@7by62 I was reading Finland is opening 300 public shooting ranges and encouraging people to learn to use a gun based on Russia in Ukraine......any Truth?
@@m26_lemon_grenade55 You are correct. The government program aims to increase the number of outdoor shooting ranges in Finland to one thousand by the end of the decade. That means 300 new shooting ranges indeed. And in addition, the Defense Committee has already emphasized in their statement on the 2025 budget that a sufficient number of shooting ranges must be secured. Existing gun ranges got additional "christmas gift funding" of 1.25M €. At this moment, my local gun range is getting some long awaited upgrades too!
Bro, you said it perfectly. The ergonomics are just "different" it's just takes time that most dudes won't dedicate to run one well. They see different as worse because the first experience they have with an AK is awkward compared to what they are accustomed to. Unfortunately that molds most people's opinion of an AK early on.
@Isometrix116 Rock and lock mags are tride and true. Used in so many guns over the past 100 years because of the positive lock up. The AK safety (with training, or aftermarket) isn't bad at all. The whole argument is back and forth gotchas that don't amount to much other than... pick your poison, both are good options for a wide variety of needs.
The AK is objectively worse outside of a few very niche aspects. If a weapon requires more training to reach the same effectiveness as another rifle, then it's still a worse rifle.
@@KLAYCO47 They were also dropped because they ended up being worse from both mechanical and user perspectives. Tried and true doesn't mean good or best. You need signficantly more training and practice to approach similar performance with an AK safety as well. Thus, worse. Both work, but the AR platform is an upgrade over the AK platform. But they both work well enough. It is much less of a pick your poison and much more of a "this is better, but they're close enough." Especially when you consider optics work much better on an AR and that optics are so important.
@@KLAYCO47 to me kalshnkovs have always felt better than ars...the Warsaw stock and geometry fits me like a glove...and the weight I always hear ab is negligible...my wasr w attachments fits right in line w all of my ars on weight...my m16a4 is nowhere near as fun to carry around...I can see where extra weight of the ammo is a thing tho
thanks for the video Rebuttal to the rebuttal. TLDR: I think this showcases the difference between a review/analysis perspective, and a "feels" perspective. Hand waving certain aspects away with "just deal with it" and then extoling the virtues of other "minor" things makes sense if you already own the platform and need to get to work. But doesn't make sense from the perspective of discussion of said platform. But as such, I don't actually disagree with any of the points. I just think it's a perspective thing. On how we work through negatives/positives on a system. Weight: A negative is a negative. I regularly run ~11lb front heavy ARs in stuff like tactical games, comp, rucks, etc. I can handle it. I barely notice it. But a negative is a negative. Trying to hand wave negative aspects away with movie quotes, and "be a man" is disingenuous , especially when we also discuss the upsides, which themselves are quite minor without the same hand waving. (I could say, just manage your AR15 better in the cold, and hand wave the cold aspect as being lazy with rifle upkeep). When discussing a topic, you need to view both the negatives and positives at face value. Ergonomics are different not worse: Maybe? I'd like to think I'm running it pretty damn fast. Reloads included. The proof is in my footage. I'll outrun most decent ARs guys with a AK. But even so. Running it fast doesn't mean the ergonomic issues suddenly vanish. They're just managed. Western Gear bit: My weakest point by far. I'll leave it out and just give you the W here, though I still don't quite agree. Ironically, the two listed pieces of gear you show are actually what I used (beez, KS p84) The Riley defense thing is a good example of the "MTG level autism" needed to keep up (which is fun, but not a good thing as a requirement). The fact that you, a AK guy, picked Riley defense and then got roasted in your own comment section because apparently it's a dumpster tier AK brand shows that it's extremely difficult to source a AK easily in the current US climate, and there are just landmines that you yourself fell into. Also the autism jokes are not a diss. Or if they are. It's a self roast. I got the tism. Price: you listed the cheapest setup you find. And it cost as much as SOLGW. That is literally a example of what I'm saying. The platform is more expensive. As for the PSA thing. You might have missed it. I've owned a Arsenal, and a WASR that I've run to about 6000 rounds, and as of now this rifle is now at 3500 rounds. I know what a quality AK is. I think you'll notice I didn't take the PSA AKs performance as a negative against the platform. I'm using the PSA as a data point as I review guns. Because as painful as it is for AK guys. PSA AKs have some upsides. and if they can pull off making a actual good product. Then, shit. It solves a lot of our problems. So a high round count check in every once in awhile does far more than just reviewing a WASR for the 5th time. (which I have like 5 videos on already). Overall thanks for the rebuttal. I'm jealous of the snow. For some reason Utah is not having a strong showing this year.
To your point on price. He's referring to people who upgrade their ARs with all the gadgets, are usually going to coin up more for the base gun that costs as much as an already reliable AK that's been upgraded with said gadgets. That's my take at least. I don't know too many people running all the IRs, high quality glass LPVOs, and such on an Anderson or anything like that. Most I've seen as far as affordable is Aero Precision builds which, would be in the same ball park in price compared to a WASR base gun. He should've brought that point up but it might've been self defeating as it's very nuanced with both sides.
@@tk9wtky A ton of people run "low end" guns with all the enablers. Myself included. YTers are not good indicators because their budget is a tax write-off. Its a weird comparison to say that a expensive AR with expensive stuff, is going to be more expensive than a base AK. Well... yeah? Apples to apples though (base ak vs base AR, or decked AK vs decked AR) The AKs generally cost more to do the same.
I rarely read comments this long. Biggest critique from this comment is "PSA....can pull off making an actual good product". I don't disagree with that, but they choose to make garbage. They absolutely have the ability to make a good Kalashnikov, but make a conscious decision to make trash guns by not riveting them correctly, not using qc and using defective bolts. To clarify, I'm not waving my hand to dismiss the weight. It is heavier. The trade off is you are getting a .30 caliber that does better at defeating armored targets. If you want that benefit ..... Man up and run a kalash. My example of the wasr with Occam rail is if you want some in 7.62x39 that is equivalent to a mid tier bcm or solgw. If you want something cheaper and want run a laser.....I have multiple videos with setups that work for less money
@@positiveanion4085you mean ☠️ people. They both do that well. What else? They shoot out to….what gunfights are taking place outside of 300 yards? So what can a MK12 do that an AK?
This is likely more a problem with the specific rifle and maintenance schedule than the platform itself. For example, using lube that freezes in -40 will predictably have a negative result.
My cousin had both an ar pistol and ak pistol. He sold his ar pistol and kept the ak pistol. He really likes bringing the ak pistol on his caribou hunts.
But how do short-stroke piston ARs like Adams Arms or Stag model 8s run? Do they choke up like direct impingement too? I would imagine they might run better in those conditions.
@@MikeForce111 that was my thinking when I bought my wolf a1 upper. Gave it to my dad because he needed a 556 pew so I never got to shoot it in winter yet. Definitely gonna get it back next time I see him to try it out in the cold.
My worthless two cents. From an objective standpoint, it is true. The AR-15 platform is more well-suited for modern-fighting styles and equipment. It's the reason why all special forces or highly trained militaries are switching over to AR-15-like weapons, including Finland with their SAKO M23. Your rebuttals, while true, need to analyzed with context. For example: yes, the AK is heavier than an AR, but that shouldn't matter. You can find web gear, tactical furniture and mount optics on AKs, yes. But the ease of doing anything is much smoother on an AR compared to AK. Less weight on gun means you can carry other things. We live in US, so equipment for ARs are plentiful, while for AKs less so. Any moment they can drop the import ban hammer and cease Cugir or FB imports. But that alone shouldn't be an excuse for performing poorly with an AK over an AR. At the end of the day, even though an AR is objectively better than an AK for most Americans' purposes, they both are still extremely capable tools and I would not feel that underarmed if I had a barebones AK. Plus 5.56/.223 is cheaper. Great video!
Finland is NOT switching to the M23, there are talks of buying the DMR version for testing in the National Defense Training Association but even that is just ongoing negotiations. Official statement says the current service rifle will not be replaced in the next few decades. Actually serving in the defense force makes one realize all these talks of upgrades are just PR and even though we have had the capability to outfit our old rifles with all the bells and whistles you would want 99% of the people get to run the rifle stock because the army is too broke to field even basic attachments like grips or silencers never mind pricier and important stuff like optics for the average Joe.
The downsides of the AK are very minor. But AR guys being the prima donnas they are, blow everything out of proportion. If 12 year old starving African kids can figure out the Ergonomics of the Ak, but you still struggle with it, that says more about you than it does the design.
