AK-47 vs. AK-74

[santacruzstefan]

So, before I make my choice, I'd like to get some outside input. This will be my first AK, and I understand there are merits to each round, including penetration, range, and cost/ availability. What is your opinion, and which would you choose, if you could only have one right now (I'll probably end up owning both in the future, regardless). Primary use will be at the range, and maybe a limited capacity as a SHTF-type weapon (limited because I don't think its gonna happen real soon, but thats a whole other thread).

[ADAM]

just for your info spetznaz is going back to 47 for more knok down power its the 45 vs 9m i take the 45

[Notblake]

just for your info spetznaz is going back to 47 for more knok down power

Source?

[ADAM]

family member is a spetznaz

[SickofSoCal]

About time someone started a poll like this. I like both.......a lot.

But I feel that the 74 is the one I would grab.........don't have have some crazy mags for it? I mean less weight, more ammo, etc. (going to Google Image search.....)

Round is about 3,000 fps........about the same as .223, I mean the 47 is from 1947......the AR is from 1957........I think the 74 was the Russians somewhat belated answer to the AR. (74 is from 1974)

[steamboat]

7.62... turns cover into concealment... no replacement for displacement... pick your pun but heres my take: Once I got used to the the .30cal ak recoil, 5.45 just didnt do it for me. Not that the 762 is a recoil beast mind you, but if low recoil impulse is the goal, I prefer an AR.

That is all.

[TNP'R]

About time someone started a poll like this. I like both.......a lot.

But I feel that the 74 is the one I would grab.........don't have have some crazy mags for it? I mean less weight, more ammo, etc. (going to Google Image search.....)

Round is about 3,000 fps........about the same as .223, I mean the 47 is from 1947......the AR is from 1957........I think the 74 was the Russians somewhat belated answer to the AR. (74 is from 1974)

lol.. Ok why look at the dates they were first introduced? the colt 1911 came out way before 47 and people still love it and its one of the best hand guns around.If something is still around from 47 and in wide spread use it means its good or at-least decent.

[SickofSoCal]

lol.. Ok why look at the dates they were first introduced? the colt 1911 came out way before 47 and people still love it and its one of the best hand guns around.If something is still around from 47 and in wide spread use it means its good or at-least decent.

Well, because the round for the AK-47 was designed in 1942 (debuted the next year), the .223 round was designed in 1964.........22 years is quite a discrepancy in time (especially for military tech). Both the AK and AR were built around the round (he he I'm a poet!) more or less.

The reason I bring this up, is because the AK vs. AR is talked about endlessly, as we all know. But in a way, it's comparing apples to oranges. Obviously, the Russians wanted their own 3,000 fps round and rifle.........hence the AK-74 in 1974.........which was post-Vietnam War (at least the majority of the action) I might add.

[TNP'R]

Well, because the round for the AK-47 was designed in 1942 (debuted the next year), the .223 round was designed in 1964.........22 years is quite a discrepancy in time (especially for military tech). Both the AK and AR were built around the round (he he I'm a poet!) more or less.

The reason I bring this up, is because the AK vs. AR is talked about endlessly, as we all know. But in a way, it's comparing apples to oranges. Obviously, the Russians wanted their own 3,000 fps round and rifle.........hence the AK-74 in 1974.........which was post-Vietnam War (at least the majority of the action) I might add.

That depends if you like the .223 round as well.Isn't the .223 round more expensive compared to the 7.62x39 I believe so.

[MrPlink]

7.62... turns cover into concealment... no replacement for displacement... pick your pun but heres my take: Once I got used to the the .30cal ak recoil, 5.45 just didnt do it for me. Not that the 762 is a recoil beast mind you, but if low recoil impulse is the goal, I prefer an AR.

That is all.

through and through, this!

Although dont get me wrong, 545 aint called the poison bullet for no reason!
Still an awsome round.

[SickofSoCal]

Ahhhhhh, here it is:

The 45-round plastic magazine of the RPK-74 light machine gun is also interchangeable with that of the AK-74.

Now isn't that sweet!?!? An extra 15 rounds if you please.


Comparison of the AK-74 (top) and RPK-74 (bottom):




Here's a good video:

[Zonie]

Assuming no body armor, the 7.62 round has better stopping power. However, the the 5.45 round is much better at penetrating body armor and shoots flatter and further.

If you anticipate armored targets, then get the '74. If not, then get the '47.

[SxB]

I have a 74. I love it. Easy to shoot quickly and accurately. Parts everywhere.
I will say none of the local dealers stock 5.45 but there is always tons of 7.62.
However you can find the Russian surplus tins online (1080 rounds per) for about 150 or two tins (1case) for about 300.
That's cheap! 2160 rounds for 300.

[SickofSoCal]

That depends if you like the .223 round as well.Isn't the .223 round more expensive compared to the 7.62x39 I believe so.

Yes, even though it has less powder!

Guess the Russkies version of it (the .223) isn't so hot with most folk. Like I said up there ^ a ways, I like both AK's.

[Notblake]

Ahhhhhh, here it is:



Now isn't that sweet!?!? An extra 15 rounds if you please.

The only way you are going to get another 15 rounds is to load 2 more mags .... we live in California remember? Its a moot point thou as the 47 has 40 rd mags.

They are both good rifles. Choosing one is VERY difficult and it really depends on a lot of personal factors.