I chose neither. I have an AUG but I get ARs at work. I wonder how many AK fans would change their minds if they had to footpatrol 8hours a day w/ the rifle slung over their shoulders. Probably after a couple of weeks of carrying AKs they might develop an interest in the AR. Frequently overlooked of the AR; you can get a sight picture much faster with peepsights, + lightweight + low muzzle climb & minimal recoil, accuracy + greater effective + range, large supply of ammo on hand=AR Faluja & Hu
I don't think you fully considered the "flexibility" aspect. Okay, so the AK can have a folding stock but can it change its caliber like an AR can go from a 5mm to a .50Beowulf or even a 5.7mm? Can an AK go from a normal duty configuration to a specialized rifle by changing the upper receiver? Also, consider the scenario that 1 of your hands is shot or broken & you have to remove an empty mag from the rifle, replace it with a loaded mag then chamber a round & fire effectively.
I think the original AR design by Eugene Stoner was 7.62X51 (.308) and Military wanted a smaller round so it was designed around the 5.56 and that is when the reliability problems came into play.
One comment thought, in the SHTF scenario do you think that 5.56 ammo will be more available then 7.62@39? Thus an AR will be better choice over an AK?
Hey Fred. Did you ever make a vid on how to remove the mag safety from your buckmark? I would REALLY be intrested in seeing that. I know there are others out there, I just like how you are clear and honest about it. Thanks.
Hey Fred. Did you ever make a video of how to take the mag safety out of your buckmark? I would REALLY be intrested in seeing that vid. I know there are others out there but I like how you show and explain things in a real clear and honest kinda way. Thanks man.
as a gunsmith and ballistics guy, i have to disagree with the effective range comparison..the 7.62x39 of the ak will hit harder than the ar's 5.56...the ar just goes a lil farther flatter cuz its lighter..and the aks effective range is 470...but actually will have more "effect" at its 470 than the 5.56 will at 500..7.62x39= 450ish f-lbs@500 /5.56=250-350 f-lbs@500
@7point62by54R as for ergonomics..thats each persons opinion..to me, the ak is way more comfortable..the ar feels odd to me.. and from my usage, the ar has an odd twisting recoil feel(feels like the rotating bolt system of an m1 carbine magnified) and im faster to reaquire the target after a small side/up twitch of an ak
for me, the ergonomics of the AR are the biggest win over the AK.
i've never found maintenance for the AR to be an issue. drop the bolt and carrier in cleaning solution, take off the upper and clean out the bore and the gas tube. about as simple as it gets.
running the rifle as dry as reasonably possible will reduce fouling. running it wet is just asking for it to get gummed up quickly.
Aren't the comments about ammo weight/logistics and maybe ballistics somewhat outdated since the 5.45 AK74 round is more comparable to the 5.56 than the 7.62 AK47 one?
Nice helmet, Fred! I have heard stories of Mujahadeen fighters during the war against the USSR using boot laces soaked in motor oil to clean their AKs & they kept firing! That is why we cannot win in Afghanistan! I vote for the AK.
for the every day person who just wants an assault rifle then the ak is for u. but if you want a rifle know your way around rifles and know more than just a thing or 2. than the ar15 may be your rifle. i myself am an ar guy but if u don't know what u are doing you are better off getting an ak. you can abuse and abuse and abuse ak's! ar's are not so forgiving. its simple facts. guys in the military who don't kno what they are doing have failures i myself hardly ever have issues at all with weapon
Great Vid Fred u made good points about both rifles depending on the situation will determine which rifle i will use just like a fork and spoon tools for different uses ....
I make videos too and I understand it's not easy, but you're just basically reading off a list. You didn't back up the things you said. "The tolerances are looser" "The machining is sloppy." show us the loose tolerances and sloppy machining.
I thought your video was spot on best comparison I have seen I would agree with you 110% some will argue accuracy I am sure but I think you covered it as best as one can. and you said "not every rifle" but what you said is the normal fanboys will not like that but I think you were spot on.
Its not just Hornady, Eotech has a Zombie retical Holo sight and Ruger released the LCP Zombie Slayer. Im amazed its actually going that far. I was able to get that Z-Max 9mm for less then Critical Defense so Im ready my friend.
