Unpopular opinion incoming

[Alan]

I think AKs are better than ARs for most people. Yeah I said it. They're simpler, more forgiving, and just work. ARs are great but everyone acts like they're perfect when they can be picky. Come at me AR guys, let's debate this.

 

[LoProfile]

I'd prefer an SKS or M1A over both

Only advantage an AK or AR has is magazine capacity

 

[Bronzy]

I love my AR, but AKs run like tractors and never complain.

 

[Janizary]

Why not both? I own and shoot multiples of both.

Some interesting information provided to TFB by Battlefield Vegas on the durability of its rental guns. What breaks, what doesn't, etc. It's anecdotal, but they have no reason to lie:

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/06/03/how-many-rounds-can-an-ak-fire-before-it-breaks-down/

TL/DR:

• Stamped receivers crack, all of them. Even the big names
• US (Century), Bulgarian and Chinese milled receivers have yet to fail
• They have yet to shoot out a WASR barrel (If you understand barrel life expectancy, that is an amazing statement!)
• Cracked trunnions typically happen between 80K and 100K rounds

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https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/09/08/ar-endurance-findings-at-a-rental-range/

TL/DR:

Note: They don’t carry piston guns other than TDI415 (HK416 clone) uppers (for those who want to shoot the ‘Call of Duty’ gun). Other piston guns have not lasted (but they won’t give details on the OEs).

· Barrels, gas tube, bolts, cam pins wear out and need to be replaced over extended use. However, uppers and lower themselves have never seem to wear out or break (unlike AKs where the rails will crack on the receiver after extended use or receiver cracks/trunnion cracks - their notes, not my opinion)

· Charging handles wear out. (If you've shot enough on an AR-pattern rifle you know this to be true)

· Brownell’s USGI mags have run the best and lasted longest of all the mags used they have used (even PMAGs)

· Cleaning AR BCGs is a PITA. Armorer's hate cleaning them. Rain is wet and you will die some day. Next.

 

[Alan]

I'd prefer an SKS or M1A over both

Only advantage an AK or AR has is magazine capacity

Can’t argue with that, both are solid classics with serious punch.

 

[Alan]

I love my AR, but AKs run like tractors and never complain.

That’s exactly my point, AKs just chug along without drama.

 

[Alan]

Why not both? I own and shoot multiples of both.

Some interesting information provided to TFB by Battlefield Vegas on the durability of its rental guns. What breaks, what doesn't, etc. It's anecdotal, but they have no reason to lie:

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/06/03/how-many-rounds-can-an-ak-fire-before-it-breaks-down/

TL/DR:

• Stamped receivers crack, all of them. Even the big names
• US (Century), Bulgarian and Chinese milled receivers have yet to fail
• They have yet to shoot out a WASR barrel (If you understand barrel life expectancy, that is an amazing statement!)
• Cracked trunnions typically happen between 80K and 100K rounds

---------------------

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/09/08/ar-endurance-findings-at-a-rental-range/

TL/DR:

Note: They don’t carry piston guns other than TDI415 (HK416 clone) uppers (for those who want to shoot the ‘Call of Duty’ gun). Other piston guns have not lasted (but they won’t give details on the OEs).

· Barrels, gas tube, bolts, cam pins wear out and need to be replaced over extended use. However, uppers and lower themselves have never seem to wear out or break (unlike AKs where the rails will crack on the receiver after extended use or receiver cracks/trunnion cracks - their notes, not my opinion)

· Charging handles wear out. (If you've shot enough on an AR-pattern rifle you know this to be true)

· Brownell’s USGI mags have run the best and lasted longest of all the mags used they have used (even PMAGs)

· Cleaning AR BCGs is a PITA. Armorer's hate cleaning them. Rain is wet and you will die some day. Next.

Great data. High round counts really show strengths and long-term weaknesses clearly.