Would you rely on an AK as your primary defensive rifle?

The AK is a fantastic rifle. I prefer an AR for several reasons and like the 5.56 over the 7.62x39 mostly for weight, recoil, and trajectory reasons. Obviuosly a 5.45 or 5.56 AK changes that a little bit. I would feel 100 percent confident with an AK as my primary rifle.

I agree, the AK's are great rifles. I have both, like both, and wouldnt have a problem with either.

I would, once I get the configuration settled. The AR is lighter and due to its ergonomics, easier to run fast but I'd have no problem employing the AK in that role. I would just commit to spending more time with it, as it's currently on hind teat to the AR's.

If it was what I had, it would work fine. I built this Mak-90 about 15 years ago and used it as a go to truck rifle for a few years. Its a fun build and its pretty handy but since then better options have come along and there are a few things I don't like compared to AR's that I have.



Fully loaded 30rd steel magazines are heavy.
No muzzle device and no way to attach one.
I have found that "scout" mounted optics aren't my thing.
Not much rail space on the handguard, and none on the receiver/dust cover.
7.62x39 factory ammo costs are on par with 5.56 now, while reloading costs for 7.62 are far higher than 5.56.
Limited bullet selection compared to 5.56.
In the event of supply chain disruption, I believe 7.62x39 will be harder to obtain than 5.56 simply due to the amount of domestic production.
I wanted a fixed stock at the time, now enough good folding stock options have come about that I'd far prefer a good folder.

I know that a lot of that has been mitigated since I built mine. I would relocate the Aimpoint and add a magnifier. Unfortunately due to state laws I cannot buy any parts specific to "assault" rifles, so all my evil black rifles are legally locked in the configuration I had the parts for when the law passed and in my haste to get my AR's where I wanted them before the law passed I overlooked my one AK.

I own and like both but, I chose the AR due to ammo choices.
I live in a town house and I worry about over penetration.

I own both I prefer the AR.

I had one because I prefer the 7.62x39 over the 5.56, but didn't care for the didn't care for the AK magazines and the way they interfere with prone shooting. So I sold it and bought a 7.62x39 upper for one of my AR's.

35W

Have shot the AK and AR extensively. Overall quality of the AR's seem better but they tend to need more attention in cleaning and maintenance. Ak's are simpler, perhaps more reliable, but not as accurate.

Currently use a PCC..

C-grunt said:

The AK is a fantastic rifle. I prefer an AR for several reasons and like the 5.56 over the 7.62x39 mostly for weight, recoil, and trajectory reasons. Obviuosly a 5.45 or 5.56 AK changes that a little bit. I would feel 100 percent confident with an AK as my primary rifle.

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Well said. This is my opinion as well.

My thoughts are similar to @C-grunt.

It’s hard to refute dispersion on targets at 200 yards+ between 5.56 and x39.

But there’s something about shooting the x39 that gives me the warm and fuzzies.

I would not feel one bit under gunned with a solid modernized AK as a primary weapon.

My concerns would be suitable SD cartridges as they are much more slim in choices than 5.56.

My go to is a Vz.58 in 7.62x39

I have owned several Ak and AR types. My primary use was hunting with low recoil for kids and myself when injured. When AR's became legal for deer I started switching over for the increased accuracy, lethality and range. Also, the platform is lighter and less front heavy. AK's were still attractive when they and ammo were very cheap. Great plinkers but lack range for serious use.
Also I don't get the love or hate of tools like rifles. I do feel attachment for some and some nostalgia but rabid preference or hate is weird to me.

d2wing said:

I have owned several Ak and AR types. My primary use was hunting with low recoil for kids and myself when injured. When AR's became legal for deer I started switching over for the increased accuracy, lethality and range. Also, the platform is lighter and less front heavy. AK's were still attractive when they and ammo were very cheap. Great plinkers but lack range for serious use.
Also I don't get the love or hate of tools like rifles. I do feel attachment for some and some nostalgia but rabid preference or hate is weird to me.

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Agreed. I don't get why so much in the gun world devolves into a frothy "Ford vs Chevy" scenario. The need to choose one and hate the other.

