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Posted: 12/24/2006 3:13:30 PM EST
I want one of these in the gun safe, (AK74 or AK47) which one would you advise? Just a plinker or SHTF truck gun. I already have the 12ga, 22's, .45, 308.
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 3:26:35 PM EST
[#1]
I elected to get a Yugo M90 in .223....until the mil changes calibers, I feel comfortable with my choice.
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 3:31:19 PM EST
[#2]

Quoted:
I elected to get a Yugo M90 in .223....until the mil changes calibers, I feel comfortable with my choice.


Good choice as the ammo will always be plentiful. I have two SAR 3's.

Link Posted: 12/24/2006 3:40:46 PM EST
[#3]
hands down 7.62x39
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 3:42:21 PM EST
[#4]
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 4:13:26 PM EST
[#5]
I'm sure thats a great rifle, (223), but i can get 5.45 and 7.62 cheaper than .223. So far, its a toss up. Anyone else have a thought on which one to get? I'm leaning towards 7.62 due to magazine and ammo availability.

I will put up about 2k rounds for the future, so ammo availability will not be an issue.
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 4:17:40 PM EST
[#6]
I would opt for the 7.62 due to more ammo and mags being available.  A folding stock AK would make a great SHTF truck gun.  



Ron
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 5:01:41 PM EST
[#7]
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 5:37:25 PM EST
[#8]

Quoted:
I want one of these in the gun safe, (AK74 or AK47) which one would you advise? Just a plinker or SHTF truck gun. I already have the 12ga, 22's, .45, 308.


Easy choice, get both! I have both, and will add this, MY SAR-2, is more accurate at longer distances than my SAR-1. I believe this to be more a product of the ammo, than the rifle. You can haul more rounds of the 5.45, than of the 7.62, as mentioned earlier. If you have buddies that own these two rifles, try them both, see which one you like best, and fits your needs. Nah,... just get both.
Michael
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 5:42:01 PM EST
[#9]

Quoted:
Get the 74.  The Russians did.


And so did Schulze.

But I say - Get all three!
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 5:46:17 PM EST
[#10]
It's gonna Be a while before you can find 5.45 at Walmart.

So Far there is not ONE .223 AK that is both reliable AND has easy parts  
availability


7.62 is the way to go
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 6:21:02 PM EST
[#11]
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 6:53:28 PM EST
[#12]
Get all three that way you can make a well informed decision yourself and not have to worry about ammo availability.
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 7:20:14 PM EST
[#13]

Quoted:
With the hit and miss availability of 5.45 ammo, I would go with the 7.62x39



For someone who just wants an example of a AKM in his gun safe, as well as for plinking, the 7.62x39 makes more sense.

If you get the 7.62 AK-47, I recommend you buy some of the Hungarian 20rd mags while they are still available, they are very handy, less bulk and weight.

I have both, the AK-47 has me covered as far as future ammo supply goes.

My 5.45x39 AK is more fun to shoot, it feels better balanced, is more controllable during rapid fire, is lighter if only due to the mags and ammo. I just like it better.

Link Posted: 12/24/2006 7:56:58 PM EST
[#14]


 Sorry, had to do it.  

I prefer the 5.45 over the 7.62, but I really enjoy shooting both.  The 5.45 is really fantastic as far as follow up shots.  But, just personal preference.  Try them both before making a decision.  
Link Posted: 12/24/2006 8:04:51 PM EST
[#15]
Fo shure! At a carbine match with my '74, a fellow competitor asked seriously if it was a machinegun! The kicker? There was a bona fide M16 in our group for him to compare to.
Link Posted: 12/25/2006 6:12:02 AM EST
[#16]
Link Posted: 12/25/2006 7:21:41 AM EST
[#17]
im gonna quit tellin people how cool 5.45 is, so i can stockpile it my self. i wanna finally be the guy with ten zillion rounds in my ammo can.








Link Posted: 12/25/2006 7:44:24 AM EST
[#18]
The AK 74 ia plain and simply the better choice with more accuracy, greater hit probability, greater range, lighter weight and better ergos.

I am grateful our enemies predominately use the outdated AK47.
Link Posted: 12/25/2006 8:40:23 AM EST
[#19]
I would get an AK74 except that the AK74 doesn't have a 100 round drum available like the AK47.  
Link Posted: 12/25/2006 8:48:22 AM EST
[#20]
It's a great question and often debated here and on other boards.  I personally have three (3) 7.62s with another on the way, one (1) 5.45 with another on the way and one (1) .223.  