Very good talk. I started out on bolt action .22s as a little child. Moved to lever actions, ruger ranch and sks. Never had an AR to shoot growing up. Always liked the SKS over the ruger ranch and for my very first rifle I decided I wanted an AK and got a Krebs Customs. Never regret it. That thing is bitchin. Won an AR in a raffle and love it just as much. The only thing that I really took from the AR was that the ammo was much lighter. The holds are slightly different. Changing over to the Ergos and switching back to AK ergos really isnt a factor if you go out and use your shit. It isnt rocket appliances boys.
This isn't directed towards brass facts, i actually liked his video, but in general, my biggest issue with constantly comparing ak's to western firearms or battery of arms, is the fact that it's absolutely not a western firearm; no shit lol. At what point do people stop acting like the gun is the problem, and instead train themselves to use it efficiently. If its a piss poor firearm design, it will go away, ak's are around because they do the job, very well. Train on the platform the way you train on your preferred platform and realize that the gun is far more effective than you; the burden of training rests on your shoulders, i.e. get better, stop nit-picking because you have a bias and want to convince everyone that your preference is better because you say so.
Still happy with my fully modern Zastava (thousands of round with no malfunctions or problems) And ive had no issues finding parts and awesome furniture. 7.62x39 knocked my buddy dave out when he was shot in the plate carrier...5.56 could never do that. Also, a heavy rifle on a bipod is amazing for castile doctrine. 6lb AR is easy to carry sure, but heavier guns actually shoot better...how far do civilians carry a rifle for home defense?? 😅
Zastava is Military Grade. PSA are Glam AKs. I am fortunate enough to own them both and I have a few KUSA guns too. Love my AKs even the ones from PSA, But whit that said I just come here for the comments Most make me laugh. But your comment was Spot on. If I'm going to war my Zastavas are going with me. 👍❤️🇺🇲
The only thing that I hate more than the AK sub reddit are AR nerds with cookie cuter set ups repeating the same fallacies. Not a dig at Brass but as an AK guy I just want to be left alone and let people enjoy the platform
Special Operations Equipment makes chest rigs that can run AK and M4 mags. The AK is a viable choice for a main fighting rifle. Whatever your preference, get a quality rifle and training to run it. That's more important than AK vs AR.
They are both semi automatic rifles that shoot intermediate caliber rounds and take readily available 30 round magazines. The AR is objectively better, but not by that much. You are not fundamentally making any major sacrifices running an AK over an AR. You just aren’t. They are similar enough in implementation for you to pick one for personal preference.
I met BrassFacts and Hop at NRA Show in 2023. Theyre both chill guys and I like them, however theyre both AR guys at the end of the day. Thus, anything that is not an AR is inferior in their eyes, period. The same can be said for damn near every other American gun owner; they make like AKs, but they always deem them to be "inferior" to ARs for ___ reason(s). Personally, the very first rifle that I pieces together literally on my 18th birthday was a BCM 14.5 AR. Fast forward 10 years now, I only own one rifle now and its an AK. Unlike most others, I started with the AR and moved over to the AK, simply because I love the simplicity of the AK. Nothing about the AR is worthwhile enough to go back to using them. For the average guy, an AK is good enough and that is the reason why it is still the most prolific rifle in history.
@user-ij9sh1tf9d Consider why they're AR guys and why most Americans are Hint: It's because ARs do the same thing but better. Seriously, try mounting a laser and optic to an AK and have it maintain zero. Or, see how much better ARs perform in a competition against AKs when all else is equal. There is a reason this guy could only come up with terrible arguments like hurr during AK is man's weapon because it's needlessly heavy. This isn't a question where two guns are equal and it's all preference. The AR is obviously superior. This doesn't mean you can't like an AK, just don't pretend they're on the same playing field.
@@Isometrix116 As Lemon pointed out, for around 1500 bucks all in, you will have a WASR that is just as modernized as a 1500 barebones AR in terms of ergos and mounting capability. It is not hard to maintain zero on an AK, people win comps all the time running AK's in mixed rifle divisions.
paying over 850-1100 dollars for a PSA104 is crazy when Romanian Draco's are available for ~700 with sales dropping it into the 600-650 range. (all numbers before tax, shipping, and transfer, and assuming that someone is after the 12ish inch 'pistol' form factor, like the guy in the first clip seemingly was.)
@@marcuspacheco3815 no because that still means you have to give PSA money lol That aside, not really. If someone wants an AK, then they should just get an AK. People on the internet spend way too long bickering over minute details between weapons platforms, when in reality it’s not really that important. Paul Harrel has a pretty good take on firearm selection in his teotwaki video. Though I will note that the Draco does justify its price over a PSA-15 in that the Draco will last considerably longer before needing any form of repair or replacement parts.
Whenever westerners start complaining that AKs aren't ARs I go watch videos of some eastern block dudes like Dima from Center T run their rifles. They don't seem to have any problems putting rounds on target and they never bitch about ergonomics.
I'm gonna get hate from this; but I had the means to and got a Rifle Dynamics "boutique" AK. It will be passed onto the children and their children and their children. Also, I feel like a lot of our gear in the West is too specific. For web gear, I got an old Arktis m170 chest rig. That fits whatever mags you decide to cram in there. Each mag pouch will fit 3x 30 round mags.
With the hand-guard systems like SLR,JMAC, and other brands would you recommend them for anyone that doesn’t want to do the modifications for the occam rail? They also tend have adapter pieces that bolt to the sides for optic mounting.
@@nickjenkins1663 exactly all these TH-camrs are worried about is spewing lies and shilling for sponsors, I would not buy a PSA AK for any amount until they build them the way there supposed to be made, i really want PSA to be successful as a American 🇺🇸
I got one of those Waser-10’s that’s only accept 20 round steel mags , from 2001 , should I dremmel the mag well or just leave it how it is ? Ur a fucking badass dude have a merry Christmas 🎄
Regarding Riley Defense, anybody have firsthand experience with the Riley Defense M77 in .308? Rob Ski's initial presentation with it was quite positive, but he hasn't brought it out again with a follow up video to my knowledge, so I'm wondering how it has held up.
Lmao it’s far from a Riley defense. Tortort, milled, forged bolt and carrier, adjustable gas. Riley wishes they could manufacture a decent rifle like the m77.
@@StraightRazWhor I don't understand your comment. The receiver is Tortort, yes, but they still built the thing with it and the other parts. Do you have one of them?
I run AR platforms for the main reason of program compliance with others in my area. But, we live in America, so we should first understand the rights we have and completely embrace them. The fact that we can argue about what we want to actually carry around and run is very much in jeopardy. So, pick your platform whatever it is, know the intricacies, get spare parts and train hard. I’d rather go up against a group of guys with the most high end Gucci gear that don’t train much, than dudes that really train carrying ska’s or even bolt guns. Owning shit doesn’t make you a capable patriot. God bless you, and may God bless these United States. Merry Christmas to you all.
My man!😎 lol I was actually wanting to post a comment on how people say the same thing about HKs/PTRs but after buying one i found out that the ergonomics are perfectly fine. I think these are the same people who buy muzzle brakes, buffer springs, locking lugs, and in line stocks cuz "the recoil is too much"
W G36. Og stock is too long for cqb but easy fix. The safety lever is hard to feel which position its in but not an issue with a semiauto trigger pack or using the ar trigger conversion. The k model is so epic after fluting the barrel, removing material from the gasblock, adding an idz stock or chopping down and plastic welding the stock together. Og trigger isnt as fast but doesn't matter if you hit first and hit the head. Og trigger is harder to nd with and harder to ff with. If you really want faster split times then 1, youre wrong and 2, you could buy the ar trigger conversion
My only gripe being left handed is safety manipulation especially when running between targets where you either leave the safety off which isn’t ideal, or need the ability to flip it fast.
I got a WASR10. Mine came with ugly black plastic furniture that was very cheaply made. I ordered some bulgarian polymer furniture and its a big upgrade but I'd like to get some nice wood for it. Where can I get authentic wood for an AKM?
Arms of America and Atlantic firearms carry new production WBP wood, which is nice compared to most commercial options. Both also sometimes get romanian surplus furniture, which is perfect for WASRs.
Apex Arms, Soviet Stocks , Warsaw wood company and Legion USA have original parts that have already been stained, finished and sealed if you want legitimate original parts rather than new production replacements
I think AK vs AR videos are like 9mm vs 45 guys. I believe each weapon has its specific roll. I grew up with heavy wood guns and love 308 and 300 win mag ARs.
