FAR AS A TAKEOVER IT MORE OR LESS HAS GONE ABOUT AS FAR AS ITS GOING TO THE SO CALLED ELITES THAT PLANNED THIS LONG AGO MADE A HUGE MISCALCULATION ON THE RESOLVE OF AND THE OVERALL NUMBER OF THOSE THAT FILL THE PATRIOTS RANKS.
THIS B/S IS ABOUT AS A LIFE AND DEATH WORRIESOME AS A CLOUDY DAY..IVE SEEN ANTIFA AND BLM AND MOST OF THEM APPEAR TO LOOK LIKE A BUNCH OF SUBBERB WHITE BOYS SPOILED ROTTEN THAT APPEAR TO ALL HAVE SOFT..SMOOTH DISHWASHING HANDS. LOLZ
I'm not running.
All ammunition, firearm, accessory, & tactical gear manufacturers need void all contracts and warranties to all local, state, federal, and military organizations UNTIL the 2nd amendment is fully restored! This will also help restock the American people! please spread the word, make this our mission to pressure these companies to do exactly this! Spread the word through ALL 2A channels!
Military makes their own ammo, but yeah everything else needs to stop.
virtually zero chance of this ever happening.
Companys make so much $ off military contracts, if a company is able to land one, they are more likely to sell exclusively to goverment instead of civilians.... (colt)
*Facepalm* Lake City is run by Winchester-Olin to produce ammunition that the US Military uses. Lake City simultaneously produces contract ammunition for American Eagle, Hornady, and components for Fiocchi. Production for any contract commercial or governmental is twisted together in the industry.
@Macasus76 yeah that’s what I said
Love ‘em both, but I’ve shot the crappiest ammo from the AK and never had an issue; and this was right out of the box.
The AK is as rugged as it gets. The AR is perfect when used in ideal conditions. What I choose depends on if I'm crawling through the bush or in my home or an urban environment.
That is a very compelling argument for the AR.
Said no AK fan ever.
Plus, you have to endure Brandon Herrera's "AK vs AR guys" videos if you own an AR. No such problem with an AK, and if there is such a video, well...we don't care.
Bahaha🤣
AK fans are much more emotional than they are logical, good point. Like honestly if people ACTUALLY cared about logical and unbiased performance of a weapon the AK would've been phased out awhile ago in the civilian market once the cheap surplus stuff disappeared. Every "modernization" is just addressing the design flaws of the AK and is just confusing why you would want to spend to much money rather than design or buy a new rifle.
AK is and will be THE BEST ....Ever !!!
function over fun
Short answer: Get multiple versions of BOTH. Pick the one you can operate more easily, make that one your go to rifle and get good with it.
Perfect advice!!.... practice, Practice, PRACTICE.... and then, Repeat.
The 7.62x39 is still popular because it's still fairly cheap to get a rifle in that particular caliber. I believe that the 5.45x39 would have become more popular has the gubment not come in and banned the import of a lot of rifles a few years ago. Even before the panic, I couldn't find a AK74 type rifle for less than 1500 bucks after the import ban.
You are correct. The 5.45 is better and might have been more popular without import restrictions. I chose 7.62 for barrier penetration with specific types of ammo. That and the availability of 40rnd mags and larger drums.
EXACTLY!!!
I built a 7.62x39 right in the beginning of the lockdowns when I seen it was the only ammo still readily available and cheap. It's turned in to my favorite AR. I was looking to add the 5.45 but parts for an AR build are scarce at best and ammo seems harder to find than 7.62x39. I'm curious to know why? Or am I not looking in the right places?
Yes. They need to end the sanctions on Izmash and other Russia AK manufacturers.
@@johndel1971able I did something similar early summer with both an old 5.56 rifle and .300BLK pistol build, for similar reasons, but opted for 6.5 Grendel instead. The 5.56 turned into a 16" Grendel, and the .300BLK turned into a 12.5" pistol. I did this with available $0.30/rd steel-cased Wolf ammo in mind (first few thousand rounds I bought were going for $143/500 shipped!).
I now have a high four figure ammo fort of 100gr Wolf now, and don't feel guilty going out and practicing with it. I also have a smaller ammo fort of quality 123gr Hornady Black ELD-M and somewhat affordable American Gunner 123gr for special occasions. That said, the Wolf ammo is actually decently accurate, and decently lethal, with several 50-150yd single DRT hog shots out of my 12.5" build.