In my opinion its all a matter of you are looking for its like saying a Springfield is better then a Glock or vice versa Glocks will perform dirty dry covered in mud whereas a Springfield may not but the Springfield may be more accurate not picking on one type or the other I have both and i love them both it is just the first two that came to mind that halfass fits the category
It's like comparing apples to oranges, can't do it. Unless your comparing differences only and not comparing them being comparable to one another as one being better than the other. Not saying you are, I'm just commenting on the title. Plus, BAD HAT HARRY . lol
I'm willing to trade less precision for reliability if S ever HTF. Yeah, my AR is a nice rifle and it's reliable and I've never had any issues with it but if there's no supply lines, no environment to clean it in, if I have to go though water and rain, if I don't have spare parts for it etc.... I'd rather carry an AK with me. My AK will never leave my possession and I'm stocked up with ammo to feed it.
I'm willing to trade less precision for reliability if S ever HTF. Yeah, my AR is a nice rifle and it's reliable and I've never had any issues with it but if there's no supply lines, no environment to clean it in, if I have to go though water and rain, if I don't have spare parts for it etc.... I'd rather carry an AK with me. My AK will never leave my possession and I'm stocked up with ammo to feed it.
as for tactical goodness, i'd rather get an AR for several reasons, but as my first rifle, i'll probably get an AK because they're more affordable while still being very reliable.. probably a tantal...
That helmet is sweet! :) AK all the way brother! :) I don't care if the AR is more accurate even :) There is just something sexy about my Arsenal SA M-7 A1 with the wood furniture I put on it! Nice fred!
stoner worked at armalite when he created the ar15 im pretty sure thats why its an ar15 and why armalites ar15 model is still reads ar15 on the gun some people say its means armalite rifle and some say assault rifle its debated
I would buy the AK FIRST, because the ammo is slightly cheaper, and it's just a fun gun. Also, you actually have to try hard to make it jam. An AR is also nice, but for first time gun owners, it's a little hard to maintain.
I'm digging that Nano your wearing. I saw your review on it and was impressed with all of it's capabilities. Keep up the good work! Oh and the rifles are cool too.
@bak1911 i personally dont like the ar, but what you said is true..it depends.i feel the ak is more reliable and requires less / easier / cheaper maintainence,.. but the ar may have slightly better grouping downrange
@fredhart Especially since there is usually nothing but a pure shitstorm over which one is better, I would have to stick with the M14, the unsung warrior.
@fredhart No problem, I enjoy watching you videos. I like Saiga, it looks awsome. I got an I picked up a Romanian AK47 variant, has the prettiest rosewood stocks looks like the guy who had it before I did, refinished it because all the other ones had a tan color stocks. I Like the Bushmaster I got I gave 850 for it used but like new. I got to say it seems more accurate of the two.
I chose neither. I have an AUG but I get ARs at work. I wonder how many AK fans would change their minds if they had to footpatrol 8hours a day w/ the rifle slung over their shoulders. Probably after a couple of weeks of carrying AKs they might develop an interest in the AR. Frequently overlooked of the AR; you can get a sight picture much faster with peepsights, + lightweight + low muzzle climb & minimal recoil, accuracy + greater effective + range, large supply of ammo on hand=AR Faluja & Hu
oeyesea 5 days ago
I don't think you fully considered the "flexibility" aspect. Okay, so the AK can have a folding stock but can it change its caliber like an AR can go from a 5mm to a .50Beowulf or even a 5.7mm? Can an AK go from a normal duty configuration to a specialized rifle by changing the upper receiver? Also, consider the scenario that 1 of your hands is shot or broken & you have to remove an empty mag from the rifle, replace it with a loaded mag then chamber a round & fire effectively.
oeyesea 5 days ago
Well done comparison. Subscribed.
I think the original AR design by Eugene Stoner was 7.62X51 (.308) and Military wanted a smaller round so it was designed around the 5.56 and that is when the reliability problems came into play.
I just picked up today a Saiga in .223 / 5.56
frankgon4 6 days ago
Arkansas>Alaska
mhayd990 1 week ago
ar sucks get a life go ak
TheFishing1999 3 weeks ago
@TheFishing1999 ok guys stop fighting
TheFishing1999 3 weeks ago
go ar
TheFishing1999 3 weeks ago
hey fred, great vid. im wondering, are the saiga shotguns as reliable as the rifles?