I think the real downside is the ammo we get in the USA: it tends to be both inaccurate and magnetic, the latter making it disallowed at most ranges and competitions. I've run a few competitions with AKs and I go from being one of the better shooters at the match to timing out on stages for lack of accuracy from trash commercial ammo.
You had mentioned about 5.56 grain weights, barrel twist rates and barrel lengths for 5.56. Do you think you could do a separate video on that discussion sometime like which combination of those things work best together ideally to achieve optimal performance? Thank you so much!
Plenty of dudes have been taken by the .22” sized pill from 0-500 yards. Barrel lengths from 10.3”-20”. Sure it’s not optimal but soft targets aren’t going to survive most torso hits. You can make arguments for any platform out there. Really comes down to what you’ve trained with and knowing its limitations.
I hear your points and they are valid but one major question stands out to me why do all the troops in Ukraine want AR's over the AK they have plenty of a case piles of them and yet they prefer to have an AR why?
@@OrganikMechanikThe question is; if Ukrainians have the choice between an AR and an AK, why do they want the AR instead of the AK ? Responding to that question by saying "NATO gave them AR's" does not in any way answer the question. NATO gave Ukraine AR pattern rifles. We know this. It's irrelevant beyond the fact it gives them a chance to experience AR's alongside their standard rifle, the AK. So, again, why would Ukrainians want to be issued an AR instead of an AK ? Thing is, nobody here can answer that. It's a question trying to be a gotcha, but it is not a valid question. Who says Ukrainians prefer AR's over AK's ? What and where is the documentation of that claim ? Where are the interviews with these Ukrainians which were polled for their rifle preference so we can learn the reasons for the preference ? You can probably find anecdotes if you have the time to spend digging through the internet for it. I don't think anybody is going to come away with accurate data though. I could think of a lot of reasons why an Ukrainian would want an "M4" instead of an AK and plenty of those reasons wouldn't have anything whatsoever to do with the actual differences between the platforms. TL:DR the question was not answered, but it's irrelevant because it doesn't *_have_* a valid answer.
Tbh havent seen wasrs you can buy outright for 750 in months would love to know where you found them for that price the only wasr id seen you can buy for 750 was on gunbroker and it was a underfolder straight stocked ones were atleast a grand i agree they are the cheapest best option i just havent seen one priced at 750 in a while now
I got lucky and was able to get my WASR for 700 with a vortex red dot on it. Now the original furniture had been replaced with crappy tapco, but it's alright because now I don't feel bad about putting the furniture I want on there and letting the stuff that came on it sit in my parts box.
@@m26_lemon_grenade55 im on gunbroker daily there are no wasrs priced at 750 you can buy outright for 750 besides one underfolder they are not on there in bulk or even a couple you cant buy a wasr outright for 750 thats a lie man
@@SatanasExMachina heck yeah man thats awesome im sure they pop up but to act like you can find a wasr for that cheap constantly now a days is a lie again im sure they pop up occasionally but id love to see where you can find them consistently for 750$ bucks
@@m26_lemon_grenade55 im on gunbroker daily there are no wasrs you can buy outright besides a underfolder for 750 and havent been for awhile a straight stocked wasr is at minimum from what ive seen 900 to say you can find wasrs no problem for 750 just isnt factual coming from someone whos making videos like you can find them anywhere for 750 i agree id rather spend the money on a wasr over a psa or anything else if im looking for a affordable ak but saying there are multiple rifles you can find for 750$ without a problem is definitely stretching it
I took a hour every day just to practice reloads with my AK, and after a few weeks I'm reloading my AK just as fast as my ARs, you just have to practice.
you probably know more than me and I don't mean any disrespect, but personally I disagree with the "be a man" argument for having a heavier rifle - someone strong enough to shoot a gun that's heavier than it needs to be can shoot even better with a gun that ISN'T heavier than it needs to be (and he can carry more ammo or other gear)
Been in the AK game since 2009. The one and only downside to AK ownership and usability is the fact that it takes a professional to build an AK. Regular guys (me included) can’t take the AK to the kitchen table or the garage and fix it. You can learn the knowledge and acquire the tools to fix them, but it is still much harder to do than assembling an AR.
@ I don’t disagree with that statement. But, Murphys law, when it does break, it’s gonna require someone that really knows what they’re doing to fix it.
I will say that AKs may be harder to properly repair, but are pretty unbeatable for field improvised repairs. I've seen a guy on here who replaced his recoil spring with the spring from a port-a-john door or rubber bands, and used a coke bottle or garden hose as a gas tube. Hell, if you break your stock you can improvise a new one with some whittling skills. The trigger and hammer pin retainer can be replaced with a bent up paper clip. In one of IV8888s old AK burn downs it got shot to the point the barrel was drooping, but was remedied by smacking it against a tree till straight enough, lol. Fuck the buffer tube on your AR by falling on a rock the wrong way, and you're up shit creek without a proper replacement...
I disagree OP. First of all, you dont need to ever have repair work done on an ak, just grab another one, and not only do you never need custom ak builds, just make sure its a good manufacturer and inspect it before buying, but ar15s arent as easy to build as you imply. First problem is the gasblock/fsb combo is almost impossible to install perfectly straight every time, for one reason or another (sometimes the gas port hole isnt perfectly centered on the top of the barrel is one, jigs can lie as examples) but good luck finding a bolt and 556 barrel combination that headspaces how it should (within spec but on the tighter end). The amount of garbage ar15s out there, custom built or manufactured, is getting ridiculous.
I'll also add that for the most part, AR's are just soulless. Unless it's a retro gun, they all look exactly the same. They have no badass vibe. Running an AR is akin to driving an automatic transmission Prius. Running an AK is like driving the piss out of an old big block 4×4 square body with a manual transmission
I agree with you on modern ARs on being "soulless," but your subjective take on them not being badass is totally wrong in my view. Sopmod and Delta setups on M4s/ARs is a modern day classic in badass setups imo. Good analogy on AR = modern Toyota but AKs are like classic cars though. AKs do have more personality in spades.
I'm a big fan lemon and have watched lots of your videos but I have never heard you talk about the Galil ace. I'm interested in your opinion of the ace. I have a gen 2 7.62x39 and love it. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about them reliability or durability wise. People often complain about how heavy they are, since they are pretty chonky even for AKs. Aftermarket support is also kinda ass for them. I have never seen a spare barrel for sale but they are chrome lined and cold hammer forged, so I expected the barrels have a ridiculous long life.
I’ve never understood guys who get twisted over a pound of extra weight. If that’s where you’re at then you probably shouldn’t plan on playing in the street.
Its not different its worse, just because you can run something doesn’t mean there isn’t any difference in value between two things. Compare an m1a with an fal. One is substantially better than the other
Great video I have a dog in each fight AR vs AK. I have a bunch of AR-15 a bakers dozen +. Now that being said I have double that in AK-47 from 9 different countries old school imports and modern guns.
Front heavy is a thing, I can relate to what Brass is saying, I am not a weak person per se, but I notice a difference even when the RC2 is on my MK18. I guess an analogy that comes to mind is with the RC2 suppressor off it feels like a fencing small sword, with the suppressor on it is more of an axe or mace. Still effective but slower and more fatiguing. I just have a light on my AK I think that is as front heavy as I would like it to be. "Hyet, rifle is fine". I got a PSA AKP specifically to be able to run more devices, but I discovered that is putting lipstick on a pig with aids. I think a good krink-ish carbine in 762 that would keep the weight closer would be magic. Lemon will hopefully "fulfill his destiny" and manufacture them when he finally gives up on all the domestic builders. I advise caution regarding the three Amigos.
There are several outstanding AK US manufacturers. One is in Arizona and he is known to make high end AK’s(I forget his name). And then, doesn’t Brandon Herrera make AK’s out of Texas? Of course, they will be a bit more expensive, but worth it.
The debate over "modern militaries" adopting AR patterns is an odd one.. Buying a PSA and Bca or whatever other cheap ar is not really comparable to the piston driven ones most of these militaries are actually adopting, and the debate on weight has always been hilarious
You know you could also just buy one of the new NOX AK KeyMo mounts made by SOLGW. They're purpose designed to go on your 14x1LH AK's . The internal bushing adjusts to fit flush with the crown of your muzzle to prevent any kind of concentricity bs you might otherwise encounter from the barrel threads. I don't know how viable they are in practice, but they do exist and are quite a bit easier than taking your gun to some gunsmiff who might bork it up.