I love the "we will not comply" poster.
I like them both! The best way to settle this debate is just own both.
Or buy a galil.
Yep.
Or think and make a decision.
@@snek9353 or just buy both. It's 1500 bucks
@@ryanwalker3509 Or buy two of the correct rifles so that you have compatibility and common function.
Yes, the addition of rails has enabled some people to mount a rifle to their extras!
It’s worth noting that while the US aftermarket has done a good job at modernizing the AKM, the Russians have moved on from the AKM and 74 to the AK-12. Which we can’t get in the US. It gives the AK a railed, far more secure dust cover, longer sight radius, railed hanguards, adjustable and foldable stock, as well as other improvements.
They also have a prototype in development than hinges open like an AR which gets rid of the dust cover issue all together.
At which point you would question why they would build upon the AK in the first place, considering what the AK12 probably costs them.
If you basically scrap most of the parts, why not make a new design, that fits the Ak action to save cost and actually is not just botched into the 21st century.
I know the finns pinned the dust cover in place too for a longer sight radius on the valmets but I still wouldn't put a real scope on that
Hell....the Russkis should've adopted an AR-malite platform chambered in 6.5 Grendel. Why reinvent the wheel.
yeah, the only people that still use the AKM are poor countries and insurgents
@@delta3two same reason the americans are still using an ar-15/m16 platform
AK 12 ain't that good either, they pretty much just added the long awaited tacticool stuff like rails and adjustable stock. However AEK derivatives (currently named A545 and A762 I think?) were approved for use by most special forces after the field tests a year ago and they've recently begun serial production.
+ Civilian SR-1 is a laser beam
I think it's a great idea to own both. They each have their pros and cons. You always want a chrome-lined bore
The superior one is the one that’s in your hand and goes bang when your life depends on it to
Cough cough ak
@@247pluh cough cough any gun
@@VeryProPlayerYesSir1122 😂😂
@@VeryProPlayerYesSir1122 ok so i will use zip22 as my carry gun
AMEN!
The carrying handle was a nice modern upgrade very useful
The power the gun had when it was a M16 has steadily decreased now all the way down to the now to 14 inches and less . Comparatively shortening the AK does little to its power
Yes that is true for 5.56 vs 7.62x39 relative to barrel length. For shorter barrel AR pistols I am going to 300 blackout. One can use the 7.62x39, but it has reputation for early breakage of bolt lugs unless you get a modified AR like the CMMG with an AR10 size bolt.
The issue is, people argue more about which rifle is more “tactical” than rallying, organizing, and fighting for our cause.
Isn't the issue paradoxical? Firearms haven't provided a solution to the trashing of the Constitution.
@@seanomeirs8362 they should have. At the very least, rally, protest, and the display of force should be used. People are too afraid to do that, let alone actually fight if the need be.
@@jaredlavoie635 I have rallied, protested, worked within the system, written letters, and signed petitions, with mixed success. Not only is the game rigged, but I don't believe that politicians can do anything, and corporations won't do anything, without a moral and independent society. Guns are not the problem, but they are not the solution either.
You can do both.
@@seanomeirs8362 They have some, and haven't more YET.
Classic clickbait title. This is the kind of thing I would have searched for in middle school right after “glock vs. 1911!?!?!”. Keep up the good work, Tim. Hopefully for all of us the ammo crisis comes to an end soon.
Yes after 5 minutes I have decided to call Dodge Ram the best pick up truck out there LOL This Gentleman usually pretty good having an opinion. I hope He is not turning into another " Scotty Kilmer" with His headlines..That would be bad..IMO. I haven't watched Scotty's videos for a couple of months now. I don't mind supporting 'youtubers" standard of living ,but they have to stay honest and not be cheap a salesman.
😁👍
@@johnturner5893 I just like laffing at Scotty, he is always obviously buzzed.
@@johnturner5893 Well recently he did bash the fuck outta Glock saying it's basically an old relic of a gun which is totally fucking insane to say.
He based it all off of there being smaller & lighter guns as if smaller & lighter ALWAYS equates to being better which this isn't true. Go ask a snub nose revolver etc.
It totally depends on your use & your requirements for a pistol & you can't just say one is better than the other at everything.
@@ClickClack_Bam ..basically he just said smaller and lighter is better IF it feeds/handles the same capacity..
Somewhere in Texas Brandon Herrera is killing a bottle of Bourbon
You misspelled vodka
You both misspelled white claw
All three of you misspelled North Carolina.