I own both, prefer the AR.​

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Stuff you know if you have an AK47

It works though you have never cleaned it. Ever.
You are able to hit the broad side of a barn from inside.
Cheap mags are fun to buy.
Your safety can be heard 300m away.
Your rifle comes with a cheap nylon sling.
Your bayonet makes a good wire cutter.
You can put a .30″ hole through 12″ of oak, if you can hit it.
When out of ammo, your rifle will nominally pass as a club.
Recoil is manageable, even fun.
Your sight adjustment goes to ’10’, and you’ve never bothered moving it.
Your rifle can be used by any two bit nation’s most illiterate conscripts to fight elite forces worldwide.
Your rifle won some revolutions.
You paid $350.
You buy cheap ammo by the case.
You can intimidate your foe with the bayonet mounted.
Service life, 50 years.
Its easier to buy a new rifle when you want to change cartridge sizes.
You can repair your rifle with a big hammer and a swift kick.
You consider it a badge of honor when you get your handguards to burst into flames.
After a long day at the range you relax by watching “Red Dawn.”
After cleaning your rifle you have a strong urge for a stiff shot of Vodka.
You can accessorize your rifle with a new muzzle brake or a nice stock set.
Your rifle’s finish is varnish and paint.
Your wife tolerates your autographed, framed picture of Mikhail Kalashnikov.
Late at night you sometimes have to fight the urge to hold your rifle over your head and shout “Wolverines!”


Stuff you know if you have an AR15

You have $9 per ounce special non-detergent synthetic teflon infused oil for cleaning.
You are able to hit the broad side of a barn from 600m.
Cheap mags melt.
You can silently flip off the safety with your finger on the trigger.
Your rifle has a 9 point stealth tactical suspension system.
Your bayonet is actually a pretty good steak knife.
You can put one hole in a paper target at 100m with 30 rounds.
When out of ammo, your rifle makes a great whiffle bat.
What’s recoil?
Your sight adjustment is incremented in fractions of minute of angle.
Your rifle is used by elite forces worldwide to fight two bit nations most illiterate conscripts.
Your rifle won the cold war.
You paid $900.
You lovingly reload precision crafted rounds one by one.
Your foes laugh when you mount your bayonet.
Service life, 40 years.
You can change cartridge sizes with the push of a couple of pins and a new upper.
You can repair your rifle by taking it to a certified gunsmith, it’s under warranty!
You consider it a badge of honor when you shoot a sub-MOA 5 shot group.
After a long day at the range you relax by watching “Blackhawk Down.”
After cleaning your rifle you have a strong urge for hotdogs and Apple Pie.
Your rifle’s accessories are eight times more valuable than your rifle.
Your rifle’s finish is Teflon and high tech polymers.
Your wife tolerates your autographed, framed picture of Eugene Stoner.
Late at night you sometimes have to fight the urge to clear your house, slicing the pie from room to room.

At current prices I would not buy an AK, but if I had one already, yes I would trust it without reservation.

I wouldn't. I just don't shoot AKs well at all.

IMO, your self-defense weapon should be whatever automatic you have that you are confident shooting while you are at your worst. If it feeds reliably, and you are comfortable with it, it is a good SD weapon. That's not an AK for me.

I found the short sight radius to be quite a detriment. I installed a Tech Sight on mine which helped immensely, dropping groups to the 6" range at 200 yds., but still didn't care for the platform.

35W

I voted for the AR. I have never had any interest in an AK or an SKS even when they and the ammo for them was dirt cheap. My interest in the AR is marginal and I only bought one because I thought it would be better for coyote hunting than the the Contender I was using. Self defense is an entirely different situation but my answer is still AR.

I own both and enjoy both. I would be happy to use either in a pinch, but I am more familiar with the AR.

I'm not sure if it is more fun to hold my AK above my head and scream, "Wolverines!" or hold my AR at hip level and scream, "Say hello to my little friend!"

Zero interest in the AK for me; mainly on principle - I find it hard to be affectionate about the main platform my enemies used against me. I've shot them a bit, even on full auto. Meh.

AR = America's Rifle.

For 250 yards and in, AK RIFLE IS FINE.

But they suck for shooting groups for accuracy, at distances much beyond 250 yards, or if you want to do any kind of upgrade to them.

no, but I've never shot one either, so - I'd pick it last of things I've spent time with, but hey - in a pinch I can be a quick learner.