Best Semi-Automatic Rifle for Beginners: AR-15 vs AK-47
Quickly learn the pros/cons of the AR-15 vs AK-47 debate. We'll cover ergonomics, reliability, cost, accessories, and even recommended models.
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One of the endless debates in the gun world...AR-15 vs AK-47.
You can't go wrong with either for your first centerfire gun.
The easiest way out is to just buy both!
But there might be one that is more suited for your needs...find out as we cover the history, calibers, ergonomics, reliability, cost, and accessories for both.
Table of Contents
History
The Russian AK-47 was invented by Mikhail Kalashnikov and aligned with design doctrines of being easy to mass produce, easy to maintain, and easy to operate.
WWII taught the Russians that most fighting in the future would likely take place in shorter distances and so they chose the shorter 7.62x39mm round instead of previous 7.62x54mm rounds.
This allowed for good penetration, less recoil, and less raw materials needed.
However, the American ideology continued to favor longer distance fighting.
The M16 was created by Eugene Stoner and Armalite to be light, accurate, and effective up to 500+ yards.
They went with the 5.56x45mm round which had very light recoil and materials needed while having a high velocity which aided in its penetration.
The AR-15 is just the civilian semi-automatic firing model where the AR stands for "Armalite," not "Assault Rifle." While the M4 is the shorter automatic version.
Caliber
You can see above that the 7.62x39mm AK round is roughly the same length as the AR 5.56x45mm but it has a much larger bullet (roughly 3x heavier).
So which is better? Answer is that it all depends:
Velocity
AR round is faster velocity and more accurate when shot through the AR platform. With a good rifle/skill you can expect to group your shots within 1 inch at 100 yards. Normal shooters/rifles would be happy with 2-3 inches.
Deadliness
The faster velocities and design of 5.56 NATO cause the bullet to yaw (or tumble) when it hits flesh.
This creates wounds disproportional to the size of the bullet. This also aids in much lower penetration through barriers than you might expect, making it a far better choice for home defense.
On the other hand, if penetration of barriers such as car doors or dry wall is something you want -- 7.62x39mm has much mass to get the job done.
Bullet Weight
Common weights for 5.56 NATO is 55gr, 69gr, and 77gr. 7.62x39mm are much heavier at 122-124gr and 154gr.
Lightweight 5.56 means higher speeds and easier long range shots. Heavy 7.62x39 equals easier to suppress, more penetration, and higher recoil.
Recoil
Recoil energy is noticeably more with the AK (~30-40%) but not uncomfortable to shoot.
Ergonomics
This one is hands down AR-15 due to a variety of aspects.
Faster Magazine Changes
The AR has a magazine release button that is accessed with the shooting hand while the AK has a lever that is pressed with the non-shooting hand.
Magazines also easily go into the magazine well while the AK magazine has to be rocked into place.
While the AK can be made to be almost as fast with good training, it does require a learning curve. Bonus though, you can do this with an AK:
Safety
The safety lever is also easily accessed by the shooting hand's thumb (if right handed) while the AK has a bulky lever on the right side.
This lever requires the hand to move off the grip, is slow to use, and has a loud click when used.
Bolt Release
The AR also has an easily accessed bolt release on the left side which can be manipulated by the non-shooting hand after a new magazine has been inserted.
Charging Handle
Located at the rear for the AR and on the right side for the AK.
For right-handed people, you usually have to use your left hand underneath the gun to rack it. Annoying to say the least.
Bolt Hold Open
The AK also does not lock open after the last shot is fired. You have to insert a new magazine and rack the charging handle.
Sights
Standard AR peep sights are also much easier to use than the AK's sights.
Already made up your mind? Check out our Guide to Buying Your First AR-15 and also Best AK-47.
Reliability & Maintenance
While this is hotly debated, it shouldn't be. The AR-15 is the better system, kind of.
Where the AK shines is with zero maintenance, and we really mean zero. No lube, no cleaning, no training, no replacement parts. Under those unlikely and grossly neglectful conditions, the AK will probably outlast an AR.
Look at the AKs still in service around the world and you can quickly see examples of these.
That said, those rifles are inaccurate, jam, and are in no way on par with a properly maintained rifle.
The AR-15 requires at least a little maintenance in its life. A touch of lube, a cleaning once every several thousand rounds, and it will keep on trucking like you wouldn't believe.
It is also a much more sealed up design allowing for it to be dropped in the mud, dragged through sand, and blasted with dust better than an AK.
Do even the barest minimum of TLC for an AR and it will out last and out perform an AK.
Cost
Right now, prices are crazy. As of March 2021, you'll find AR-15s for about $700+ and AKs for $900+. It's a weird and wild world right now and prices are changing all the time.
Ammo is also a huge question, normally on average 7.62x39 will be cheaper than 5.56 NATO -- but that is normally because you almost always buy 7.62x39 steel cased and 5.56 brass cased ammo.
Steel for steel and brass of brass, the prices are much more even.
For comparisons and recommendations, check out our Best Places to Buy Ammo Online.
Accessories
A lot of AR-15's come with rails that let you have an endless possibility of accessories such as bipods, lights, and optics.
Almost everything you see can be customized such as the pistol grips and buttstocks.
Just be sure not to go overboard...You'll see this referred to with either mild disgust or pride as being "tacticool."
Ready to upgrade? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Upgrading the AR-15.
AK's have a harder time with accessories but there are mounts that allow optics to be placed above the dustcover, as well as gas tube replacements that allow rails up front.
Models
Check out our guide How to Choose Your First AR-15. If you want the short answer though, here are a couple that we love.
Simple, easy to use, and a great price -- PSA makes the best "everyman" AR-15 on the market right now.
If you want one of the best names in the industry, Daniel Defense is a great option. You'll pay for it, but these are rifles backed up with an outstanding reputation.
We love AKs, these are a few of the best:
Again, PSA! They've come a long way since they started making AKs and the Gen 3+ are just awesome. You can get them with CHF barrels, chrome lined, and built like tanks.
Parts kits built over seas and imported into the USA for assembly, the WASR-10 is a classic that will never die. And they are ultra reliable.
Conclusion
I have a couple AR-15's and AK-47's and my conclusion for a first gun depends on your end use.
If you're looking for a soft recoiling accurate gun that you can spend time thinking how to upgrade and even use for competition, get the AR-15.
If you just want to have one gun that will always keep running, get the AK-47.
Or just get both!
Parting Shots
We have collected ALL our articles on the AR-15 here...the Definitive AR-15 Guide.
What did you end up choosing? Let us know in the comments!