@@ThatOneGuyTURNER So right...was about to type the same. He ain’t from TX. His AR vs AK are absolutely epic!!! 😂🤣😆
@@ThatOneGuyTURNER he moved to Texas earlier this year.
It is not the weapon but the warrior who wields it. They're both masterpieces. Choose whichever masterpiece you like and train YOURSELF to be deadly with that masterpiece.
When the warriors are equal, the weapons can make a difference.
@@andrewpandrew5809 Not really and it depends. Two hundred yards is a long shot in my neighborhood, it is about as far as I can see in most places unless on an elevation like a roof top or in a tree.
I love everything about this. I knew the comment section was gonna be a dumpster fire
We Will NOT Comply poster in background
This has a pinned and welded barrel.lmfaooo. Good vijeo tho
Own both...
-zombies at close range - AK
-precision at long range - AR
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
haha your idea of "long range" must not be very far.
@@jbloun911 and an ar is not a long range platform.
@@jbloun911
"-precision at long range - AR"
like it or not, this is what you said.
so sure, if your definition of long range is 500 meters, all well and good. many others in fact don't consider long range until 1000 or so. for others, 1000 meters is a chip shot. i have personally maxed out my best rifle at 1800. there are folks i know that do 1800 with ease. it's all about what you consider long range, as per my original comment.
@@jbloun911 whatever you say.
AK: “I’m the best!”
AR: “-No! I’m the best!”
FN FAL: “…Did someone say best?”
Fal is not the best and regulated to third world inventory and the dust bin
Clint putting his name on a VSKA has made me refuse to take him seriously on anything moving forward.
@BRDC Exactly. How tactically sound can you really be when you put your prospective students at a disadvantage right out of the gate with a POS from Century Arms (I know using POS and Century Arms in the same sentence is redundant)? However good his tactics may be, combined with a crap AK is just turd polishing.
I did a search through all my bookmarks and deleted anything that had "clint smith" or "thunder ranch" in the title. That goofball just inadvertently saved me hours of wasted time.
@@terryclapp8169 I hope it's not that big of a POS. I haven't even fired it yet but I'm looking forward to it.
@@ryanwalker3509 I exaggerated. Century Arms is known for being hit and miss. You can go over to Classic Firearms and see both extremely positive and extremely negative reviews on the same gun from Century.
While you will get some outliers on offerings from say a midrange weapon from PSA, their quality is better in general.
Although right now there is no such thing as a cheap gun anywhere, regardless of quality.
All other things being equal, range time will always outweigh technology. You will be more prepared with your AK if you have more practice with it than some guy with a $5k perfectly zeroed AR that just sits in a gun safe. And given ammo prices these days, you're definitely going to be able to get more range time in, especially if your AK takes 7.62x39.
@@ryanwalker3509 Yeah, very much so hit and miss. My Vska has 2k+ thru it, nothing really jumps out as concerning, but definitely not a 10k+ rifle like a zastava, arsenal, Saiga, Etc. You get what you pay for ig 🤷♂️
Im just waiting on the FAL Hipsters to give us their 2 cents on this topic. Every AK vs AR video has at least one.
As a Galil Ace hipster I feel excluded. 😒
No FAL is complete without a pair of short shorts. 😎
My bad, I decided against leaving a comment
Modern FAL is superior than both rifles, esp the DSA-SA58 carbine version because it's a fucking dragon and concussion grenade all at one.
@@mmiski From what I know; the Galil, from its beginning, was a redesigned and improved version of the AK system used by Israel's enemies. Then it was modernized as the Galil Ace. I have to admit, a comparison video between the Ace and the modern AR would be great.
Solid breakdown 🇺🇸 Also, Krebs 103 FTW 🤙🏽
Yep! 👍🏻💪🏻👊🏻
This video is so stupid dum. Logic sence like what factory corvette performance is better ? A 1950's or 1980's ? Same with rifles, Duh !
@@joseromero3004 get the fuck over yourself….. doesn’t matter when they came out jackass it still doesn’t change the fact the AR is vastly better in EVERY way!!!! Now go take your meds boy…….
Love my Krebs KV13 in 5.45. The only improvement it really needed was an ALG trigger.
My newly purchased m70 is minute of milk jug at 200 yards, with good ammo. Wolf has varied greatly lot to lot.
