AK 74 vs M16 (Russian test)

[Merc1138]

really, we are comparing apples to oranges here.

More like apples to potatoes.

[Ruiner]

Are you kidding me dude? I have marine buddies that HATE the m16 because dust storms EASILY cause them to malfunction. Bury an AK and a m16 in the dirt then fire them. I guarantee the AK will perform without malfunction. There are too many parts in the m16. More parts= more chance of failure. The AK is more robust hands down. Don't get me wrong, I own both weapons and love them both equally, but I know for a fact the AK will take a beating, and the m16 will not.

I also own both and have a great deal of respect for each platform. There are several design differences that make the AK more reliable and the AR more precise. However, there are a couple of issues with your argument: 1. The AR and the AK have a similar amount of parts that are critical to their operation. 2. If you were to bury them both in dirt, there is a gigantic gap in the AK's dust cover where dirt can get into the action. I can pretty much guarantee it wouldn't function either unless that is cleared.

[xxINKxx]

I like the part in the video where the russians were charging forward and shooting from the hip!

[Mamluke]

I did not watch the video, but read your summary. I own both a '74 and an ar15. I have had jams with both and both were a fault of the magazine, not the rifle.

I have shot thousands of rounds of russian surplus 5.45 and another thousand rounds of wolf 70gr. I have shot thousands of rounds of 5.56/223 through my ar15 of various weights and manufacture. I can tell you that in my observations, under 150 yards military surplus 62gr ammo penetrates steel better than any other 5.56 ammo or 5.45 ammo I have tested. Over 150 yards the 5.45 and 5.56 ammo functioned similarly, with a slight edge to the 5.56. On non-metal targets 55gr xm193 5.56 penetrates better than the steel core 62gr and the 5.45 ammo. All of this ammo was fired from 16" barrels.

The AK74 muzzel break is extremely effective at reducing recoil and muzzel climb. The AR15's birdcage flash hider not so much.

When engaing moving targets the AK74 points more naturally for me and the open sights make it easier to lead your target. The Ar15's peep sight is very dificult to use on a moving target and obscures the target.

My Ar15 is very accurate, more so than the ak74, but the AK74 is still more accurate than most would give it credit.

Military surlus 5.56 ammo litterally blows huge holes in critters. The russian 5.45 ice picks and has a tendancy to veer off course once it hits something.

The Ak74 is more controllable in rapid fire, but with a slight side to side sway. The Ar15 with the traditional birdcage flash hider has signifficantly more recoil and muzzel climb than the Ak74, but less side to side sway. It is faster to get back on target with the Ak74, mainly due to it's reduced muzzel climb and open sights. A different muzzel break on the AR may change this somewhat.

My observations gained through extensive shooting sessions in the Nevada desert.

Wow, some of the best feedback I've read in a long time. Great observation!

[ChaneRZ]

I've seen this also at Spike's Deadliest Warrior where they compared an M16 and AK 47. They put sand on both and AR jammed.

[starsnuffer]

This is like watching a video comparing a '74 Pinto to a '75 Pacer.

-W

[1lostinspace]

I have my AK as a survival type gun, they will work and work no matter the weather or what is happening. My AR I use for medium range to be able to hit head size targets out to 600 meters+ They both have strengths and weaknesses. You could have an American test where targets are set up further away and see the M16 dominate the competition.

[FatalKitty]

More like apples to potatoes.

+1


I do, however, want an AK74 now

[1lostinspace]

+1


I do, however, want an AK74 now

Yeah but the M16 should work coming out of water and have run with sand and dirt in it.

[NorCalK9.com]

I'd take the ak74 anyday over an AR! Bury each in the dirt for 5 years unbury them pour motor oil in n out rack and shoot which is PROVEN to work?

[acaligunner]

Good info

acaligunner

[acaligunner]

Here's my brother in Viet Nam with the AK-47. This was the weapon he used while he did his 2 combat tours with an Airborne division. He liked the M16, but favored the AK-47.

By the way, the AK was taken off a sapper that popped out of a spider hole, and engaged my brother at 10 feet. The AK jammed and the M16 worked. He used it as his good luck charm. That's what he told me.

110611121654.jpg

circa 1968-69

acaligunner

[zfields]

Here's my brother in Viet Nam with the AK-47. This was the weapon he used while he did his 2 combat tours with an Airborne division. He liked the M16, but favored the AK-47.

By the way, the AK was taken off a sapper that popped out of a spider hole, and engaged my brother at 10 feet. The AK jammed and the M16 worked. He used it as his good luck charm. That's what he told me.

110611121654.jpg

circa 1968-69

acaligunner

very cool, thaks for posting.

[acaligunner]

Here's my Brother with his group of combat Airborne soldiers, with the M16. He's to the R of the tall soldier. The M16 worked but needed regular cleaning. He often times switched between weapons (AK/M16/Grenade launcher).

It worked and saved his life multiple times.

110611121915.jpg

acaligunner

[1lostinspace]

The AK is far more reliable and the 74 is almost as accurate as the M16 is semi but in FA the 74 dominates but mainly due to the brake.