AR-15 or AK-47?

[jpwilly]

You need an SKS! Start there!

 

[MartinBrody]

You can't go wrong with either and will probably at some time end up with both. For right now maybe the AR, in the short term you can bolt lots of crap on it which may hold you off for a few months until you buy the AK too. Or maybe get a real nice high end AK in 5.56, it will still be cheaper than an AR and AKs in 5.56 are SWEET!

 

[W.E.G.]

Cripes, you look like a friendly bunch. Remind me not to run into you guys in a dark alley!

Come out and play!

http://www.commonwealthprotection.org/training.php

 

[lee n. field]

I turn 18 in a few months

Start saving your money, and get the AR. You should be able to get into one in the $6-$700 range. Abundant threads on that, you might want to look at this one: Cheapest possible AR build.

That said, I've shot both, and own an AK. It was purely a budgetary consideration -- cash is way too tight right now to swing an AR, and I don't foresee that getting better anytime soon.

AK-47

Pros- parts available everywhere, reliability, fire power, price (min I found was $350 NEW)

Cons- heavier than AR-15, accuracy? (no scope, iron sights), more recoil

Not that heavy. A good one can be accurate (but will likely cost in the same range as an AR).

Not too difficult to scope, if you've got the integral side mount bracket. Recoil? I honestly don't mind it.

You didn't mention ergonomics. The AR and AK are, respectively, on the extreme good and extreme bad ends of the scale. Some, but not all, of the ergonomic infelicities of the AK can be dealt with (but then you run into the "let's stay legal" parts count dance ).

 

[Andrewsky]

I was in a similar situation a few months ago.

When I turned 18 I ended up getting an M1A SOCOM. It's a pretty awesome gun and I am glad I bought it. However, I quickly realized that I can't afford to shoot it much, so I went out and bought a Ruger 10/22 for $180 at Wal Mart. It is literally 30 times cheaper to shoot than my M1A.

Make sure you have enough money for cleaning supplies, magazines, ammunition, etc. If you're absolutely limited to spending $800, don't buy a $500 gun. $300 isn't going to leave you with enough money for accessories.

 

[rocinante]

not even going to read all responses because this truly is as old as a ford versus chevy argument. HOWEVER since you asked one nugget is about ergonomics. Most the complaining about AK being unfriendly is by right handed folks which granted is most the population. I am a lefty and in some ways it works for me.

 

[Crunker1337]

I suggest you get a high-end civie AK. Cheaper, more reliable, and is accurate enough for most purposes. Yes, there's more recoil, but it's also significantly more powerful. Or you could go the 5.56mm route and trade less firepower for more control.