If we were to compare the absolute most modern iterations of each, let's say the HK 416 and the AKV 521, we'd find a lot more similarities than differences. They're both great designs and it's clear they've learned a lot from each other over the years. It's no wonder that so much of infantry small arms designs over the last 50 years have been attempts to hybridize both designs.
That’s because AK manufacturers have been going out of their way into recent years to copy what the AR platform has been doing for decades.
Regardless modern modular AK designs are the exception.
Not true
Not true
The AK can go much further than it has so far imo. The American market nerding out on the AK in recent years has already made it leaps and bounds better. If that innovation continues, it could be on par. It isn’t yet to the same point as an AR though, that’s for sure.
Have a look on Kalashnikov's youtube channel. They're got some very cool stuff that just isn't on the US market.
@@ADUSN We can get a lot of the stuff that’s out there or equivalent stuff. Most stuff doesn’t fundamentally improve the platform though imo. Now I did see the other day an easy change barrel system out of Ukraine iirc. That’s the kind of thing that would make the platform truly better I think.
@@JohnSmith-yx8kf The new carbine they’re working on is indeed cool. I don’t know if it has an easier barrel change but if so that’ll be a major boon to the AK platform. I can’t recall if it has a bolt hold open but I think not?
The free market and widespread civilian gun ownership has definitely contributed to the development and improvement of the AR.
Got a custom built one that will give a Daniel Defense a run for it's money any day. All my friends talk down about AKs until they try mine, inside 100 yards it beats the AR hands down.
I think the most likely reason for the charging handle being on the right is to simplify manufacturing. This means you can use the same location as the ejection port and you don't have to machine a separate cutout into the dust cover for the charging handle.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, uhh, your opinion, man.
I went the best of both worlds route and got the Galil ACE. Been very satisfied.
Good presentation. I stayed open minded as if I were a layman. Thanks for your service to the 2A community. Well done.
Thank you for watching.
Simple answer- I wouldn't want to get shot be either!
AR for ergonomics and add on features - but kind of a money pit if you ask Scotty Kilmer (traditionally)
AK for a simple good'ol rifle that will last 1 million miles and will never breakdown....oh wait...wrong topic.
Both are easy to reload when you think about a sks magazine 😭😭😭
The SKS clip-a-zine. Lol My Norinco Chinese SKS loads those 10 round stripper clips pretty easy.
(Specter balistics) makes a ak style mag release for the sks. Makes reloading sks mags as easy as a ak.
Hey I can top load my S.K.S just fine.
@@saltysteel3996 I'll take my S.K.S over either of them rifles any day.
Was shooting my buddies sks this weekend. He had not had it out for years. Good times.
I really like AK's. I've owned many, from Bulgarian to Chinese, Romanian, Yugoslavian, and more. I enjoy their history. You could do a lot worse if your only weapon was an AK.
Having said all that, I just plain shoot better with the AR, and in the end that's what really matters.
Which country's AK was the best?
@@clo5265 Bulgaria
@@HenrikSherwood Absolutely not, Russian is the best by far
@SlavicEmperor I have dome to believe that in terms of modern production, 1998-2023, the Polish have produced nicer guns. I have a beryl and everything about it is really nice, equal if not better than any Saiga or SGL I've ever seen and felt. The reason why I said Bulgarian is because they're were still a steady stream of Arsenal rifles coming in and Russians couldn't be imported so it would be much easier than buying a Saiga sporter and then converting it for essentially the same gun in terms of performance.
I knew exactly how this would end and still watched it. What's wrong with me?
Nothing. We all do it.
The ak barrel concentricity issue on foreign made aks for suppression was good new info for me. Thanks for that.
I think the first important thing to note is this is debating the two most prolific rifles of all time, and that each has thoroughly proved to be an effective platform. Second, I think the generalizations are exaggerated and outdated. The reality is a properly tuned AR is very reliable, and an AK that’s built correctly will provide more than acceptable accuracy. In my opinion, it matters a lot less which platform you choose, and more on if you train and learn to run that platform effectively. The guy with the 5k Gucci AR can still get smoked by a guy with a 600 century if he doesn’t train. Same thing in the other direction as well
I agree with your general statement, however this was more of a technical discussion as to why the AR has evolved and aged so much better than the AKM has over the decades. A guy that's never trained with his AR can get smoked by a guy with a Sharps rifle that regularly trains. That wasn't part of this discussion. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Yeah, I agree..your overall statement is spot on. Training in general beats ‘having’ ANY firearm that’s accessible..regardless of how accurate, reliable..’new” or otherwise. Get YOUR firearm, train with it..RESPECT IT.