So far, each rifle has performed 100%, but the 5.45 is profoundly more accurate than the others.  It's a pleasure to shoot and more "fun" than the .30 caliber guns I have.  However, I would suggest one .30 and one 5.45.  They each have their place and their own characteristics; good or bad.
Link Posted: 12/25/2006 8:49:46 AM EST
[#21]
Link Posted: 12/25/2006 8:58:18 AM EST
[#22]
Let me clarify...more accurate than the .30 calibers.  Yes, my SLR-106FR is very accurate as well.  I've never bench rested these rifles to compare, but offhand, equal to the 105.
Link Posted: 12/25/2006 9:05:42 AM EST
[#23]
BTW, if I could afford it, I would have an AK47, just for the cool factor.  

The 5.45X39.5 is an interesting round.  It has performed well above expectations on feral hogs and deer.  They go down like they have been hit with a sledge hammer.  Go figure?

My most accurate AK is my SLR 106 with Lake City M855 front line ammo.
Link Posted: 12/26/2006 6:25:43 AM EST
[#24]

Quoted:
The AK 74 ia plain and simply the better choice with more accuracy, greater hit probability, greater range, lighter weight and better ergos.

I am grateful our enemies predominately use the outdated AK47.


Better ergos?? Its the same damn gun from an ergonomic standpoint. Same for lighter weight, granted a loaded mag will weigh less, but otherwise you are at best talking a few ounces.
Link Posted: 12/26/2006 6:29:36 AM EST
[#25]
Link Posted: 12/26/2006 6:42:41 AM EST
[#26]

Quoted: You can find 5.45 right now, but that is not always true, and in my area you will never find 5.45 on the shelf at a gunstore or wally world


So why not buy a ton of it online and stack it deep?  I can't find any 5.45 locally either, but even if I could I probably wouldn't buy it because it would be much more expensive than online sources.
Link Posted: 12/26/2006 9:59:32 AM EST
[#27]

Quoted:

Quoted: You can find 5.45 right now, but that is not always true, and in my area you will never find 5.45 on the shelf at a gunstore or wally world


So why not buy a ton of it online and stack it deep?  I can't find any 5.45 locally either, but even if I could I probably wouldn't buy it because it would be much more expensive than online sources.


I agree with Chris. Never understood the whole "can't find it at Wally World" argument. Ammo purchased from stores tends to be somewhat more expensive, and ordering it online is very simple. Just order a few 1000 rounds and it comes right to your door. Then you're set for awhile. Pretty easy.

As for 5.45 vs. 7.62-I'd go with 5.45, for many of the same reasons already listed on this thread. The controlibility of the 5.45 round is what puts it over the top for me: I can rapid fire a 30 round mag at a pie plate at 50 meters and keep them all near the center, and I'm not particularly skilled at rapid fire drills. The improved accuracy is nice, but I think the 7.62x39 round is adequate enough for most real world situations. The low recoil and controlibility of the 5.45 round are what make it such a joy to shoot.


That said-BUY BOTH!
Link Posted: 12/26/2006 10:01:25 AM EST
[#28]
7.62x39
Link Posted: 12/26/2006 10:02:19 AM EST
[#29]

Quoted:

Quoted:
The AK 74 ia plain and simply the better choice with more accuracy, greater hit probability, greater range, lighter weight and better ergos.

I am grateful our enemies predominately use the outdated AK47.


Better ergos?? Its the same damn gun from an ergonomic standpoint. Same for lighter weight, granted a loaded mag will weigh less, but otherwise you are at best talking a few ounces.


Do your homework.  The AK 103 is almost the same as an AK 74; other AKs are not.  I know it must be hard to get over it, but the AK 74 really is an improvement over the 60 year old AK47 design.  Different internal, stock angles etc.  
Link Posted: 12/26/2006 11:29:34 AM EST
[#30]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:
The AK 74 ia plain and simply the better choice with more accuracy, greater hit probability, greater range, lighter weight and better ergos.

I am grateful our enemies predominately use the outdated AK47.


Better ergos?? Its the same damn gun from an ergonomic standpoint. Same for lighter weight, granted a loaded mag will weigh less, but otherwise you are at best talking a few ounces.


