I have access right now to an oxy/acetylene torch, but it's not at my house - it's at the garage where I bend my flats and do my welding.  I have several AK's to build.  Is there a compelling reason that I use a MAPP torch, such as less chance of damage, or is the acetylene torch superior?

I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy a $49 MAPP/Oxy setup; most of the stuff I do around the house I can do just fine with either propane or my butane torch so, although I'm sure I could use it, I don't really have a pressing need for a MAPP torch.

Soooo... can anyone tell me either why a MAPP/Oxy torch is the shiznit and I just gotta have one, or is the acetylene/oxy (free but slightly inconvenient) the way to go?

Go with anything that will quickly heat the metal to the desired temp.  Oxy acetylene works just fine.

you can use either

people use the mapp cause it costs less

use what you got

Cool.  I just saw MAPP being promoted everywhere, and wondered if the acetylene was too hot for it and maybe the MAPP was more foolproof.

How's the flaming brake fluid work for tempering?  Or should I use the torch for it too?

I used a hand held torch with Mapp gas 1st, then switched to a propane tank for 2nd heat treat