I do think the gear argument was a bit off. Hell even estac makes a nice 3 cell placard i like to run for ak mags. I just wish aks hadnt jumped up in price so much and 762x39 wasnt so damn expensive/unobtanium in comparison
The one thing that blows my mind is when the AR guys claim ak and even hk416 and every other non DI gun (you know, the ones that are actually reliable) are somehow super front heavy...and then proceed to set so many BS "upgrades" on their m4, the gun feels like a hog... but yeah that gas piston is somehow making it "heavy" go tell that to the Marines with HK416s
I think people overlook the magpul handguards instead of embracing them, between the heat protection it offer better ergos and mlok slots. The AK ergos are fine and they are fun to run and if ammo was the same price I would be running mostly AK.
What do you make of the diagnosis of rust on the fcg causing the AK to stop working? Not to give him shit, but feel like he misdiagnosed that one. Of course whatever it was, the rifle still went down when it shouldn’t have.
@@SatanasExMachina Maybe, I just don’t understand how rust on the fcg would cause the thing to go down even in a PSA. If it really was that, I’d be very interested to see more details on that.
I like the AR, but i prefer being able to rock and lock a mag in and KNOWING it's seated. To me that's the most important reason why i lean towards the ak more than the ar. Well i run a sako rk95, which i think feels and shoots better than ARs anyway. Shots thousands of rounds through ak and ar platforms. But that lack of confidence with loading a new mag into the AR has lost me a lot of valuable time in competitions. Fully loaded mags falling out the AR into a puddle of mud WHILE you're aiming at your target squeezing the trigger is really not ideal.
I love my AR’s but for all around ergonomics and shootabilty, my AK is far superior. Surprisingly, the iron sights on it are all that’s needed; I’m faster and more accurate in short distance engagements than with the AR platform.
sheesh this comments section is wild. just a bunch of brass facts haters. like it or not but they are the only ones who actually shoot more and practice more than anyone else in this comments section. Testing and evaluating gear is never a bad thing and they do it well. and this video doesnt seem like drama, m26 and the nova group have no beef that i can see, i know that they respect eachother but also disagree. ak's are great, i have the tools to make sure its a well running platform and how i like it. ar's are great because i can get off the shelf parts and theres a good chance it will run just fine. it is important to consider how popular the ak is in the rest of the world. and those ar15 and glock only people are always trying to convince you that their platform is the only one everyone should buy. at least ak guys are just happy to shoot.
AKs are light compared to most of my ar builds. I hear people say their heavy, but just between ar/ak it’s way more about the accessories than the base gun.
the point is its not worth it to spend time learning about all the different AK variants when they are already so invested in teh AR( like 99% of the uS)
Because they have not been used by modernized Western forces, AKs are just getting to the point in their development cycle that AR's reached 15 years ago, when they became adapted for use by modernized Western forces. Every argument AR guys use against the AK applies to the M16A2 or whatever pre-GWOT AR people currently regard as "classic".
@jonnybgoode7742 NATO standardization is not a referendum on weapons system quality. As evidence I point to every single war the alliance has ever participated in. And before you say something, yes, Israel standardizes with NATO. Their an imperial satellite state. They have yo
If you care about it, AKs are not well suited for shooting suppressed or night fighting applications. That said, there are situations and environments in which I could see myself preferring an AK over an AR, it just wouldn't be that often.
I would be more inclined to run .300blk from a 16" or 6.5 Grendel from a 20" AR and train with 9mm, 5.56/.223 or .22LR from an AR. That's another wonderful trait of the AR, I can do caliber changes in minutes or assemble a bunch of them on very quickly produced inexpensively produced 3D2A lowers along with a bunch of Glocks and stash them in many places...with a nice size cache of ammo and a basic loadout if I have to drop everything and play an NPC. Even an Ivan plasticoff is not the easiest thing to make and it wont be easy to feed. If the US Army goes through with it and sends military logistics back to 1957 with the 6.8x51 battle rifle...I could always print one of those and a have a .308 upper for scrounging, because if the insane expense for larger caliber ammo in the current year, I almost feel it has been done as a flex on the tax payer or an insult to the soldier that they are spending more on ammo for him to shoot that they pay him. Either way, I might own a Kalashnikov but, I would be as likely to fight with it as I would a Tokorev or C96 broom handle. When I got out of the Army back in 2006, I was spouting the same things you do, however, caliber conversion wasn't a thing back then, 3D2A wasn't a thing back then. I'm 41 now too, so I know that every lb is going to count, being the guy who is light, agile and quick will go a long way. When you have tons of gear and armor you are going to be more limited on the amount of time you are quick and your patrol range. If you can sacrifice a lb or two anywhere you probably should or you can replace it with other things you are going to need while you are out avoiding direct conflict. Have no question about it, my family has been in America since 1629, those of us who won the Revolution will be the insurgents, we will be the targets and slandered as terrorists for not accepting the destruction of our nation.
As a Finn, that Varusteleka's patch caught my eye too :)
I love that company. My wife gets mad every time I get a package from Finland which is often.
@7by62 I was reading Finland is opening 300 public shooting ranges and encouraging people to learn to use a gun based on Russia in Ukraine......any Truth?
@@m26_lemon_grenade55 You are correct. The government program aims to increase the number of outdoor shooting ranges in Finland to one thousand by the end of the decade. That means 300 new shooting ranges indeed.
And in addition, the Defense Committee has already emphasized in their statement on the 2025 budget that a sufficient number of shooting ranges must be secured. Existing gun ranges got additional "christmas gift funding" of 1.25M €.
At this moment, my local gun range is getting some long awaited upgrades too!
Bro, "Designed by Alcholic's, to be Carried by Illiterate," needs to be on a T-shirt
I second!!! That wins the internet today 😂
Blyat! I just spilled my Vodka LMAO!
Bro, you said it perfectly. The ergonomics are just "different" it's just takes time that most dudes won't dedicate to run one well. They see different as worse because the first experience they have with an AK is awkward compared to what they are accustomed to. Unfortunately that molds most people's opinion of an AK early on.
Except different _can_ mean worse. In the case of the AK, the safety is just less convenient and easy to actuate. Rock in magazines are similar.
@Isometrix116 Rock and lock mags are tride and true. Used in so many guns over the past 100 years because of the positive lock up. The AK safety (with training, or aftermarket) isn't bad at all. The whole argument is back and forth gotchas that don't amount to much other than... pick your poison, both are good options for a wide variety of needs.
The AK is objectively worse outside of a few very niche aspects. If a weapon requires more training to reach the same effectiveness as another rifle, then it's still a worse rifle.
@@KLAYCO47 They were also dropped because they ended up being worse from both mechanical and user perspectives. Tried and true doesn't mean good or best.
You need signficantly more training and practice to approach similar performance with an AK safety as well. Thus, worse. Both work, but the AR platform is an upgrade over the AK platform. But they both work well enough. It is much less of a pick your poison and much more of a "this is better, but they're close enough." Especially when you consider optics work much better on an AR and that optics are so important.
@@KLAYCO47 to me kalshnkovs have always felt better than ars...the Warsaw stock and geometry fits me like a glove...and the weight I always hear ab is negligible...my wasr w attachments fits right in line w all of my ars on weight...my m16a4 is nowhere near as fun to carry around...I can see where extra weight of the ammo is a thing tho
thanks for the video
Rebuttal to the rebuttal.
TLDR: I think this showcases the difference between a review/analysis perspective, and a "feels" perspective.
Hand waving certain aspects away with "just deal with it" and then extoling the virtues of other "minor" things makes sense if you already own the platform and need to get to work. But doesn't make sense from the perspective of discussion of said platform.
But as such, I don't actually disagree with any of the points. I just think it's a perspective thing. On how we work through negatives/positives on a system.
Weight: A negative is a negative. I regularly run ~11lb front heavy ARs in stuff like tactical games, comp, rucks, etc. I can handle it. I barely notice it. But a negative is a negative.
Trying to hand wave negative aspects away with movie quotes, and "be a man" is disingenuous , especially when we also discuss the upsides, which themselves are quite minor without the same hand waving. (I could say, just manage your AR15 better in the cold, and hand wave the cold aspect as being lazy with rifle upkeep). When discussing a topic, you need to view both the negatives and positives at face value.
Ergonomics are different not worse: Maybe? I'd like to think I'm running it pretty damn fast. Reloads included. The proof is in my footage. I'll outrun most decent ARs guys with a AK.