Do your homework.  The AK 103 is almost the same as an AK 74; other AKs are not.  I know it must be hard to get over it, but the AK 74 really is an improvement over the 60 year old AK47 design.  Different internal, stock angles etc.  


I have done my homework. Frankly there is very little practical difference between an AKM and an AK-74, save for the MB and 90 deg gas block (which is important for only 5.45) with regards to ergonomics. The internals are virtually the same (esp on anything made here since it will likely be a G2 or RSA group). The furniture is pretty much the same, or can be made the same with little cost to the end user wood/vs plastic. Especially if you are talking about an AK-74 you can buy here vs an Ak-47/AKM/AK103 that can be had. I'm afraid you are nitpicking at things with little difference when it comes to weight and especially ergonomics, I own both and they are identical in that regard.

Get either or, it really depends on what features you want and the type of ammo. I perfer the 74 since mine is far more accurate and lighter recoil.

Also a big +1 for buying 5.45 online. Who cares if you can buy it at wally world.
Link Posted: 12/26/2006 12:16:37 PM EST
[#31]
You want to shoot 5.56?  Get an AR.  7.62 is the preferred choice of the K-man himself.  N'uff said.
Link Posted: 12/27/2006 4:32:51 PM EST
[#32]
AK74 is my favorite AK rifle caliber by a long shot.... it is just the most damn sexiest thing!

Link Posted: 12/27/2006 5:01:17 PM EST
[#33]

Quoted:
AK74 is my favorite AK rifle caliber by a long shot.... it is just the most damn sexiest thing!

i30.photobucket.com/albums/c336/Lxpony/Pictures1037.jpg


Dear God!  I just had an orgasm!  
Link Posted: 12/27/2006 7:54:57 PM EST
[#34]

Quoted:
AK74 is my favorite AK rifle caliber by a long shot.... it is just the most damn sexiest thing!

i30.photobucket.com/albums/c336/Lxpony/Pictures1037.jpg


When are you going to sell me that gem?
Link Posted: 12/28/2006 7:11:57 AM EST
[#35]
I had 74, it was just like AR.  Very useful if full-auto capable.

But alas, poor I am, I chose 7.62 because it hits harder than 5.xx mm and my gun is not capable of auto fire.

YMMV
Link Posted: 12/28/2006 7:27:37 AM EST
[#36]
I like my -74 (SAR-2), there were ammo availability problems for a little bit there.  Not that it was impossible to get, but it was on the rare side and a bit expensive.  Seems to have reversed itself in the past month or so and I just got my 1080can from AIM a day or two ago.

I'll be picking up another one I think and selling this one off probably, I'd like a -101 lookalike that's "no-ban."  My SAR2 has no FH, no lug, and the cleaning rod was missing when I bought it (used).

I won't be without an AK entirely at any point though, they just look to good to give up, especially with the wood furniture and bakelite mags.  No matte black AKs for me!

Link Posted: 12/28/2006 7:47:23 AM EST
[#37]

Quoted:
hands down 7.62x39



What he said


Mags, drums and ammo are plentiful.


I had a SAR3 and finding mags that worked were expensive and the modified 74 mags sucked.

MTK prefers the 7.62x39 that should be enough.
Link Posted: 12/28/2006 7:59:49 AM EST
[#38]
first AK should be an AK47(7.62x 39mm)
Link Posted: 12/28/2006 2:19:26 PM EST
[#39]
I own AK's in 5.45, 5.56, and 7.62.  I'd get a 7.62 AK before anything else.  I love the 5.45 but I don't shoot it as much as the others.
Link Posted: 12/28/2006 4:32:49 PM EST
[#40]

Quoted:
first AK should be an AK47(7.62x 39mm)


I agree with Jake.

I look at 74 owners as being a little more hardcore.

