[Wizard]

Like the subject says....I need a rifle, strictly defense. I know there is a huge difference in price between the two. The AR is .223....I can get that ammo. Is the ammo for the AK readily available? The only rifle I've ever had (other than .22lr), was a Rem 742 in .243.....

 

[Bountyhunter]

7.62 x 39mm is way cheaper than 223. If you load your own I guess it doesn't matter. If you buy off the shelf then it does. I think either gun would be fine for what you're looking for. A SHTF type gun, correct? Something that would be handy incase of a great emergency. With the AR 15 you have more options to choose from I think. You can basically order every part to your specs and put it together. Gunman will be along I'm sure. He has built a couple nice ones.

 

[gunman42782]

I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either. The AK is a proven battle design, as is the AR15/M16. The AR has much, much better ergonomics, and is much more accurate. The safety on the AK sucks, as does the mag release, and the sights, compared to a AR, but these are things you can get used to. The AK is about as rugged a gun that has ever been built. As Bountyhunter says, 7.62 x 39 is actually cheaper now than .223 (which makes no sense at all!) Some folks have trouble with Wolff ammo in the AR (I never have), while the AK will eat it up and spit it out with no problems. The AK is a lot cheaper than the AR. Basically, we can't tell you which one to buy. You gotta weigh the pros and cons of both, decide how much you want to spend, and go from there.

 

[SgtKnuckles]

If you get a AR you better get to Know the DRILL... OR your DEAD...!!!...<:-((
fix m16 jam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr-QMqjAhpU&feature=related

 

[Wizard]

Thanks, guys. This is a sector of firearms that I really don't know. Guess I gotta find someone in our club that has one or both, and see for myself. I want to add a Rem 870 12g to my safe, and I really feel the need for some sort of rifle. I quit hunting years ago, so BH is right....this will strictly be for SHTF situations.....

 

[SgtKnuckles]

So Wizard,... you didn't say how much you were thinking of Spending...???

Black Widow AK47 Custom TAC-1 -- Black Widow AK47: Tactical Forearm+Foregrip+Stock!
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8553702

 

[deputy125]

or the poor boy alternative-----sks............

The good ole' sks will be cheaper and make a fine SHTF weapon. Just get stripper clips for a faster reload and don't worry about high dollar magazines or all the other tacticool stuff. The money saved going this route will enable you to get that 870 along with a good supply of ammo.

Each weapon system (AK, SKS, or the AR/M16)has its strong points and its champions. Each weapon system has been killin' their perspective enemy for a lot of years.

I would also look at it a different way. A SHTF gun is a good thing to have, but you might as well get in some practice, enjoyment, an usage out of the gun before it hits the fan. So looking at the AR series besides SHTF you get:
a varmint rifle/competition rifle for shooting tight groups at distance(varies)
something to customize to your exact tastes

AK or SKS series besides SHTF you get:
a superior caliber legal for deer/hog hunting (7.62x39)
cheaper shooting so more practice

My daughter has already gone the SKS route. She specifically went this route as the AK's, mini 14's, and AR's were too high. She got herself a little military canvas bag and filled it full of loaded stripper clips. And is still facinated by the "xtras" such as the cleaning rod and kit that come with it. And for a SHTF rifle, those little xtras start to have merit. More affordable ammo a big bonus as is evident by the trips to the range.

I've created a monster......................

I have also been looking into another alternative---the .357 lever action rifle. Rather weak compared to the true rifle rounds, but for my current/forseeable needs, still a viable alternative. I'm in a position where "head to the hills" is not an option. For better or worse, i will be staying "urban", (if you can call my town that). And dual handgun/carbine ammo usage a plus. But thats for another discussion...........

 

[Wizard]

Thanks for the help, guys. For now, the AR is out....$1500 is just too much. The AK's around here, are going for about $450 $550, depending on what you get. Will have to think about this....

 

[gunman42782]

You can build an AR for 500 to 600 bucks. You can buy a lower from $99 to $120 and a rifle kit for about $500. I bought a DVD that shows how to put one together, and it took me a grand total of 30 minutes to do.

 

[SgtKnuckles]

Educational Zone #10 - AK Vs. AR - Some Observations
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu10.htm

 

[Wizard]

Thanks for the link Sgt.

 

[Wizard]

I'll have to check that out, Gunman....thanks.....

 

[sheepdog]

I've decided to go 30-30....probably a Marlin SS.....common ammo-hits a bit better than the AK....if it gets bad enough that I need an AK, I'm sure I can find an opponent who'll "volunteer" me his.....till then, I'll be fine with the levergun....may even get a used one or two....$250 ea....and lay in some ammo......

 

[deputy125]

30-30 is sure a good round. And still works today despite what some gunwriters may think.......

 

[sheepdog]

I'd hate to get smacked with one....the rate of fire is the only downside...I'd like to find it in a pump...for one-handed op.....I think Savage had one...don't think Rem. or Winch. ever did....I've located one like I want-just have to catch Drummer at the dentist or the proctologist....betcha I can nose that safe dial open!!!!

 

[41 Magnum]

My Son has an AR, & My Son-in-law & I both have AK's. Simplicity at it's best, & at a very reasonable price. I wouldn't trade My AK, for My Son's AR, even knowing what He paid for the AR. I like big Heavy bullets !

 

[deputy125]

courious---what flavor ak's you got? romaian, egypt, ect????

 

[Taurus_9mm]

My Saiga 223 is a sporterized AK and I really like this rifle a lot. I put a couple of magazines though it yesterday and it was completely flawless. I had a mixture of wolf steel case 55 gr and PMC brass cased 55 gr fodder. For an up-close-and-personal SHTF rifle it more than fits the bill. Magazines are the only downside and can be a bit pricey, between $35 - $40 apiece for the 30 rounders.

I'm intending on getting either another Saiga in 7.62x39 or a Yugo AK. The underfolders seem fairly plentiful and they can be had from between $500 - $600 in a lot of places. Magazines are also fairly reasonable, around $15 - $20 from what I've seen. The Saiga rifles themselves are cheaper, usually can be had under $400 now, though I picked up my 223 at the time for $275.00

 

[sheepdog]

...I reckon the AK versions, if you have a good one, would beat the Mini-30 for reliability in adverse(behind the seat) conditions...how about accuracy????

 

[Guest]

if your going to buy a AK type rifle buy one with some ass
7.62X54R !!!

ammo

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx? ... groupid=40

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx? ... groupid=11

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinAmmo001.htm