@@Militaryarmschannel
As an Army vet, who has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, I hate the M4 gas driven rifle. I much prefer the AK-47/74 variants over any M4 rifle. Just because the AR-15 can have a bunch of gadgets mounted on to it doesn’t mean it’s a better shooting rifle than the AK variants.
That being said, I’d love to own a SCAR Light or Heavy as it’s a piston driven rifle. To which means, less carbon build up and cleaning.
@@travelinman482 No doubt the AKs action is better suited for the sandbox, but there’s a whole lot more to it than simply being able to add more gadgets.
@@hansgruber9685
Ok. You do know that Iraqis and Afghans use AKs, right?
I have both and prefer the AK for reliability. Really depends on what you expect from it to decide what is better.
As for the 30 vs 5.45 in popularity, its most likely because 30 has been around longer and also fits the sks.
The biggest downgrade the AK 47 rifles ever had was a Century arms stamp on the frame.
I had one of those, 100% hot garbage. I've got a Zastava Zpap now. Totally different gun.
My CA runs like a champ, no jams with 75 round drums. I can run the trigger like it's full auto. I've heard a lot of them are trash, but like he said in the video, sometimes you get a good gun, & I think I got a good one. Oh & my mag well is actually kind of tight, a lot of people said they have mag wobble, I've had to sand some mags that were TOO tight lol
As a guy who has actually had to carry a rifle for miles, this whole argument boils down to one. Size and weight. Even when using comparible calibers, the AR can be made lighter and more compact. When you pass mile three or four in broken country with a three day ruck and 210 rounds, ounces matter. Ask any guy who has been through basic training if they want their rifle a pound heavier and the answer will always be "no" preceeded or followed by expletives. Modularity is all bonus.
Counter point: I'd sooner cut that weight out of my pack or kit than my weapon. Theres probably less vital things to cut out (I personally am guilty of packing much more than the essentials) and much easier to do this before step off than to change weapon platform. People seem to not want a 7 lb weapon any heavier but compete to be the guy on the 27 lb 240b so I'm suspicious that there are other characteristics more important to a weapon than its weight.
@@flopus7 I never said the AK had no advantages as was pointed out in th video. My point is that a 5.45x39 and 5.56x45 are similar in size, weight and performance. For identical load outs the AK is heavier. Likewise, assuming everyone is stripping their pack to minimum requirements, the weapon system is still heavier.
@@carlb2727 im trying to point out that I think rifles should not be evaluated by weight first. I think its a consideration between similar rifles but .5 to 1 lb of difference is not as big if you can get a decisive advantage out of something. I actually prefer the AR platform but for other advantages it brings.
I believe the correct term is "intermediate cartridge" not "intermediate caliber." Since caliber (in the context of personal arms) refers to the diameter of the bullet, in which case the 7.62x39 is the same caliber as the 7.62x51, but is intermediate in power as the cartridge length (and available powder volume) is significantly less than the full power NATO round.
Sort of. But there is more to it:
1) If we are going to be getting pedantic about terminology, caliber does NOT refer to the diameter of the bullet - as you state. It refers to the internal diameter of the bore.
2) That aside, you are correct. But there is a difference between a technically accurate distinction, and a useful distinction. The term "caliber" has been used imprecisely since the advent of self contained cartridges, and is in common use in a wide variety of contexts. No one bats an eye when people say things like "9mm is a good handgun caliber", even though that's a category which would technically include 357 Sig, 380 ACP, 38 special, and a litany of other cartridges other than the one which we know that they are talking about. Furthermore, there is no technically correct definition for "intermediate caliber", so the possibility of confusion is pretty much non-existent.
Its a bit like "clip". Sure, its cool to understand the distinction between a clip and a magazine. But if your battle buddy says he needs a clip, are you going to be the guy who gives him a lecture or the guy who gives him a magazine?
-A salty US Army small arms maintainer
@@Triangle26 Yes, but it is better to be accurate in our terminology. We let it slide too much and we'll start sounding like liberals.
@@snek9353Really?
I thought it was the opposite. I thought that one of the most prevailing critiques of modern liberals is that they get their feathers ruffled when people don't use exactly the right words for things...
Regardless, I don't disagree with you that it is better to be accurate in our terminology. I'm all for precision of language, as the erroneous use of some terms can be quite harmful to our community.