As far as ammo availability, just buy enough ammo to last a year or two and who cares if you can't find any at a brick and mortar store.
Link Posted: 12/29/2006 9:44:35 AM EST
[#41]




my AKS-74,.. built it myself and aside from the Arsenal SLR-106FR it is my favorite AK to shoot

less recoil and more accurate than any 7.62x39 AK out there,.

i have a at least 20-30 mags for it,.. and there is a shit ton of mags out there if i need more

i like ordering ammo online for it,... only because i have a greater selection and better prices than the gun stores around here (yes,. thats right it is on the shelf) i have over 4K of 5.45 with another 2K of it on the way. i like to have a little of everything,. Wolf,. Barnaul,.Uly,.7n6

so far this is the only -74 i have,. but as soon as i get recivers and the paperwork done i am going to build it some siblings,. a
AKS-74U,. and AK-105 to be exact if it was not for trying to stack away the expensive 5.56 ammo for my SA-M5 and SLR-106FR i could have already gotten started on building.

if this is going to be your first AK,... i would say get a 7.62x39,... and when you get a 5.45x39 (trust me you will end up with one sooner or later) you will appreciate the improvements over the -47's even more,... and if you can stack away enough $$$ save up for a few Arsenal's in 5.56

here is a old photo of the AK's i have



PSL 7.62x54R,... a over grown Ak on steroids,. get one, you will love it
GP WASR-10,.. my first AK,.. cheap as F***!, and ugly,. but i love it
SA-M5,.. milled 5.56,... nothing smoother on the planet
AKS-74,..same as above,. just dressed diffrent back then

whats not shown,.. the Arsenal SLR-106FR,.a Saiga getting ready to get sent off for a AK-104 conversion,..the RPK-47 i am have way thru building,.the M-92, AKS-74u, AK-105 kits sitting in boxes collectiing dust waiting on a recivers,.

what i have yet to get are M-76 in 8mm,.. a Saiga in .308,.. and a WASR 22 in .22LR

AK's are like crack,... once you start you will want more and more.






Link Posted: 12/29/2006 12:01:26 PM EST
[#42]

Quoted:

Quoted:
first AK should be an AK47(7.62x 39mm)


I agree with Jake.

I look at 74 owners as being a little more hardcore.

As far as ammo availability, just buy enough ammo to last a year or two and who cares if you can't find any at a brick and mortar store.


WTF?
Link Posted: 12/29/2006 2:35:55 PM EST
[#43]
I just can't argue with the statement, "get both!"  Lancaster Consulting AKM 47RS in 7.62x39 and a Bulgarian AK-74 clone (bottom).

Link Posted: 12/29/2006 4:58:26 PM EST
[#44]
Very nice BOS!!!
Link Posted: 12/29/2006 7:36:54 PM EST
[#45]

Quoted:
It's gonna Be a while before you can find 5.45 at Walmart.

So Far there is not ONE .223 AK that is both reliable AND has easy parts  
availability


7.62 is the way to go


SLR-106???  Where does this "unreliable" stuff come from?  Mine is absolutely dead reliabl with Bulgarian mags.
Link Posted: 12/30/2006 9:27:11 AM EST
[#46]
I think AK-74 owner's are a little more hardcore is because they probably already had a 7.62 and then chose the 74 over an M4gery which means they LOVE the AK.
Link Posted: 12/30/2006 10:34:39 AM EST
[#47]

Quoted:
I think AK-74 owner's are a little more hardcore is because they probably already had a 7.62 and then chose the 74 over an M4gery which means they LOVE the AK.


A few years ago I was having this decision to make.  Went with the 74 and loved the platform.  When more cash was in the account, picked up a VEPR 47.  Had to say why does everyone like this round?  Right now is the time to stack 5.45 deep, its a run round and you'll think twice before taking out your AR again.   YMMV  
Link Posted: 12/30/2006 2:10:58 PM EST
[#48]

Quoted:

Quoted:
first AK should be an AK47(7.62x 39mm)


I agree with Jake.

I look at 74 owners as being a little more hardcore.

As far as ammo availability, just buy enough ammo to last a year or two and who cares if you can't find any at a brick and mortar store.


i take this as one of the highest compliments you can pay me without knowing me personally.
Link Posted: 12/30/2006 2:28:17 PM EST
[#49]

Quoted:
I think AK-74 owner's are a little more hardcore is because they probably already had a 7.62 and then chose the 74 over an M4gery which means they LOVE the AK.


Yep.  That would descibe my history.
Link Posted: 12/31/2006 2:03:42 PM EST
[#50]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I think AK-74 owner's are a little more hardcore is because they probably already had a 7.62 and then chose the 74 over an M4gery which means they LOVE the AK.


Yep.  That would descibe my history.


i decided to build my AKS-74,.. i already had a AK-47,.and a pimped out AR (wich i sold to pay for my SA-M5)
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