But even so. Running it fast doesn't mean the ergonomic issues suddenly vanish. They're just managed.
Western Gear bit: My weakest point by far. I'll leave it out and just give you the W here, though I still don't quite agree. Ironically, the two listed pieces of gear you show are actually what I used (beez, KS p84)
The Riley defense thing is a good example of the "MTG level autism" needed to keep up (which is fun, but not a good thing as a requirement).
The fact that you, a AK guy, picked Riley defense and then got roasted in your own comment section because apparently it's a dumpster tier AK brand shows that it's extremely difficult to source a AK easily in the current US climate, and there are just landmines that you yourself fell into.
Also the autism jokes are not a diss. Or if they are. It's a self roast. I got the tism.
Price: you listed the cheapest setup you find. And it cost as much as SOLGW. That is literally a example of what I'm saying. The platform is more expensive.
As for the PSA thing. You might have missed it. I've owned a Arsenal, and a WASR that I've run to about 6000 rounds, and as of now this rifle is now at 3500 rounds.
I know what a quality AK is. I think you'll notice I didn't take the PSA AKs performance as a negative against the platform.
I'm using the PSA as a data point as I review guns. Because as painful as it is for AK guys. PSA AKs have some upsides. and if they can pull off making a actual good product. Then, shit. It solves a lot of our problems. So a high round count check in every once in awhile does far more than just reviewing a WASR for the 5th time. (which I have like 5 videos on already).
Overall thanks for the rebuttal. I'm jealous of the snow. For some reason Utah is not having a strong showing this year.
To your point on price. He's referring to people who upgrade their ARs with all the gadgets, are usually going to coin up more for the base gun that costs as much as an already reliable AK that's been upgraded with said gadgets. That's my take at least.
I don't know too many people running all the IRs, high quality glass LPVOs, and such on an Anderson or anything like that. Most I've seen as far as affordable is Aero Precision builds which, would be in the same ball park in price compared to a WASR base gun.
He should've brought that point up but it might've been self defeating as it's very nuanced with both sides.
@@tk9wtky
A ton of people run "low end" guns with all the enablers. Myself included. YTers are not good indicators because their budget is a tax write-off.
Its a weird comparison to say that a expensive AR with expensive stuff, is going to be more expensive than a base AK.
Well... yeah? Apples to apples though (base ak vs base AR, or decked AK vs decked AR) The AKs generally cost more to do the same.
I rarely read comments this long.
Biggest critique from this comment is "PSA....can pull off making an actual good product". I don't disagree with that, but they choose to make garbage. They absolutely have the ability to make a good Kalashnikov, but make a conscious decision to make trash guns by not riveting them correctly, not using qc and using defective bolts.
To clarify, I'm not waving my hand to dismiss the weight. It is heavier. The trade off is you are getting a .30 caliber that does better at defeating armored targets. If you want that benefit ..... Man up and run a kalash.
My example of the wasr with Occam rail is if you want some in 7.62x39 that is equivalent to a mid tier bcm or solgw. If you want something cheaper and want run a laser.....I have multiple videos with setups that work for less money
Brass facts is a civvy. His entire gun handling experience is hobby and competition.
Need a discussion between Brass and Lemon!!!
No craziness…just our favorite guntubers exchanging thoughts, prospectives, experiences…..
AR guys will call a 9 lb ak to heavy. but procede to cream themselves over an 11lb mk12....
That Mk 12 can do things no AK could even dream of.
Why are you comparing a general purpose rifle like an AK to a DMR? I guess it goes to show the flexibility of the AR platform.
@@positiveanion4085you mean ☠️ people. They both do that well. What else? They shoot out to….what gunfights are taking place outside of 300 yards?
So what can a MK12 do that an AK?
apples and oranges.. mk12 is dmr/spr. which an AK cant even pretend to be
@mtnbound2764 iraqui tabuks disagree
Up here in Alaska the ar jam up in the winter the ak runs fine at -40.
This is likely more a problem with the specific rifle and maintenance schedule than the platform itself.
For example, using lube that freezes in -40 will predictably have a negative result.
@@Isometrix116well this is also why alot of ars are overgassed and everyone complains ab 2oclck ejection
My cousin had both an ar pistol and ak pistol. He sold his ar pistol and kept the ak pistol. He really likes bringing the ak pistol on his caribou hunts.
But how do short-stroke piston ARs like Adams Arms or Stag model 8s run? Do they choke up like direct impingement too? I would imagine they might run better in those conditions.
@@MikeForce111 that was my thinking when I bought my wolf a1 upper. Gave it to my dad because he needed a 556 pew so I never got to shoot it in winter yet. Definitely gonna get it back next time I see him to try it out in the cold.
My worthless two cents.
From an objective standpoint, it is true. The AR-15 platform is more well-suited for modern-fighting styles and equipment. It's the reason why all special forces or highly trained militaries are switching over to AR-15-like weapons, including Finland with their SAKO M23.
Your rebuttals, while true, need to analyzed with context. For example: yes, the AK is heavier than an AR, but that shouldn't matter. You can find web gear, tactical furniture and mount optics on AKs, yes. But the ease of doing anything is much smoother on an AR compared to AK. Less weight on gun means you can carry other things. We live in US, so equipment for ARs are plentiful, while for AKs less so. Any moment they can drop the import ban hammer and cease Cugir or FB imports.
But that alone shouldn't be an excuse for performing poorly with an AK over an AR. At the end of the day, even though an AR is objectively better than an AK for most Americans' purposes, they both are still extremely capable tools and I would not feel that underarmed if I had a barebones AK.
Plus 5.56/.223 is cheaper.
Great video!
100% this
Well said
Finland is NOT switching to the M23, there are talks of buying the DMR version for testing in the National Defense Training Association but even that is just ongoing negotiations.
Official statement says the current service rifle will not be replaced in the next few decades.
Actually serving in the defense force makes one realize all these talks of upgrades are just PR and even though we have had the capability to outfit our old rifles with all the bells and whistles you would want 99% of the people get to run the rifle stock because the army is too broke to field even basic attachments like grips or silencers never mind pricier and important stuff like optics for the average Joe.
@@Suomiwimbula You are correct. I have mistaken Finland's acquisition with Sweden's.
However, I do believe my general point still stands.
" Kalashnikov dont give a fuck " I like that
The downsides of the AK are very minor. But AR guys being the prima donnas they are, blow everything out of proportion. If 12 year old starving African kids can figure out the Ergonomics of the Ak, but you still struggle with it, that says more about you than it does the design.
Well put man. Well put.
Very good talk. I started out on bolt action .22s as a little child. Moved to lever actions, ruger ranch and sks. Never had an AR to shoot growing up. Always liked the SKS over the ruger ranch and for my very first rifle I decided I wanted an AK and got a Krebs Customs. Never regret it. That thing is bitchin. Won an AR in a raffle and love it just as much. The only thing that I really took from the AR was that the ammo was much lighter. The holds are slightly different. Changing over to the Ergos and switching back to AK ergos really isnt a factor if you go out and use your shit. It isnt rocket appliances boys.
This isn't directed towards brass facts, i actually liked his video, but in general, my biggest issue with constantly comparing ak's to western firearms or battery of arms, is the fact that it's absolutely not a western firearm; no shit lol. At what point do people stop acting like the gun is the problem, and instead train themselves to use it efficiently. If its a piss poor firearm design, it will go away, ak's are around because they do the job, very well. Train on the platform the way you train on your preferred platform and realize that the gun is far more effective than you; the burden of training rests on your shoulders, i.e. get better, stop nit-picking because you have a bias and want to convince everyone that your preference is better because you say so.
Still happy with my fully modern Zastava (thousands of round with no malfunctions or problems)
And ive had no issues finding parts and awesome furniture.
7.62x39 knocked my buddy dave out when he was shot in the plate carrier...5.56 could never do that.
Also, a heavy rifle on a bipod is amazing for castile doctrine. 6lb AR is easy to carry sure, but heavier guns actually shoot better...how far do civilians carry a rifle for home defense?? 😅
Zastava is Military Grade. PSA are Glam AKs. I am fortunate enough to own them both and I have a few KUSA guns too. Love my AKs even the ones from PSA, But whit that said I just come here for the comments Most make me laugh. But your comment was Spot on. If I'm going to war my Zastavas are going with me. 👍❤️🇺🇲
The only thing that I hate more than the AK sub reddit are AR nerds with cookie cuter set ups repeating the same fallacies. Not a dig at Brass but as an AK guy I just want to be left alone and let people enjoy the platform
Special Operations Equipment makes chest rigs that can run AK and M4 mags. The AK is a viable choice for a main fighting rifle. Whatever your preference, get a quality rifle and training to run it. That's more important than AK vs AR.
