“I never got the purpose of an AK-74. They don’t have the accuracy of an AR15 nor the knockdown of an AK47.”
Much lighter ammunition and flatter trajectory, I suppose.
Also remember that the Soviets considered the West to be extremely clever. This is sort of their copy of the M-16.
Another example: The market “sets” prices by supply and demand. In the Soviet Union, they did not allow the market, so how did they “set” prices? They read the London papers and set their prices from them.
I always wondered if they were just trying to piggyback on American R&D on the cheap.
I also believe it is partly hollowed bullet breaking inside and stopping enemies more effectively than the 7.62 making clean holes.
Actually, it’s reasonable to say a well built AK74 is right on par with AR15 accuracy using only Russian surplus ammo. I do love the AR15, however I have seen enough in person to realize that. The 5.45x39 was in fact the Russian’s answer to our M16.
In sub zero climates with minimal access to supplies, the 74 makes sense in those type situations. Minimal upkeep and as a military weapon has proven to be the same in desert warfare. For a hiker in the woods it is a simple to tote around choice. It has it’s place for sure. There were actually bolt action sniper rifles chambered in 5.45x39 used in East Germany.