But pointing out that Tim of Military Arms Channel said "intermediate caliber" instead of "intermediate cartridge" is a comically trivial thing to correct - especially coming from someone who wasn't able to accurately differentiate between projectile diameter and bore diameter as it pertains to the definition of "caliber".
@@Triangle26 They only get ruffled when you use the correct term, otherwise, yes.
@@Triangle26 BTW this applies elsewhere in a more important application IMO. Tim got all pissy with me in the comments once when I pointed this out. That is the name of the channel "Military Arms Channel". The arms he covers are not largely military arms, they are almost all civilian arms. More so the implication that they are "military arms" is counter to many of our arguments with the grabbers who would argue that these arms should be only for the military.
To be clear the grabbers position is of course incorrect. There really is no such thing as a "military" small arm. To the extent in which there is a "military" small arm, that nature as being in common use by the military is more evidence of it's protection by the Second Amendment.
AR guy myself but I hate Ar guys saying “ARs are more reliable because mud” when an AK is more reliable in the desert and freezing conditions.
You forgot to mention the most efficient method of charging an AK, left handed. For those of us blessed enough. 🤪
I’m an AR15 guy all the way but to make this video and make no mention of the innovation that SLR, Rifle Dynamics, or Meridian defense have brought to the AK platform is mind blowing
@@hollyh00d12 But they aren’t one off rifles, they are production rifles that if purchased come stock like that. Also he’s comparing earlier iterations of the AK to the AR instead of a modern variant like the AK12 or even some of the 100 series rifles. Also their are modern solutions to the reasons he ranked the AR above the AK, (KNS pistons, Ulimak rails, sight/ gas tube combo blocks, and their are company’s that build them standard like that, the ones I listed above. If you are going to make an argument for one or the other, it should take into consideration the innovations of both platforms entirely.
You forgot OCCAM DEFENSE
@@hollyh00d12 Just go to the Kalashnikov Concern website to see what's coming off the conveyor belt as standard right now. AK12, AK15, AK19, SR1 etc.
Strong Point! MAC's review is seriously lacking.
"Rifle is fine."
I say I'm "fine" when I'm having a shitty day and don't want to talk about it.
A Russian would say "idi na hui" instead. There are cultural differences, you see.
I refuse to choose, so I purchased a few of each. My AR is A colt H-Bar great out to about 500 yards and my AK is a Norinko 56-S, good out to about 450 yards. Both very good rifles that exceed their designs for their time. The others are good also, these two are the cream of the crop.
You sound like you are all women
The Clint Smith rifle makes perfect sense to Clint since Century wrote him a check to use his name on a run of the mill AKM clone. Getting paid for doing little to nothing makes sense to me.
Spot on!
I shot the prototype of that rifle at ThunderRanch last year, pretty sure Clint is not doing it to get rich. It is a pretty plain Jane AKM. There was another one from another maker too, it had a better trigger.
@@Aonghuis Didn't he say something to effect that the idea was to come up with a simple rifle that you could use for defense inside a home, where just the basic iron sights and maybe a flashlight would be plenty good enough? I understand why the rifle won't appeal to everyone, but if that was the framework it would make sense to me.
@@Aonghuis it has low quality parts for 1k.
@@dexm2010 , yes he wanted a rifle anyone could afford, with only what a person needed, a sling so you could open a door or pick up a child, and a light to see what you were shooting at. He also said everyone needs to be able to pickup and operate either an AR15 or an AKM as those are two of the most widely used guns in the world.
''ar has less recoil than ak''
Larry Vickers with ak107: OLD MY BEER
Old my beer? What you gonna pause time on earth and age the beer for him to drink? Id say you are out there space boy
Kind of a far cry to call the 107/SR1 an "AK" since internally they're really, REALLY different at that point. But I get what you mean.
In contrast with more recoil i give you the Beowulf Ar.
@@8166PC1
Price point
Right now the best weapon is a ROCK, it's the only thing I can find to send downrange.