Finally, some common sense. Thank you.
Well done Lemon…I have discussed these points in the past and people can’t get over the different vs better argument.
They are both semi automatic rifles that shoot intermediate caliber rounds and take readily available 30 round magazines. The AR is objectively better, but not by that much. You are not fundamentally making any major sacrifices running an AK over an AR. You just aren’t. They are similar enough in implementation for you to pick one for personal preference.
I’m a simple Man as well and will look into the WASR . Thank you.
Look who's a TH-camr now. I'm proud of u
I met BrassFacts and Hop at NRA Show in 2023. Theyre both chill guys and I like them, however theyre both AR guys at the end of the day. Thus, anything that is not an AR is inferior in their eyes, period. The same can be said for damn near every other American gun owner; they make like AKs, but they always deem them to be "inferior" to ARs for ___ reason(s). Personally, the very first rifle that I pieces together literally on my 18th birthday was a BCM 14.5 AR. Fast forward 10 years now, I only own one rifle now and its an AK. Unlike most others, I started with the AR and moved over to the AK, simply because I love the simplicity of the AK. Nothing about the AR is worthwhile enough to go back to using them. For the average guy, an AK is good enough and that is the reason why it is still the most prolific rifle in history.
@user-ij9sh1tf9d Consider why they're AR guys and why most Americans are
Hint: It's because ARs do the same thing but better. Seriously, try mounting a laser and optic to an AK and have it maintain zero. Or, see how much better ARs perform in a competition against AKs when all else is equal.
There is a reason this guy could only come up with terrible arguments like hurr during AK is man's weapon because it's needlessly heavy. This isn't a question where two guns are equal and it's all preference. The AR is obviously superior. This doesn't mean you can't like an AK, just don't pretend they're on the same playing field.
@@Isometrix116I mount a laser and dot to my AK just fine.
"Thus, anything that is not an AR is inferior in their eyes, period."
I dont think you even watch their content.
@@Isometrix116 As Lemon pointed out, for around 1500 bucks all in, you will have a WASR that is just as modernized as a 1500 barebones AR in terms of ergos and mounting capability. It is not hard to maintain zero on an AK, people win comps all the time running AK's in mixed rifle divisions.
I've never been to the NRA show.
Bro also chose not the greatest ak.
paying over 850-1100 dollars for a PSA104 is crazy when Romanian Draco's are available for ~700 with sales dropping it into the 600-650 range. (all numbers before tax, shipping, and transfer, and assuming that someone is after the 12ish inch 'pistol' form factor, like the guy in the first clip seemingly was.)
Who makes good Dracos for that price? I'd like to do a shorty AK and I've seen lots of Dracos, just not sure what's trash and what's gold.
*the* Draco. Made in Cugir, Romania. Imported by Century Arms and M10 Industries.
Yeah but like isn't that crazy when you can buy like a PSA AR-15 for like $450
@@marcuspacheco3815 no because that still means you have to give PSA money lol
That aside, not really. If someone wants an AK, then they should just get an AK. People on the internet spend way too long bickering over minute details between weapons platforms, when in reality it’s not really that important. Paul Harrel has a pretty good take on firearm selection in his teotwaki video.
Though I will note that the Draco does justify its price over a PSA-15 in that the Draco will last considerably longer before needing any form of repair or replacement parts.
Whenever westerners start complaining that AKs aren't ARs I go watch videos of some eastern block dudes like Dima from Center T run their rifles. They don't seem to have any problems putting rounds on target and they never bitch about ergonomics.
Thank you, Sir, much appreciated.
I love in many other videos when LARPERS more than 50 pounds overweight whine about a rifle being 1.5 pounds heavier than an AR...😛
Kindly make a video on Arsenal, zastava, FB/polish AKs. As these are eastern european brands with reputation.
I'm gonna get hate from this; but I had the means to and got a Rifle Dynamics "boutique" AK. It will be passed onto the children and their children and their children.
Also, I feel like a lot of our gear in the West is too specific. For web gear, I got an old Arktis m170 chest rig. That fits whatever mags you decide to cram in there. Each mag pouch will fit 3x 30 round mags.
Where are you finding wasrs for $750? I've looked briefly and found the cheapest I've found are ~$970.
Varusteleka wool field shirt is my absolute favorite thing to wear.
This may be one of my new favorite Lemongrenade videos, besides the AR RPK he made, that thing is sick 👀🔥
With the hand-guard systems like SLR,JMAC, and other brands would you recommend them for anyone that doesn’t want to do the modifications for the occam rail? They also tend have adapter pieces that bolt to the sides for optic mounting.
Well said Lemon
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I commented about him choosing a 💩PSA AK and him and his BF Hop 🌈said that Imported AKs have slanted sights so they were a negative 😂
lol then he’s in for a ride when his gun really falls apart
Hop knows a lot more about Kalashnikovs then you might yhink
They know who their sponsors are.
@@m26_lemon_grenade55 IMO Hop doesn’t know 💩 about AKs
@@nickjenkins1663 exactly all these TH-camrs are worried about is spewing lies and shilling for sponsors, I would not buy a PSA AK for any amount until they build them the way there supposed to be made, i really want PSA to be successful as a American 🇺🇸
Solid video and love your stuff, but where the hell are you finding $750 WASRs. Gib link pls id like another
GunBroker
I got one of those Waser-10’s that’s only accept 20 round steel mags , from 2001 , should I dremmel the mag well or just leave it how it is ? Ur a fucking badass dude have a merry Christmas 🎄
Fun fact. GIGN recently adopted the BREN2 in 7.62x39mm because they could keep the rifle short and have a lot of punch at close ranges.
I know you think PSA AK’s are trash but would you do a build using one of their 7.62x39 CHF chrome lined FN sourced barrels?
Regarding Riley Defense, anybody have firsthand experience with the Riley Defense M77 in .308? Rob Ski's initial presentation with it was quite positive, but he hasn't brought it out again with a follow up video to my knowledge, so I'm wondering how it has held up.
Lmao it’s far from a Riley defense. Tortort, milled, forged bolt and carrier, adjustable gas. Riley wishes they could manufacture a decent rifle like the m77.
@@StraightRazWhor I don't understand your comment. The receiver is Tortort, yes, but they still built the thing with it and the other parts. Do you have one of them?
Got my savotta double mag pouches from varusteletka. And a triple mag placard from beez. Cant be happier!
Beez makes good stuff. I have a slick ass radio pouch from them...
I run AR platforms for the main reason of program compliance with others in my area. But, we live in America, so we should first understand the rights we have and completely embrace them. The fact that we can argue about what we want to actually carry around and run is very much in jeopardy. So, pick your platform whatever it is, know the intricacies, get spare parts and train hard. I’d rather go up against a group of guys with the most high end Gucci gear that don’t train much, than dudes that really train carrying ska’s or even bolt guns. Owning shit doesn’t make you a capable patriot. God bless you, and may God bless these United States.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Everyone knows HK has superior ergonomics.
My man!😎 lol
I was actually wanting to post a comment on how people say the same thing about HKs/PTRs but after buying one i found out that the ergonomics are perfectly fine. I think these are the same people who buy muzzle brakes, buffer springs, locking lugs, and in line stocks cuz "the recoil is too much"
W G36. Og stock is too long for cqb but easy fix. The safety lever is hard to feel which position its in but not an issue with a semiauto trigger pack or using the ar trigger conversion. The k model is so epic after fluting the barrel, removing material from the gasblock, adding an idz stock or chopping down and plastic welding the stock together. Og trigger isnt as fast but doesn't matter if you hit first and hit the head. Og trigger is harder to nd with and harder to ff with. If you really want faster split times then 1, youre wrong and 2, you could buy the ar trigger conversion
The c model (the shortest one) is trash though. The k and e versions are the way. And im talking real hk not tommy built, no offense to tommy.
Need a discussion between Brass and Lemon!!!
No craziness…just our favorite guntubers exchanging thoughts, prospectives, experiences…..
My only gripe being left handed is safety manipulation especially when running between targets where you either leave the safety off which isn’t ideal, or need the ability to flip it fast.
