$ to purchase 1 rifle: AR15 vs AK47 vs SKS

[Rapidfire_85]

Not really knowing how gun laws will turn in the future, I'm looking to pick up one of the 3 listed in the title while I can. I want a fun/plinker/range gun/shtf/something to round out my collection some more.

Choices are:

CMMG inc bargain bin 16" flat-top AR-15 ($570 + $15 shipping + $20 FFL fee + Optic or cheap ($35) carry handle =$640 + .223 ammo prices

Classic Arms 'excellent grade' SKS $199 + shipping + $20 FFL = ~$250 + cheaper 7.62 ammo prices

Classic Arms AK/Underfolder YUGO M70 B2 RIFLE $429 + shipping + $20 FFL = ~$480 + cheaper 7.62 ammo prices

The AR15 is the most expensive choice...not fully sold on it yet but hey, I haven't shot one yet. Seems to be more of a precision machine....and I'm not sure if thats what I want.

SKS is the cheapest of the bunch and is on this list because it still packs a punch and seems to be very reliable. Big reason its on here is because the $ would allow for about 2,000 rounds of Wolf over the AR15 without ammunition.

AK is the middle of the ground choice. Cool factor of the 'evil' underfolder and 30rd capacity. Runs well on cheap wolf ammo.

 

[Lonestar.45]

I started off with a Yugo SKS, then picked up a WASR AK, and then an AR. I like all of them for different reasons. If I could only have one.....that would be tough. I'd probably keep the AR just because of there are so many ways you can configure it. Get a flat top and you can go with a scope for long range, or irons, or an Eotech/red dot, etc. for close in. With the SKS and AK, you're best leaving them stock as they are, and you better like iron sights because the optics options, while they are out there, just are not in the same league as what you can do with an AR.

That said, I really think the SKS is the most fun to shoot. More accurate than the AK, cheaper on ammo and more powerful than the AR. It's a toss up. If I were starting over again, I'd probably do it the same way, get the SKS and a ton of ammo.

 

[chris in va]

I was frankly not impressed with my Yugo SKS, even with FireSights. Too heavy, long and just generally clunky.

I'm much happier with the Saiga. Problem is, I have a gut feeling (and mark my words) 'military caliber ammunition' may be heavily regulated/restricted in light of how many AK's are being used in crimes lately, and Wolf might not be allowed in this country much longer, at least the x39 stuff. I could be wrong and hope I am.

I think you'd be happy with the AR though. I wouldn't mind having one myself, even if it *is* a poodle shooter.

 

[ugaarguy]

The AR15 is the most expensive choice...not fully sold on it yet but hey, I haven't shot one yet. Seems to be more of a precision machine....and I'm not sure if thats what I want.

ARs are pretty tough rifles. They aren't AK or SKS rugged, but with a little preventive maintenance they're very reliable.

SKS is the cheapest of the bunch and is on this list because it still packs a punch and seems to be very reliable. Big reason its on here is because the $ would allow for about 2,000 rounds of Wolf over the AR15 without ammunition.

Rifles are useless without ammo to both practice with and keep on hand for serious situations. The SKS has to a strong consideration because it allows you to buy a good supply of ammo.

AK is the middle of the ground choice. Cool factor of the 'evil' underfolder and 30rd capacity. Runs well on cheap wolf ammo.

The AK wouldn't be a bad middle ground.

A few things to keep in mind on the AK vs. SKS debate though. To pass Sec 922(r) and the BATFE ban on importing barrels to be used in the assembly of new non-sporting firearms all the mid priced AKs are rifles assembled from a mix of foreign parts kits, new US made receivers, new US made bbls, and whatever other US made parts are needed for compliance numbers. The nicest AKs I've seen are those made completely in the US by Arsenal, and the Tromix conversions of the Saiga rifles. The SKS rifles on the other hand have C&R status and are imported as originally assembled. The counter is that AKs were designed to be built by unskilled labor with minimal training, so it won't matter anyway.

If it was me I'd get a Saiga in .223 or 7.62x39 and perform the minor modifications needed to allow it to use AK mags. That would give you a solid rifle as a base and still leave money for ammo. Later as you build up more gun money you could complete (or pay for the completion of) the conversion of the Saiga to standard pistol grip AK configuration. The AR would be my first choice, but without ammo money it becomes the last choice.