That's why I stocked up on shotgun reloading supplies soon as they said covid was in states. If shtf I can put rocks, marbles, BBs, screws, nuts, bolts, whatever will fit in a 12 gauge hull
grug agree
🤣🤣🤣 got that right
Having owned, shot, carried, and loved both platforms over the course of my 50+ years, I'd say it comes down to 2 things...What's the mission, and where's the mission? Accuracy and mod-ability pretty much goes to the AR. Usability and ease of maintenance, definitely the AK. You can reach out and touch someone with a "good" AK, but usually even a mediocre AR will out shoot it. However, in a desert environment (lets say) with a lot of blowing sand etc, the AK is definitely your friend. There's a reason why the AK doesn't have a dust cover, or a forward assist. There are other variables that I'm sure we could all think of, but that's my own two cents. At the end of the day, they're such different platforms, it's a lot like comparing a Glock to a 1911...They're both great for different reasons!!
Sand getting into AKs can still jam it. There's plenty of videos on youtube disproving the myth that the AK will just eat sand and not jam.
True
Cold weather reliability is a big issue that is often overlooked as well, AK platform is vastly superior in cold weather. There is a reason why some police departments in Alaska actually use AK instead of AR.
@@Immortalkalashnikov not all aks are made equal. I mean iraqi aks are shit, for example. There are tonnes of shit aks tbh.
@@-Zevin- id like to see some proof of that. Living in Norway, where NATO troops have been working alongside our own in the worst winter conditions possible, ive seen little to support your claim. That is.. we do not get to test a lot of AKs up here, so I can not attest to that platform, but the AR platform has seen plenty of service up here. So.. again, what do you have to support your claim?
I agree that its a bit pointless to compare the two.. that being said however, when i shoot a smooth tuned AK thats well zeroed, I’m much more impressed than when i shoot a boutique AR
YT channel: "we're doing a video on AR vs AK"
*notices Like to Dislike ratio*
Me: Guess the AR won.
I like AK and I like this video. It means nothing. This is just a description from his point of view. I would recommend AR for clean conditions, for police and special forces. AK recommend for harsh conditions, for military, war... I agree for ergonomics that it's a better AR, but I disagree that AR is more durable than AK. Btw. I like both and AK an AR. I use in military "Zastava M70AB2" (Serbian copy of AK-47) and this rife was so accurate, reliable and powerful. I like weapons and respect MAC, because he has military experience, he talks nicely and I enjoy watching his videos. I don't dislike, just if he say for some weapon is bad. Maybe he's right. Greeting from Serbia for MAC. All the best.
There is a reason why the best military in the world uses AR
@@mastermortician1887 ignorance
You can’t answer the question without upsetting someone
@@robbywoolums9071 Deadly combat is not about feelings, it's about superiority. If specifically willfully ignorant people refuse to comprehend basic difference between a rifleman, an infantryman, and motorized infantryman, then there is no point in attempting to discuss weapons such different combat roles are armed with.
Yay, he actually acknowledged the difference between AK and AKM.
So?
@@abohachuk4765 Without proper nomenclature all is lost.
I frowned when he started up the vid talking about how these rifles have evolved, then proceeded to dismiss the 5.45x39 because it's not popular?
@@mikecarlson3575 And for his comparison he's using a Romanian rip-off of the 1960s design instead of the stuff that's actually coming off the conveyor belt at Izhevsk right now. I understand he can't get hold of a copy because of the embargo, but there are plenty of videos on TH-cam that tell you about the 10 series AKs in great detail.
AK guys and AR guys can both agree on one thing. We are both better than bullpup guys.
The AK-12 seems to have fixed all the problems with the AK platform; they've devised a way of mounting optics on the top without any slop.
Saberwerks has an ingenious solution that doesn't sacrifice the pillar of the platform. The only thing is it must be built with it, it's not an accessory
Still ergonomically inferior to AR though 🤷🏻♂️
@@FirstnameLastname-do1px
Every aparent ergonomic drawback has a mechanical rationale; the large safety can be better actuated in icy conditions; the paddle release won't freeze up and is inherently ambidextrous; the rock and lock mechanism ensures proper seating of the mag, and this is precisely why the AK can always accommodate 30 rounds whereas it's recommended to load 28 rounds for the AR.
The one major problem the AK-12 has is the handguard is made of polymer and is flexible, so nothing placed on it will hold zero.
If it’s replaced with machined aluminum, I think that solves that issue.
I own both my AR is a far “better” gun but my ak is about 10x more fun
Come on Tim, us oldtimers know where your true love is....Sturmgewehr 44 🤔😉😄.
The real answer is both. Own both and enjoy both, problem solved. One primary reason is during recent ammo shortages I could usually find ammo for one or the other, but rarely both at the same time. Options are good.