I got a WASR10. Mine came with ugly black plastic furniture that was very cheaply made. I ordered some bulgarian polymer furniture and its a big upgrade but I'd like to get some nice wood for it. Where can I get authentic wood for an AKM?
Arms of America and Atlantic firearms carry new production WBP wood, which is nice compared to most commercial options. Both also sometimes get romanian surplus furniture, which is perfect for WASRs.
@@ecswain7 Okay, thanks. I'll check em out.
I got that one too, couldn't even take it home after 4473 , left it at lgs to get a new old stock East German set on.
Apex Arms, Soviet Stocks , Warsaw wood company and Legion USA have original parts that have already been stained, finished and sealed if you want legitimate original parts rather than new production replacements
@@SatanasExMachina Thank you that is exactly what I want. I don't care about trench art but I do want original wood.
Great reference with the Three Amigos.
I think AK vs AR videos are like 9mm vs 45 guys. I believe each weapon has its specific roll. I grew up with heavy wood guns and love 308 and 300 win mag ARs.
Any thoughts on doing a hunting tier AK family rifle ? M77, 308 vepr etc ?
The thumbnail for this is insane i love it man
I think the real downside is the ammo we get in the USA: it tends to be both inaccurate and magnetic, the latter making it disallowed at most ranges and competitions. I've run a few competitions with AKs and I go from being one of the better shooters at the match to timing out on stages for lack of accuracy from trash commercial ammo.
Ak love us leftys😊
❤😊
Have a good Christmas
You had mentioned about 5.56 grain weights, barrel twist rates and barrel lengths for 5.56. Do you think you could do a separate video on that discussion sometime like which combination of those things work best together ideally to achieve optimal performance? Thank you so much!
Plenty of dudes have been taken by the .22” sized pill from 0-500 yards. Barrel lengths from 10.3”-20”. Sure it’s not optimal but soft targets aren’t going to survive most torso hits.
You can make arguments for any platform out there. Really comes down to what you’ve trained with and knowing its limitations.
I hear your points and they are valid but one major question stands out to me why do all the troops in Ukraine want AR's over the AK they have plenty of a case piles of them and yet they prefer to have an AR why?
Because ARs are just better, there is nothing wrong with AKs but at the end of the day the AR is just a superior design its not even arguable....
Because Nato countries showered them with billions of dollars of military aid to include m4 and ammo
@@m26_lemon_grenade55 so what you're saying is, if they have the option to choose, they would pick the AR platform instead of the AK. Got it
@@tststststhat’s not what he said at all lol
@@OrganikMechanikThe question is; if Ukrainians have the choice between an AR and an AK, why do they want the AR instead of the AK ?
Responding to that question by saying "NATO gave them AR's" does not in any way answer the question.
NATO gave Ukraine AR pattern rifles. We know this. It's irrelevant beyond the fact it gives them a chance to experience AR's alongside their standard rifle, the AK.
So, again, why would Ukrainians want to be issued an AR instead of an AK ?
Thing is, nobody here can answer that. It's a question trying to be a gotcha, but it is not a valid question.
Who says Ukrainians prefer AR's over AK's ? What and where is the documentation of that claim ?
Where are the interviews with these Ukrainians which were polled for their rifle preference so we can learn the reasons for the preference ?
You can probably find anecdotes if you have the time to spend digging through the internet for it. I don't think anybody is going to come away with accurate data though.
I could think of a lot of reasons why an Ukrainian would want an "M4" instead of an AK and plenty of those reasons wouldn't have anything whatsoever to do with the actual differences between the platforms.
TL:DR the question was not answered, but it's irrelevant because it doesn't *_have_* a valid answer.
Tbh havent seen wasrs you can buy outright for 750 in months would love to know where you found them for that price the only wasr id seen you can buy for 750 was on gunbroker and it was a underfolder straight stocked ones were atleast a grand i agree they are the cheapest best option i just havent seen one priced at 750 in a while now
I got lucky and was able to get my WASR for 700 with a vortex red dot on it. Now the original furniture had been replaced with crappy tapco, but it's alright because now I don't feel bad about putting the furniture I want on there and letting the stuff that came on it sit in my parts box.
GunBroker all day.....everyday
@@m26_lemon_grenade55 im on gunbroker daily there are no wasrs priced at 750 you can buy outright for 750 besides one underfolder they are not on there in bulk or even a couple you cant buy a wasr outright for 750 thats a lie man
@@SatanasExMachina heck yeah man thats awesome im sure they pop up but to act like you can find a wasr for that cheap constantly now a days is a lie again im sure they pop up occasionally but id love to see where you can find them consistently for 750$ bucks
@@m26_lemon_grenade55 im on gunbroker daily there are no wasrs you can buy outright besides a underfolder for 750 and havent been for awhile a straight stocked wasr is at minimum from what ive seen 900 to say you can find wasrs no problem for 750 just isnt factual coming from someone whos making videos like you can find them anywhere for 750 i agree id rather spend the money on a wasr over a psa or anything else if im looking for a affordable ak but saying there are multiple rifles you can find for 750$ without a problem is definitely stretching it
In my 20s I ran with Chinese aks..still love my milled Chinese ak..
I took a hour every day just to practice reloads with my AK, and after a few weeks I'm reloading my AK just as fast as my ARs, you just have to practice.
That means your ar reloads are just slow. I’ve yet to see someone perform a sub 2 1r1 on ak but plenty of people I know can do that with ar
you probably know more than me and I don't mean any disrespect, but personally I disagree with the "be a man" argument for having a heavier rifle - someone strong enough to shoot a gun that's heavier than it needs to be can shoot even better with a gun that ISN'T heavier than it needs to be (and he can carry more ammo or other gear)
Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't Rifle Dynamics sell good quality romanian core parts?
Heck yeah man I’m glad you’re around still. Absolute no frills no bullshit content
Just buy an Arsenal from Kvar. They have a 4 months layaway plan. Cry once baby.
Been in the AK game since 2009. The one and only downside to AK ownership and usability is the fact that it takes a professional to build an AK. Regular guys (me included) can’t take the AK to the kitchen table or the garage and fix it. You can learn the knowledge and acquire the tools to fix them, but it is still much harder to do than assembling an AR.
A properly build Kalashnikovs does need part changes or tear downs unless the barrel is burnt out
@ I don’t disagree with that statement. But, Murphys law, when it does break, it’s gonna require someone that really knows what they’re doing to fix it.
I will say that AKs may be harder to properly repair, but are pretty unbeatable for field improvised repairs. I've seen a guy on here who replaced his recoil spring with the spring from a port-a-john door or rubber bands, and used a coke bottle or garden hose as a gas tube. Hell, if you break your stock you can improvise a new one with some whittling skills. The trigger and hammer pin retainer can be replaced with a bent up paper clip. In one of IV8888s old AK burn downs it got shot to the point the barrel was drooping, but was remedied by smacking it against a tree till straight enough, lol. Fuck the buffer tube on your AR by falling on a rock the wrong way, and you're up shit creek without a proper replacement...
@@NotTheRealRustyShackleford So true.
I disagree OP. First of all, you dont need to ever have repair work done on an ak, just grab another one, and not only do you never need custom ak builds, just make sure its a good manufacturer and inspect it before buying, but ar15s arent as easy to build as you imply. First problem is the gasblock/fsb combo is almost impossible to install perfectly straight every time, for one reason or another (sometimes the gas port hole isnt perfectly centered on the top of the barrel is one, jigs can lie as examples) but good luck finding a bolt and 556 barrel combination that headspaces how it should (within spec but on the tighter end). The amount of garbage ar15s out there, custom built or manufactured, is getting ridiculous.
How are the civilian saga 762x39 ak?
Nice video man.
I'll also add that for the most part, AR's are just soulless. Unless it's a retro gun, they all look exactly the same. They have no badass vibe. Running an AR is akin to driving an automatic transmission Prius. Running an AK is like driving the piss out of an old big block 4×4 square body with a manual transmission
Aesthetics isn't a valid argument against the AR
I agree with you on modern ARs on being "soulless," but your subjective take on them not being badass is totally wrong in my view. Sopmod and Delta setups on M4s/ARs is a modern day classic in badass setups imo. Good analogy on AR = modern Toyota but AKs are like classic cars though. AKs do have more personality in spades.
I just recently got rid of my last 7.62x39 gun. Everything is 5.56 and 5.45 now
Got any good deals on 5,45 lately?
