Before we start this comparison, I’d like to point out a couple of things. First off for the sake of comparison we’ll be sticking to specific calibers, the 5.56×45 or .223 for the AR and the 7.62×39 caliber for the AK. We’ll stick to these since they are the most popular and most common and they are the calibers the rifles were designed to fire. Also for the sake of comparison we’ll be assuming that the AR platform is a direct impingement system as it is again the most popular and most common and what the rifle was designed to operate with.

So let’s jump right in …….

Appearance

- This is a draw as this is a personal preferance issue although in my opinion I believe the AR is a better looking rifle. DRAW

Accessories

- The AR wins in this catagory. While the AK platform has many accessories on the market available for it, the AR has far more and its modular design lends itself to adding accessories much more than the AK design. EDGE AR15

Controls/Features

- These two rifles are very different in this catagory and for many that makes it a clear choice for a winner but honestly to me this is a draw. The reason is that some will look at the AR platform and say that because it has more controls and features built into the design, thus creating more ways to manipulate the weapon, that this makes it the better rifle. However others will argue that the simplicity in design of the AK platform lends itself to being the easier rifle to operate and manipulate. In my opinion both points of view are correct and it really boils down to knowning your rifle and training with whatever rifle you choose. DRAW

Action

- By action I mean comparing the AR’s Direct Impingement gas system to the AK’s Piston gas system. In this catagory I have to call it a draw. Even though some will say that the AK piston gas system has been around longer and the AR gas system got off to a rocky start, by modern standards both gas systems have a good reputation and function very well for their given platforms. DRAW

Accuracy

- This one has to go to the AR15 as it has been consistantly more accurate through different types and rates of fire, than the AK47. Now part of this has to do with the overall design of the rifle and part of it is the caliber it shoots. EDGE AR15

Range

- Again this one has to go to the AR15 platform. The reasons for this are simply that the 5.56×45 has and effective range of about 600 meters compared to the 7.62×39′s effective range of about 500 meters. Add to that the fact that the 5.56 round has far less bullet drop out past 300 yards than the 7.62 does and you understand why the AR wins in this catagory. EDGE AR15

Durability

- This one should be a no brainer, even AR fans should know that the durability of the AK in any number of conditions and circumstances is better than that of the AR. Simplicity of design, fewer moving parts and tougher building materials all add up to the AK winning this one. EDGE AK47

Reliability

- This one may be a little harder for the AR folks to swallow but just like with durability, the AK wins this one. The reliability of the AK has been proven time and again for a couple of decades longer than the AR has been around. In addition to that, the simplistic design and piston system lends itself to less potential problems than the AR platforms due to issues like a gas system that without cleaning has the potential to foul up the action and cause failures. EDGE AK47

Supported vs Unsupported

- This category is a litte more complicated and honestly something that alot of AR and AK lovers don’t always think about. The basics of it are that the AR15 platform has never served in an unsupported capacity, and by that I mean that the AR platform has always served with a standing military, repair technicians, spare parts and an armory standing behind it. The AK on the other hand has served for decades in an unsupported capacity in many conflicts from Asia to the Middle East and Africa to South America and has continued to prove itself even in the toughest conditions without support from any of the earlier mentioned support the AR has benefitted from. Now this doesn’t mean that the AR couldn’t hold its own in an unsupported capacity, simply that as of yet it hasn’t served successfully in one. EDGE AK47

So there you have it, nine categories. Three categories are a draw, three going to the AR platform and three going to the AK platform. So what does this prove, well it proves that there’s a reason why these two rifles are the most popular on the planet. You’d be well served with either of these rifles, in fact why not have one of each!

We take a look at two Yugo M-70 AB2 model AK47 (7.62×39)
One is pretty much standard issue, one has modern handguards, a brake and some modifications to make it easier to shoot

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Shooting a Mini-Draco @ Night
the flame ball is bright and a lot of fun

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“There is no teaching to compare with example.” – Robert Powell

TheHossUSMC shoots the Yugo AK47 in total darkness

Filmed with HD camera, with Night Vision, and with Thermal

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Hoss came up with a good way to solve a problem with the forward shooting grip (Rifle Isosceles) grip and a forward (2 point) sling position on an AK47.

Using the QD socket as a way to grip the AK without needing to wrap the thumb over the top handguard which blocks the sights

Clever..

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MAK-91 is a semi-automatic variant of the AK47 (7.62x39mm) made in china and imported to the USA during the AWB (Assault Weapons Ban)

NHM91 has a 20″ heavy barrel

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Kicking the Tires on this NoDak AK74 a friend wanted to buy. He asked us to check it out and shoot it before he bought it.

Looks well made and ready to modify. We will try to re-visit this one in a few months once the modifications have been made.

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We talked to the guys from FB (Fabryka Broni Łucznik) the official Polish AK Factory who made the Tantal (kbk wz. 88 – that we see in parts kit form here in the US) as well as the current Polish military rifle the Beryl. A select fire (burst & full auto) AK variant that shoots the 5.56×45 NATO round

The Beryl (kbs wz. 96) is one of the most unique and well made variants of the AK47 and have never been imported commercially into the USA

This is FB’s second time at SHOT show and it sounds like we might see some real Polish Beryls imported soon

And even better news, the Mini Beryl (kbk wz. 96 – Polish version of the Krink) will be imported as a pistol with the trunions in place to SBR

Great news for true AK aficionados

While there was some obvious communication issues during our talk, it does sound as though we could see some Polish Beryl parts imported as well

We also had the chance to see a full auto (select fire) Beryl that unfortunately isn’t available for import. However there will be some airsoft replicas that will offer AK fans a version of this impressive AK variant

Polish FB Website
Radom Weapons Factory Bowman
http://en.fabrykabroni.pl

Stay tuned to our channel and TheHossUSMC for many more videos in the days and weeks to come from the SHOT Show 2012 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada

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What can be confusing is what is the difference between a rifle, a short barreled rifle (SBR), or any other weapon (AOW). A rifle is a firearm that came from the manufacturer with a butt stock and at least a 16in barrel. An SBR is the same, but has a barrel under 16in and is controlled by the BATFE which requires a tax stamp. An AOW is also controlled by the BATFE and requires a tax stamp and is a catch all category to include things like a pistol that uses a forward grip, pen guns, cane guns, etc.

We will be focusing on the pistol to rifle conversion today and I will be using a Draco AK-47 pistol as an example because I am currently working on this as a project. Converting a Draco pistol to an SBR is as easy as apply for a tax stamp and then slapping a butt stock on the end once it is approved. From there you can change it up pretty much however you want.

When turning a pistol into a rifle you have many more options to attain the 16in barrel. The easiest thing to do is get a muzzle device that is the length needed to measure 16 inches from the bolt face to the end of the device when mounted. This can be accomplished by several different means. Short barrel extensions can be purchased to lengthen the barrel for your muzzle device desired, or even extended muzzle devices can sometimes be purchased. You can also purchase a fake, or real, sound suppressor and use that. The key to useing any of these devices is that it is “permanently attached” This is where it becomes a little bit of a gray area. Most people get away with a tack weld, and some weld the whole device on. In my, non- legal opinion, I would use the tack weld.

When dealing with NFA type things it is good to ask around with credible people about info to help you out as being caught with an illegal firearm can be rough on your pocket book and can land you in prison for a long time. Don’t be afraid of it though. Just be sure to know the laws!