 

[C-grunt]

All three are excellent rifles in their own way. If it was me Id go with the AR-15. Its accurate, portable, light and can be configured to your liking very easily. Also, in a true SHTF situation (complete collapse of gov.) there will be a lot more 5.56 laying around than x39.

 

[foob]

In the end you'll get all of them. Maybe won't own them all at the same time, maybe sold one to get the other. But trust me, you will have handled them all.

I would go with the AR15. The CMMG bargain bin is a really good price. The others the quality may be hit or miss. You don't want to blame your shooting on the rifle do you?

 

[sgphoto]

I like the SKS. The Yugo 59/66 are the tanks of SKSs. Well-made but heavy. A Chinese 16" Paratrooper w/ TechSights is the lightest and handiest of the bunch for "carrying" purposes. It's a great trunk gun.

I have two Saiga 16" 7.62x39s. For a little more money, you can have an excellent AK 47 in "sporter" configuration. It's easy enough to add a bullet guide and file the mag release for it to accept AK mags. You can then file on your existing 10rd mag to work with your rifle. That way you can have a ten rounder and then if need be, slap in a regular AK mag.

The Saiga in sporter configuration lacks the typical AK look, not altogether a bad thing. Should you want to convert it, it's a great rifle to convert. You may find it's not necessary.

While the trigger pull is not fantastic with the stock configuration, it is improved with shooting and/or simple polishing.

Should you want to improve your iron sights, look at William's Aperture rear sight. Want to scope it? Get a ScoutScope mount. Rock solid-no D&T. Works great with a red-dot.

TechSights is coming out with a rear aperture sight for the AK. It has great promise as it will provide a rear sight at the rear of the receiver, locked solidly to the receiver itself. At least that's my understanding. I do know that the TechSight for the SKS makes a big difference in getting greater accuracy.

In the meantime, with the Saiga you've got a great rifle that will hold its own and you've spent around $300.00 or so. Convert at will.

A stock "16" Saiga is only 1" longer than my Chinese 16" SKS.

So seriously think about a Saiga in 16" or finding a Chinese SKS in 16". Good luck.

Steve

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

I would delete the SKS option entirely. If you are looking at having one, and only one rifle - might as well get either a quality AK or an AR. Forget the SKS. It's an ok rifle when you already have something else.

 

[1200 meters]

Don't delete the SKS. Put a few modifications on it and it's really a nice shooter. Stuff like an advanced tech stock and extended Magizine etc. Sks's killed many people in war. I think it shoots better than the AK.

 

[GILROY]

I would get (and did) get the Saiga in .223 or .308 (I got both last week for around $600 total). It is an indestructable design, may not be available for long (collectability) and both rounds are manufactured in the USA. You can get hicaps for both now, but that will likely dry up soon also. If you want an SKS they are great rifles, but I would opt for one without all the stuff on the end of the barrel. Much better balance and lighter weight. Find a basic Russian or Norinco, ideally a paratrooper if you spot one and stock up on all the .39 ammo you can afford NOW. Get a good safe to boot.

 

[takhtakaal]

Whatever you decide to do, don't forget to factor in at least a dozen magazines in the case of the AK and AR options, something to carry them in, some spare parts, a reloading scheme, and a decent sling.

Getting the rifle and some ammo is just the tip of the iceberg, especially when you consider that you should open up at least one case for practice and stick one away for safekeeping.

 

[Simple Man]

extra mags is not always necessary or wanted. I am on my 3rd AR-15 that I use for hunting rifles. I have only two mags and only need two mags and could not even imagine having to carry more than two 20 round mags full of ammo for all the walking I do when I am coyote hunting.

 

[AK-74me]

You should get the AR and or AK first and hold off on the SKS, I doubt that would ever be banned before the other two so that may play a factor into your decision. I own all 3, 2 AR's (RRA and STAG) an M70 AK and Yugo SKS. Like has been said they are all good rifles and perform different duties.

Drop the SKS off the list for now, get a C&R for $30 for 3 years and pick one up from AIM or someplace similar and get it shipped right to you.