@ yeah just have to look around on gun trader and places like that . Spam can usually 500$
I'm a big fan lemon and have watched lots of your videos but I have never heard you talk about the Galil ace. I'm interested in your opinion of the ace. I have a gen 2 7.62x39 and love it. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about them reliability or durability wise. People often complain about how heavy they are, since they are pretty chonky even for AKs. Aftermarket support is also kinda ass for them. I have never seen a spare barrel for sale but they are chrome lined and cold hammer forged, so I expected the barrels have a ridiculous long life.
I’ve never understood guys who get twisted over a pound of extra weight. If that’s where you’re at then you probably shouldn’t plan on playing in the street.
Its not different its worse, just because you can run something doesn’t mean there isn’t any difference in value between two things. Compare an m1a with an fal. One is substantially better than the other
Great video I have a dog in each fight AR vs AK. I have a bunch of AR-15 a bakers dozen +. Now that being said I have double that in AK-47 from 9 different countries old school imports and modern guns.
Merry christmas to u and your family man 🎅🎄
The same people that say "mUh 45 iZ bEtTeR tHaN 9mM" are the same people who say 556 is better than 762. Bigger round = bigger hole
where's Hop to yap about why no one needs qd mounts
Front heavy is a thing, I can relate to what Brass is saying, I am not a weak person per se, but I notice a difference even when the RC2 is on my MK18. I guess an analogy that comes to mind is with the RC2 suppressor off it feels like a fencing small sword, with the suppressor on it is more of an axe or mace. Still effective but slower and more fatiguing. I just have a light on my AK I think that is as front heavy as I would like it to be. "Hyet, rifle is fine". I got a PSA AKP specifically to be able to run more devices, but I discovered that is putting lipstick on a pig with aids. I think a good krink-ish carbine in 762 that would keep the weight closer would be magic. Lemon will hopefully "fulfill his destiny" and manufacture them when he finally gives up on all the domestic builders. I advise caution regarding the three Amigos.
AKope
There are several outstanding AK US manufacturers. One is in Arizona and he is known to make high end AK’s(I forget his name). And then, doesn’t Brandon Herrera make AK’s out of Texas? Of course, they will be a bit more expensive, but worth it.
If you got the money to spend go with the Arsenal Sam 5 or a Sam 7 that's the best bang for the buck these days. Buy once cry once 😅
The debate over "modern militaries" adopting AR patterns is an odd one.. Buying a PSA and Bca or whatever other cheap ar is not really comparable to the piston driven ones most of these militaries are actually adopting, and the debate on weight has always been hilarious
Good videos keep em coming lemon grenade. Thank you .
You know you could also just buy one of the new NOX AK KeyMo mounts made by SOLGW. They're purpose designed to go on your 14x1LH AK's . The internal bushing adjusts to fit flush with the crown of your muzzle to prevent any kind of concentricity bs you might otherwise encounter from the barrel threads.
I don't know how viable they are in practice, but they do exist and are quite a bit easier than taking your gun to some gunsmiff who might bork it up.
I do think the gear argument was a bit off. Hell even estac makes a nice 3 cell placard i like to run for ak mags. I just wish aks hadnt jumped up in price so much and 762x39 wasnt so damn expensive/unobtanium in comparison
The one thing that blows my mind is when the AR guys claim ak and even hk416 and every other non DI gun (you know, the ones that are actually reliable) are somehow super front heavy...and then proceed to set so many BS "upgrades" on their m4, the gun feels like a hog... but yeah that gas piston is somehow making it "heavy" go tell that to the Marines with HK416s
Love your channel dude. AK is only my brotha.
XD the three amigos, I love it
The real question is to buy a wasr 10 or wasr 10/63
I think people overlook the magpul handguards instead of embracing them, between the heat protection it offer better ergos and mlok slots. The AK ergos are fine and they are fun to run and if ammo was the same price I would be running mostly AK.
What do you make of the diagnosis of rust on the fcg causing the AK to stop working? Not to give him shit, but feel like he misdiagnosed that one. Of course whatever it was, the rifle still went down when it shouldn’t have.
It's a PSA. Could be anything because of that fact alone.
@@SatanasExMachina Maybe, I just don’t understand how rust on the fcg would cause the thing to go down even in a PSA. If it really was that, I’d be very interested to see more details on that.
I like the AR, but i prefer being able to rock and lock a mag in and KNOWING it's seated. To me that's the most important reason why i lean towards the ak more than the ar. Well i run a sako rk95, which i think feels and shoots better than ARs anyway. Shots thousands of rounds through ak and ar platforms. But that lack of confidence with loading a new mag into the AR has lost me a lot of valuable time in competitions. Fully loaded mags falling out the AR into a puddle of mud WHILE you're aiming at your target squeezing the trigger is really not ideal.
Children in foreign countries run AK's......sooooo? Aren't Esstac's 7.62 rigs for AK's?
He out here dropping work like Kendrick 😂 lol like this I got another one coming.
I love my AR’s but for all around ergonomics and shootabilty, my AK is far superior. Surprisingly, the iron sights on it are all that’s needed; I’m faster and more accurate in short distance engagements than with the AR platform.
sheesh this comments section is wild. just a bunch of brass facts haters. like it or not but they are the only ones who actually shoot more and practice more than anyone else in this comments section. Testing and evaluating gear is never a bad thing and they do it well.
and this video doesnt seem like drama, m26 and the nova group have no beef that i can see, i know that they respect eachother but also disagree.
ak's are great, i have the tools to make sure its a well running platform and how i like it.
ar's are great because i can get off the shelf parts and theres a good chance it will run just fine.
it is important to consider how popular the ak is in the rest of the world. and those ar15 and glock only people are always trying to convince you that their platform is the only one everyone should buy. at least ak guys are just happy to shoot.
AKs are light compared to most of my ar builds. I hear people say their heavy, but just between ar/ak it’s way more about the accessories than the base gun.
“Designed by alcoholics to be used by illiterates”🤣. I hope you don’t mind me stealing that one.
the point is its not worth it to spend time learning about all the different AK variants when they are already so invested in teh AR( like 99% of the uS)
Because they have not been used by modernized Western forces, AKs are just getting to the point in their development cycle that AR's reached 15 years ago, when they became adapted for use by modernized Western forces.
Every argument AR guys use against the AK applies to the M16A2 or whatever pre-GWOT AR people currently regard as "classic".
No it doesn't... theres a reason israel had to change just about everything and still dont use it.
@jonnybgoode7742 NATO standardization is not a referendum on weapons system quality. As evidence I point to every single war the alliance has ever participated in. And before you say something, yes, Israel standardizes with NATO. Their an imperial satellite state. They have yo
@MassJass what? Dude are you slow?...
If you care about it, AKs are not well suited for shooting suppressed or night fighting applications. That said, there are situations and environments in which I could see myself preferring an AK over an AR, it just wouldn't be that often.
Not to be glib, but you say 7.62 don't give a fuck. While surviving a 7.62 to the head.
I like your vids man. Good job! 👍
I would be more inclined to run .300blk from a 16" or 6.5 Grendel from a 20" AR and train with 9mm, 5.56/.223 or .22LR from an AR. That's another wonderful trait of the AR, I can do caliber changes in minutes or assemble a bunch of them on very quickly produced inexpensively produced 3D2A lowers along with a bunch of Glocks and stash them in many places...with a nice size cache of ammo and a basic loadout if I have to drop everything and play an NPC. Even an Ivan plasticoff is not the easiest thing to make and it wont be easy to feed. If the US Army goes through with it and sends military logistics back to 1957 with the 6.8x51 battle rifle...I could always print one of those and a have a .308 upper for scrounging, because if the insane expense for larger caliber ammo in the current year, I almost feel it has been done as a flex on the tax payer or an insult to the soldier that they are spending more on ammo for him to shoot that they pay him. Either way, I might own a Kalashnikov but, I would be as likely to fight with it as I would a Tokorev or C96 broom handle. When I got out of the Army back in 2006, I was spouting the same things you do, however, caliber conversion wasn't a thing back then, 3D2A wasn't a thing back then. I'm 41 now too, so I know that every lb is going to count, being the guy who is light, agile and quick will go a long way. When you have tons of gear and armor you are going to be more limited on the amount of time you are quick and your patrol range. If you can sacrifice a lb or two anywhere you probably should or you can replace it with other things you are going to need while you are out avoiding direct conflict. Have no question about it, my family has been in America since 1629, those of us who won the Revolution will be the insurgents, we will be the targets and slandered as terrorists for not accepting the destruction of our nation.