One thing I’ve noticed through shooting eventually everyone returns iron sights some form or another. One of my favorites is a A1 to just a modern upper with irons is just fun too.
Great information and a very balanced and imformative video. I respect his choice. One's preferrence is based on their personality, temperment, and experiences. However I retired in 2000, and my experiences are based on the years I served. Both are good. I personally as an Airborne Ranger, Special Forces, Black Operations combat veteran, like the AKM, RPK, and AK-74 better. However I can make AR work also. The AK is far more accurate then many believe, if it is zeroed. The magazines are certainely far more less apt to bend or get damaged. Also it takes a lot more carbon build up than the AR. I do like the M-4 far better than M-16 but that is based on the kind of missions, and also for airborne infiltration. I like the reliablity of the AK and the robustness over the AR. Also as the carbon builds up in the AR, upon continuous firing, I always used the changing handle after a magazine change and struck the forward assist. This I taught to my troops as sometimes the standard quicker way of pushing the magazine stop often failed to send the bolt fully home. Due to the higher cyclec rate of fire of the AR the extraction, ejection system could not keep up between 200-300 rounds, due to carbon, and thus stove pipes. Also the AR internal system in not totally sealed. The area where the upper and low reciever group connect allowed dust to enter in a dusty situation or LZ. Thus experienced soldiers up camouflage stick on there to prevent this. The M-16 was always too long for Jumping. Often when jumping a M-16 a large man could fall on the weapon even in the weapons bag and break off the hand guards. AR has no folding stock capability. The AR safety is one great plus on the AR. But, I also like the new enhanced safety's that are available for the AK. Also the AR magazine well is better to place in a magazine. But one can do a "Press Check" on the bolt carrier handle of the AK, and insure a round is chambered, and still able to push the round fully into the chamber. With the AR not so easy. It's true that the AR now has all these extras, and that is a good point. However I know the AK can be set up for these also. The AK is however an older weapon made for soldiers before all the new things came on line. I like also the fact that the AK operating system can be used in many different calibers of weapons, and thus training is far simplier. One can also fire off single rounds with trigger control on automatic setting with the AK. Bottom line, I am still overall an AK man all the way. But that is just me, and if one feels better using the AR that is fine. It's a personal preferrence. Great job as always..
Somewhere, the hair on the back of Brandon Herrera's neck is raising in alarm.
I was thinking the same thing. I agree with Tim 100 percent though.
Omg. Hahahaha
@@joshuagibson2520 what don’t you like about him?
@@joshuagibson2520 eh maybe. Idk I enjoy his stuff, but I understand how people don’t like some guntubers style, like how Im not a fan of demolitionranch.
I don’t know much of what goes on with his business, I’ve seen complaints about different builds for the first ak’s but now they’re different parts. Idk it seems like he’s improving. I don’t really care if he’s getting help with CAM as I would certainly need help with that.although once it’s finally done it would be a good thing of him to list the people who helped him with his idea...
@@joshuagibson2520 yup that just summed up why I don’t watch him.
Your AK bolt DOES losk to the rear. Charge your bolt to the rear and slide your safety catch up to catch the charging handle. Observe the hole in the safety cover catches the charging handle, much like a slide catch on a pistol. Once you've locked in a loaded magazine, simply release the safety catch, releasing the bolt to load a round.
Did I just hear the term: Rail-Estate? Nice
Romanian variants have significantly improved over the past few years. They're fairly accurate, durable, and easy to handle. They also aren't picky with what ammo you fire through them.
BUT they are also extremely expensive!
@@williamdaniels6943 Get used to it. They all are.
I have an amalgamation of the two, so I don’t need to worry about this question
Wz. 96 Beryl and the Galil:
Are they awesome? Yes
Can I afford one? No
Well my AR is just a decoration right now. While I get more proficient with my AK.
Did anyone think of Lord of War when he showed the pics with aks
A US Army officer, who trained Iraq military and police forces, told me they removed rear stock and cut off the mounting prongs on their AKs. Didn't use sights at all, or even grasp the concept. Couldn't hit anything useful. Big surprise! Spray and pray specialists. He was training them to use the M-16/4 (with sights). To prove it was reliable, they documented several that were NEVER cleaned as they were used in many training cycles. Only lube was 3-4 drips of oil directly from the dip stick (of a vehicle parked there) at 8,000 rds. When this officer rotated out, over 12,000 rds had gone through those rifles, without a failure.
“We will not comply.” Has 20 round magazines.