 

[frankd4]

buy it all

I own an SKS model N that uses AK mags not the SKS mags it is with out a doubt on of the best shooting guns for the money, I also have an Arsenal AK in 223 and a Saiga 223 as well as a Rock River AR all of them great guns. Buy all you can while you can.

 

[Soybomb]

I was frankly not impressed with my Yugo SKS, even with FireSights. Too heavy, long and just generally clunky.

I agree, mine seldom leaves the safe. If it weren't in such perfect shape I'd sell it.

Personally I'd get the ar15. its easy for it to grow and change with your needs.

 

[2Ais4U]

Get an SKS and an ak-47 mag adapter and some high capacity mags.

 

[Rshooter]

I never thought I would say this but get the AR first. I own a Garand, M1A, 1903, Enfield, etc, etc and finally broke down and built an AR which I hated after eight years in the Corps. I dislike doom and gloom but I agree it may be too late again soon.

 

[MCgunner]

AR= most accurate, but a prairie dog caliber

AK= most fugly

SKS= most for the money, decent caliber, and actually useful for something other than range fun.

I chose SKS. I might chose an AR10 if I was rich and tacticool, but I'm neither. ARs are very accurate platforms, though, and accuracy always attracts me.

 

[HJ857]

The person that started this thread added SHTF for potential use. With that in mind, I'd choose based on what ammo is likely to most easily obtainable and then which rifle will be least problematic. I'm gonna agree with the person that said Saiga in .223.

 

[takhtakaal]

extra mags is not always necessary or wanted. I am on my 3rd AR-15 that I use for hunting rifles. I have only two mags and only need two mags and could not even imagine having to carry more than two 20 round mags full of ammo for all the walking I do when I am coyote hunting.

Well, simple, this is what the OP had to say:

Not really knowing how gun laws will turn in the future, I'm looking to pick up one of the 3 listed in the title while I can. I want a fun/plinker/range gun/shtf/something to round out my collection some more.

Note the shtf. If he were only killing coyotes, two magazines would be fine. But he mentions shtf. I'd feel pretty undergunned in any caliber with three magazines, thank you, in a shtf scenario.

 

[MIL-DOT]

Though i've been an AR fan since i was in the marines in the early 80's, and even bought a car-15 back then, i'm now much more of a AK fan. I also got a yugo underfolder from classicarms,and am set to sell it to a buddy when his tax return arrives.Nothing wrong with it,really, just not into the UF like i always thought i was. I recently got one of classicarms' Romy G builds for $349,and am liking it more and more ( i also have a lancaster and converted saiga).This Romy G deal is what i'd suggest you consider ( not the "package" deal they sell, mine came with a sling & cleaning kit, you can buy a bayonet and that much ammo for less than the $50 extra they're asking ).
Anyway, most arguments for the AR seem to center around its accessorability, but there are tons of aftermarket stuff out there for the AK,as well. Plus, the AK is way easier to clean,and won't jam up on you if you don't. It also cost way less, and most importantly, ammo costs way less.The SKS is nice to have as a spare gun, but if these are you're choices,and only one os possible, you'll later be pissed if you buy some goofy SKS when you could have had planet earths #1 combat firearm.

 

[Huddog]

I have an M-4 and thouroughly enjoy it. Get what you truly want. I don't think any of the suggestions are bad. I still want an AK and maybe an SKS if the time and money are right at the same time.

 

[CZ 42]

SHTF, get a couple stock SKSs, tons of stripper clips ($6 for 20), some ammo pouches, and enough ammo to load all that stuff twice. It'll still probably cost less than one good AR, not counting the accessories an AR kinda needs (to have all of its accuracy potential tapped), mags, and expensive ammo. The x39 round has better SHTF characteristics IMHO b/c of round survivability. Some of the above said that 5.56 will just be lying around WTSHTF, but that sounds a little off; just get enough x39 in the first place so that you don't have to forage.

 

[no_problem]

I suggest you get the one YOU LIKE.

Here is a range review of the CMMG Bargain Bin M4 from someone who got one. It seems pretty accurate. And it seems a good price

http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=44268

Here is a description of what he got in the package.

http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=43497

 

[CZ 42]

That is a nice looking M4, but I think if you've got a .223 EBR it's gotta be select-fire to make up for the round. .223 is nice in full auto, but x39 is better in semi.