Prefer my Kalashnikov—not picky at all about dirt, and a bigger caliber.
I’m with you.
Cleaning a Kalashnikov all you need is to piss down the barrel, throw it in a river, then a knotted shoestring and some motor oil.
No fancy equipment.
Although, I do like the 5.45x39 better than either 7.62x39 or the American 5.56. Inexpensive, reliable, and very rugged.
Some things the Russians do very well.
“Prefer my Kalashnikov—not picky at all about dirt, and a bigger caliber.”
The piston ARs have the same advantages as the AK, still with better accuracy and range (7.62 version anyhow).
That said, the direct impingement ARs aren’t bad at all these days, especially with some of the better powders like TAC. I personally think the best option is the 6.5-6.8mm range of calibers. The 6.5-6.8 wildcat looks very interesting for instance, with 100-125gr bullets being the sweet spot - and useful ranges well beyond 800 meters.