I don't think this one has been done before, but please forgive me if it has. How many, if provided the time machine and given their choice, would choose your SEMI-AUTO AK for WWII combat over any of the available weapons of the time? I know the Stg44 probably comes close, but I personally think that even as a semi-auto, the stamped AKM is still slightly superior. Primarily because of weight and the handguards. Stg handguards are sheet metal and heat up very quickly. Even as a semi, I think the AK would still win out for overall utility over any of the SMGs or rifles of the time for common combat conditions. At long range, it would suffer in comparison to the M1, Mauser, etc., but for CQB to 200, I would prefer the AK.
Since this is the AK forum, I know it's asking the choir if they want to sing, but maybe someone else looks at it from a different angle.