The two rifles everyone compares.The AK-47, the M16 and AR-15, and the AR-180, side by side.
1AK-47 vs M16 and AR-15
| AK-47 / AKM | M16 / AR-15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge | 7.62×39, heavier bullet | 5.56 NATO (.223), lighter and flatter |
| Operation | Long stroke gas piston | Direct gas impingement |
| Locking | Bolt locks into the receiver trunnion | Bolt locks into the barrel extension |
| Accuracy | Good to 300 yards | Better at long range |
| Reliability | Runs dirty, loose tolerances | Needs regular cleaning |
| Weight | Heavier rifle and ammo | Lighter rifle and ammo |
| Modularity | Stocks and grips swap, upper stays | Upper and lower split, many uppers on one lower |
| Cost | Cheap ammo, simple parts | More options, higher cost |
The early M16 problems in Vietnam came mostly from the wrong powder and no cleaning kits, and were fixed. The AK trades long range accuracy for simple parts and reliability in dirt and sand. For most civilian shooting both work well; the AR is the better long range rifle and the AK the easier rifle to keep running.
2AK-47 vs AR-180
The AR-180 from ArmaLite, built under license by Sterling in England, is the closest Western design to the AK. Both use stamped steel receivers, a gas piston and a folding or fixed stock, and both were meant to be cheap to make. The original AK-47.us test set a Romanian AK beside a Sterling AR-180, each with a 40 round magazine, a bayonet and a detachable scope mount.
| AK-47 (Romanian) | AR-180 (Sterling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear sight | Front of the receiver | Rear of the receiver, longer sight radius |
| Scope mount | Side rail, sits high | Machined mount, sits low and solid |
| Stock options | Hundreds of stocks and grips | Few, hard to find |
| Magazines | Wider, longer and stronger | Smaller and lighter |
| Bayonet | AKM bayonet with wire cutter | Standard US M7 dagger |
| Parts | Easy to find | Hard to find |
