Apples and oranges...So many of us are totally gear/equipment dependent these days...
I prefer the AR platform for it’s modular design, ease of modification, and great array of accessories available. Moreover, as a 30+ year military and civilian user of the rifle in many different incarnations, for many diferent applications, my experiences have been positive. Overall, the AR/M16 is a much more capable platform than the AK.
Such TV comparisons are entertainment, but otherwise meaningless in the real world. Neither rifle is worth a damn if it doesn’t function, and both make lousy clubs.
In general, the AR15/M16 and AK47 are both battle proven weapon systems either of which, in the hands of a trained user, will more than do the job for which they were designed.
Both have strong points and weaknesses; like people they both have their quirks.
The AR/M16 has a tighter chamber and tolerances, uses direct gas impingement to operate the bolt, is more sensitive to dirt, grit and fouling, and is therefore more maintenance intensive than the AK.
The AR/M16 has superior sights and a much longer sight radius; it is more accurate. The AK sights are inferior to the AR’s with a short sight radius...
The .223/5.56mm cartridge is considered “puny” by many...Wondering myself what all the dead Iraqi insurgents and Taliban have to say about that...Hmm? Oh yeah, they’re dead...The 7.62x39 does hit harder at the same range. The .223/5.56 round is flatter shooting, the AK round drops faster.
The AK is what is considered “combat accurate”. The experienced AK user can consistently put round after round into a torso target at 200 yards; with the AR in 16” carbine configuration, I can consistently hit torso targets at 400 yds.
The AK is designed for use by illiterate conscripts with little or no mechanical knowledge and skill, to run reliably with little or no cleaning or maintenance by troops and irregulars having little or no supply support.
The “faults” of the AR/M16 can be dealt with by running it wet, keeping it clean and the cover closed.
A “jam” is a mechanical stoppage which requires tools and gunsmithing to clear. Most contributors are actually referring to malfunctions, IMHO.
Malfunctions are more often than not caused (induced) by the jockey and not the horse, and are more a matter of inadequate training and experience with the rifle than the fault of the rifle itself.
All three types of malfunctions can be cleared rapidly under stress after a bit of training, backed up with practice.
Anyone who uses a semi-automatic rifle of any type and does not practice malfunction drills until they are automatic is foolish.
Bottom line...Pick a rifle you can shoot well, learn its ins and outs, and practice, practice and practice some more...
Invest some $$$ in high quality traiining with a professional instructor, especially if you think you’ll ever use the rifle to defend family and self...When the SHTF, you will be glad you did.
“If you know how to shoot, it doesn’t matter what you shoot...If you don’t know how to shoot, it doesn’t matter what you shoot...” Grandpa Tom
Don’t forget, for decades ammunition for the AK has been available in almost every country of the world, AR-15 ammo not so much.
Good post. What most on this thread fail to acknowledge is that the AK is a fine close distance rifle ASSUMING you have coverage by MGs, designated marksmen/snipers etc at longer ranges.
This military unit level balance of weapons equation DOES NOT APPLY to one AK vs one AR.
Past 200 yards, a solo fellow with an AK is dead meat if he must cross open ground.
And sooner or later, everybody has to.