The AK is a great combat weapon for the moderately trained soldier. The ease of use and maintenance is the main reason why 3rd world countries and lesser trained armies use AK’s. A well trained soldier, on the other hand, will do much better with the AR15 platform. The US Armed forces are some of the most highly trained soldiers in the world, hence the use of the AR15. The AR15 is much more accurate at all ranges. Saying that the AK’s accuracy is average is a joke. I have shot many AK’s and their accuracy at 100 yards is terrible. You will never see an AK in the hands of a Navy Seal or any other US Special Forces (unless used to blend in). Navy Seals get to choose the weapons that they use so if the AK was such a great weapon don’t you think the highest trained soldiers in the world (Navy Seals) would use them. It is true that the AK can be totally abused and still function but any weapon with the loose tolerances to allow this will inherently not be accurate. I like AK’s and own a few but they, in no way, compare to the M1, M1Aor AR15!!!!!!
__________________
"Every man dies but few truly live!" "Aim small miss small"
The AK is a great combat weapon for the moderately trained soldier. The ease of use and maintenance is the main reason why 3rd world countries and lesser trained armies use AK’s. A well trained soldier, on the other hand, will do much better with the AR15 platform. The US Armed forces are some of the most highly trained soldiers in the world, hence the use of the AR15. The AR15 is much more accurate at all ranges. Saying that the AK’s accuracy is average is a joke. I have shot many AK’s and their accuracy at 100 yards is terrible. You will never see an AK in the hands of a Navy Seal or any other US Special Forces (unless used to blend in). Navy Seals get to choose the weapons that they use so if the AK was such a great weapon don’t you think the highest trained soldiers in the world (Navy Seals) would use them. It is true that the AK can be totally abused and still function but any weapon with the loose tolerances to allow this will inherently not be accurate. I like AK’s and own a few but they, in no way, compare to the M1, M1Aor AR15!!!!!!
I don't disagree with all of your post, but I have to ask...how accurate does a weapon have to be in order to kill or disable a man? The AK does just fine at ranges normally encountered between adversaries. I don't require a rifle capable of MOA accuracy.
The Seals use the AK platform of weapons on a regular basis. Some also have re-employed the M14 due to the M14's 7.62 round having better range and penetration than the 5.56 or the soviet 7.62X39.
The AR (M16) is a great weapon. It is very accurate, light, high-tech, and offers plenty of mods. It also ****s where it eats, and MUST be kept clean and well maintained - not always possible. I haven't seen any video of a AK having to be kept in a "rifle condom" to keep the dust out of the operating mechinism as I have seen the M16 so that it will operate when needed.
The M16 has been around now for about 40 years. The DOD has been investigating what it's successor might be. I'd look at the Sig 556. It has the AK internals but M16 accuracy and mods. The best of both.
__________________
"If everything is going well, then you obviously overlooked something."
I never really cared for the AK, I think the 7.62x39 is a better urban round in my opinion. It will go through brick walls better and is a bigger bullet. When/if the SHTF I dont think ill need to take 100-200 yards shots with the AK.
I like theARmuch better, Ive never had problemswith them - 40 years in the US military is a pretty good service record, Made in the USA,500+ yard accuracy is there if you need it, lighter bullets = carry more ammo, less recoil = faster follow up shots, its easy to mount optics,flash lights, lasers,by-pods and other goodies as needed,and the 5.56 round is good for our boys in the sand boxthen they would be good enough to take out thelocal crack dealer in a SHTF situation.
If you concerned about the black rifle crapping where it eats get a gas piston and the problem is solved. I actually think thatis the next logical stepthe military should take. Its much easier and cheaper addingnew uppers then go to a completenewfirearm that doesnt really give you much more then you have in the M4
__________________
06 Road King Classic
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/2465/rkbigce3.jpg
We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately. - Benjamin Franklin
There's no question that Eugene Stoner created a great design with the M16. After forty years and many upgrades it has been employed by one side or the other in many conflicts. It's Achilles' heel is the very tight, high-tech design itself, especially it's recoil system that used expelled gas to work the mechinism to chamber the next round without the use of a gas rod. This causes a buildup of carbon and other products of combustion inside the chamber and bolt carrier. It's extreme tolerances in a dirty or grity environment also are reason for concern in the overall dependability of the weapon, hence it must be kept clean. It might require cleaning multiple times a day in some environments. Simply ask those who have used it in the sands of Iraq.
Ask yourself why no other manufacturer has copied the operating mech. of the M16 in designing their own rifle. Even the Daewoo, a S. Korean rifle that at first glance has a resemblance to the M16, uses a cloned AK system while still achieving M16 accuracy.
The M16 is a sportscar where the AK is a truck. Take your pick. I also own both.
__________________
"If everything is going well, then you obviously overlooked something."
World's Top 10 Rifles: Nr.1 "AK 47"