Ki113r210 4 weeks ago in playlist More videos from fredhart
so whats the best ammo available for ak's
Roguestatus650 1 month ago
what do you think of the zastava ak47 I realy cant find any info is it ok? thanks
whatupted 1 month ago
Thanks Fred, great review!
One comment thought, in the SHTF scenario do you think that 5.56 ammo will be more available then 7.62@39? Thus an AR will be better choice over an AK?
Thanks.
vkhvala 1 month ago
@vkhvala Got over 1000 rounds in a box right now.
frankgon4 6 days ago
★★★★★
Great video Fred.
TheMultiGunMan 1 month ago
Hey Fred. Did you ever make a vid on how to remove the mag safety from your buckmark? I would REALLY be intrested in seeing that. I know there are others out there, I just like how you are clear and honest about it. Thanks.
GoGreenMan 1 month ago
Hey Fred. Did you ever make a video of how to take the mag safety out of your buckmark? I would REALLY be intrested in seeing that vid. I know there are others out there but I like how you show and explain things in a real clear and honest kinda way. Thanks man.
GoGreenMan 1 month ago
as a gunsmith and ballistics guy, i have to disagree with the effective range comparison..the 7.62x39 of the ak will hit harder than the ar's 5.56...the ar just goes a lil farther flatter cuz its lighter..and the aks effective range is 470...but actually will have more "effect" at its 470 than the 5.56 will at 500..7.62x39= 450ish f-lbs@500 /5.56=250-350 f-lbs@500
7point62by54R 1 month ago
@7point62by54R as for ergonomics..thats each persons opinion..to me, the ak is way more comfortable..the ar feels odd to me.. and from my usage, the ar has an odd twisting recoil feel(feels like the rotating bolt system of an m1 carbine magnified) and im faster to reaquire the target after a small side/up twitch of an ak
7point62by54R 1 month ago
for me, the ergonomics of the AR are the biggest win over the AK.
i've never found maintenance for the AR to be an issue. drop the bolt and carrier in cleaning solution, take off the upper and clean out the bore and the gas tube. about as simple as it gets.
running the rifle as dry as reasonably possible will reduce fouling. running it wet is just asking for it to get gummed up quickly.
ms3bani 1 month ago
@ms3bani You do have to dissemble the AR15's bolt to properly clean it. Something on the AK that you'll seldomly or never have to do.
esh325 1 month ago
I enjoy your vids, Fred.
Aren't the comments about ammo weight/logistics and maybe ballistics somewhat outdated since the 5.45 AK74 round is more comparable to the 5.56 than the 7.62 AK47 one?
aznazguy 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
AR=American. AK=Commie/terrorists. You decide your allegiance.
CoolasIce2 1 month ago
Since it's Swedish, Fred, I highly recommend you put horns on the helmet. Doesn't hurt looking like a Viking military helmet.
ChaohsiangChen 1 month ago
Nice helmet, Fred! I have heard stories of Mujahadeen fighters during the war against the USSR using boot laces soaked in motor oil to clean their AKs & they kept firing! That is why we cannot win in Afghanistan! I vote for the AK.
depoeslew1 1 month ago
Like the hat, quite a fashion statement with the new watch.
my1956effie 1 month ago
Excellent video, I like the both of them and use the both of them.
biguy525 1 month ago
AR, nice hat by the way
schnips074 1 month ago
Nice job Fred, btw sweet watch!
Immumar 1 month ago
for the every day person who just wants an assault rifle then the ak is for u. but if you want a rifle know your way around rifles and know more than just a thing or 2. than the ar15 may be your rifle. i myself am an ar guy but if u don't know what u are doing you are better off getting an ak. you can abuse and abuse and abuse ak's! ar's are not so forgiving. its simple facts. guys in the military who don't kno what they are doing have failures i myself hardly ever have issues at all with weapon
godzilla7382 1 month ago
Great Vid Fred u made good points about both rifles depending on the situation will determine which rifle i will use just like a fork and spoon tools for different uses ....
TacticalGunChannel 1 month ago
I make videos too and I understand it's not easy, but you're just basically reading off a list. You didn't back up the things you said. "The tolerances are looser" "The machining is sloppy." show us the loose tolerances and sloppy machining.
esh325 1 month ago
Two AK's for the price of one AR. No contest.
Eatallthebirds 1 month ago
I thought your video was spot on best comparison I have seen I would agree with you 110% some will argue accuracy I am sure but I think you covered it as best as one can. and you said "not every rifle" but what you said is the normal fanboys will not like that but I think you were spot on.
fireman66767 1 month ago
Its not just Hornady, Eotech has a Zombie retical Holo sight and Ruger released the LCP Zombie Slayer. Im amazed its actually going that far. I was able to get that Z-Max 9mm for less then Critical Defense so Im ready my friend.
TheTactical6string 1 month ago
Great video, Fred!
GunsKnivesSurvival 1 month ago
SIRE catch ya later SIRE !!!!!!
koioo2 1 month ago
alberto no comment i see admiral fred and hear
koioo2 1 month ago
AK. simple, durable, reliable.
DudeNumberOnePlus 1 month ago
In my opinion its all a matter of you are looking for its like saying a Springfield is better then a Glock or vice versa Glocks will perform dirty dry covered in mud whereas a Springfield may not but the Springfield may be more accurate not picking on one type or the other I have both and i love them both it is just the first two that came to mind that halfass fits the category
jwhisler1981 1 month ago
Tie breaker: Buy American!
CoolasIce2 1 month ago
Fred you get a chance to take the AK to the range yet? Loved that series
MultiBassman62 1 month ago
scar 17 FTW.
URBANAMERICANTAC 1 month ago
I say both and if I had the money I would have both but I don't have either
prescotian1500 1 month ago
I have one of each and I like both.
quimbyt 1 month ago
Nice hat.
quimbyt 1 month ago
Shoot both of them which ever one you like is up to you
MrJking06 1 month ago
Non-chrome lined barrel has a slight accuracy advantage over chrome lined barrel.
rajvosa71000 1 month ago
Great find for 15 bucks!! BTW I will take the AK... :)
.
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★★★★★
MadBadVoodo 1 month ago
Great vid Fred...I love hearing the opinions on the two rifles.
DocTacDad 1 month ago
for gun lovers there are no BAD guns)))
efrol1 1 month ago
It's like comparing apples to oranges, can't do it. Unless your comparing differences only and not comparing them being comparable to one another as one being better than the other. Not saying you are, I'm just commenting on the title. Plus, BAD HAT HARRY . lol
skipwadoo 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
AK.
I'm willing to trade less precision for reliability if S ever HTF. Yeah, my AR is a nice rifle and it's reliable and I've never had any issues with it but if there's no supply lines, no environment to clean it in, if I have to go though water and rain, if I don't have spare parts for it etc.... I'd rather carry an AK with me. My AK will never leave my possession and I'm stocked up with ammo to feed it.
KiloSierraAlpha 1 month ago
AK.
I'm willing to trade less precision for reliability if S ever HTF. Yeah, my AR is a nice rifle and it's reliable and I've never had any issues with it but if there's no supply lines, no environment to clean it in, if I have to go though water and rain, if I don't have spare parts for it etc.... I'd rather carry an AK with me. My AK will never leave my possession and I'm stocked up with ammo to feed it.
KiloSierraAlpha 1 month ago
Alaska over Arkansas every time. Oh wait, shouldn't comment before I watch.
TangoMikeFoxtrot 1 month ago
shoot steel plate at 223 vs 7.62 the 223 will produce a hole the 7.62 is just a dent
bone1050 1 month ago
OMG, don't do this.. Like every other weenie on the planet, gotta do the AR/AK comparison.. You must be joking right? I think I'm gonna puke!
talltommy46 1 month ago
@talltommy46 I agree. This topic has been beaten to death, brought back to life, and then beaten to death again about 60 times over.
Still a good video though!
xAZAZELx13 1 month ago
I would choose AK for the simple reason........adverse conditions it keeps working........simple choice for me.....
FantomShooter 1 month ago
AR=American. AK=Commie. You decide your allegiance.
CoolasIce2 1 month ago
I think you just cracked open pandora's box
as for tactical goodness, i'd rather get an AR for several reasons, but as my first rifle, i'll probably get an AK because they're more affordable while still being very reliable.. probably a tantal...
psychoclown420 1 month ago
Neither is really good for home defense unless you live on 20 acres or more :) A good shotgun or my Colt 1911 rules the house :)
ArtisanTony 1 month ago
That helmet is sweet! :) AK all the way brother! :) I don't care if the AR is more accurate even :) There is just something sexy about my Arsenal SA M-7 A1 with the wood furniture I put on it! Nice fred!
ArtisanTony 1 month ago
AR anyday, bud AK's are good if you out fit them
ZombieKillerOfCanada 1 month ago
excellent video......
millsdixon 1 month ago
Given a choice I will always take an AK over an AR.
Sanjuro82 1 month ago
piston-driven ar all the way
yoyomyhoes 1 month ago
stoner worked at armalite when he created the ar15 im pretty sure thats why its an ar15 and why armalites ar15 model is still reads ar15 on the gun some people say its means armalite rifle and some say assault rifle its debated
readyfourwar 1 month ago
I love your watch Fred! :-)
ebomey 1 month ago
Great review Fred!
I suggest we all by both before the anti gun liberals ban both of them!
ebomey 1 month ago
realistically if crap does happen then accuracy won't really matter as much unless it is zombies.
BALJIT147 1 month ago
good vid.
TexasPatriotHuneke 1 month ago
I would buy the AK FIRST, because the ammo is slightly cheaper, and it's just a fun gun. Also, you actually have to try hard to make it jam. An AR is also nice, but for first time gun owners, it's a little hard to maintain.
WeAreTwoDoorsDown 1 month ago
@WeAreTwoDoorsDown Awesome comment my friend!!!
fredhart 1 month ago
I'm digging that Nano your wearing. I saw your review on it and was impressed with all of it's capabilities. Keep up the good work! Oh and the rifles are cool too.
txwingnut62 1 month ago
@txwingnut62 Thank you so very much for the great comment. BTW, I will be reviews that Nano watch band friend!!!
fredhart 1 month ago
That was a well thought out evaluation my friend . I thoroughly enjoyed the way you presented two great platforms and I think you are spot on.
I also dig the Swedish lid :)
GunWIZard 1 month ago
@GunWIZard Thank you so very much for the very kind comment!!!!
fredhart 1 month ago
Both rifles are great rifles and have their own use's
cbronson224 1 month ago
great review:) I think you didn't miss anything
TheJorgeadt 1 month ago
@TheJorgeadt Thank you so very much!!!
fredhart 1 month ago
ak
HiCapacity 1 month ago
@HiCapacity Good choice
fredhart 1 month ago
both have pros and cons. depending the application and everything that needs done depends which ones best. love them both tho.
bak1911 1 month ago
@bak1911 Great comment!!!
fredhart 1 month ago
@bak1911 i personally dont like the ar, but what you said is true..it depends.i feel the ak is more reliable and requires less / easier / cheaper maintainence,.. but the ar may have slightly better grouping downrange
7point62by54R 1 month ago
I like both, i suggest to everyone is to own both
usmccapdevil 1 month ago 6
@usmccapdevil Outstanding advise!!!
fredhart 1 month ago
@usmccapdevil I agree!!!
fredhart 1 month ago 4
Careful, you may have just opened the flood gates from hell.
TheBlueManChoo 1 month ago
@TheBlueManChoo I know :) Hopefully folks keep it civil but bring something constructive to the comparison to these to fine weapons.
fredhart 1 month ago
AK vs AR
ill stick with an M14
ASpoltore 1 month ago
@ASpoltore I use to shoot the M14 in the Navy too, it's awesome, especially in full auto!!!
fredhart 1 month ago
@fredhart Especially since there is usually nothing but a pure shitstorm over which one is better, I would have to stick with the M14, the unsung warrior.
ASpoltore 1 month ago
@ASpoltore Hell yeah I agree all the way.
BALJIT147 1 month ago
I'd keep em both I like em both, I like the wood stocks more, its better looking than the AR 15.
isamtator 1 month ago
@isamtator I enjoy having them both, each have properties that make them great. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting sir!!!
fredhart 1 month ago
@fredhart No problem, I enjoy watching you videos. I like Saiga, it looks awsome. I got an I picked up a Romanian AK47 variant, has the prettiest rosewood stocks looks like the guy who had it before I did, refinished it because all the other ones had a tan color stocks. I Like the Bushmaster I got I gave 850 for it used but like new. I got to say it seems more accurate of the two.
isamtator 1 month ago