Why do you run an AK?

[Auto426]

I don't really 'run' an AK, but I do own them and shoot them.

The main reasons behind my ownership are the prices of the guns themselves and their ammunition. I have an older Waafen Werks Bulgarian 74 build and I just recently ordered a new WASR10 from Atlantic. Both were inexpensive rifles that run on cheap ammo and have relatively cheap accesories.

I also like to think of myself as a collector with a special interest in modern intermediate caliber military rifles, and you can't have a collection if those without an AK or two. My Waffen resembles an AK-74M and the WASR fills the role of a classic AKM. I'm also thinking of picking up an AES-10B because who doesn't love a cheap RPK?

[lowprone]

I got my first introduction to the AK 47 at a place called Hill 55 in 1968.
Been interested in them ever since, even though the ergonomics suck,
the cartridge is very viable, plentiful, relatively inexpensive, and I am a
gunny, how could I not have one.
Pre Ban Hungarian FEG w / Russian laminate

[Airhasz]

I own a Yugo under folder because it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot and I have all the AR gear that I want.

[Wake27]

I don't really 'run' an AK, but I do own them and shoot them.

The main reasons behind my ownership are the prices of the guns themselves and their ammunition. I have an older Waafen Werks Bulgarian 74 build and I just recently ordered a new WASR10 from Atlantic. Both were inexpensive rifles that run on cheap ammo and have relatively cheap accesories.

I also like to think of myself as a collector with a special interest in modern intermediate caliber military rifles, and you can't have a collection if those without an AK or two. My Waffen resembles an AK-74M and the WASR fills the role of a classic AKM. I'm also thinking of picking up an AES-10B because who doesn't love a cheap RPK?

Hmm, that was a dangerous post for me to read. I hadn't looked into the price of WASR's recently and hadn't even considered the RPK. My wife won't be happy.

[wildcard600]

I got into AK's originally because they were cheap. Back in the late 90's I picked up my SAR-1 for around $300, and ammo was $70 for a case of 1000. At that time, the only experience I had with AR's was friends Bushmasters or DPMS piles of dung, and from that I concluded that AR's were junk.

Fast forward a couple of years and I was exposed to Colt AR's and I realized that not all AR's were complete POS's but the price held me off. As time went on, a buddy of mine turned me on to BCM and I stared piecing together my own rifles as funds allowed.

I still have my AK's and would not hesitate to us them in any scenario I could imagine, but having quality AR's at my disposal that I trust is a great feeling as well.

If it came down to a "The Road" SHTF situation, I would probably pick the AK in all honesty due to the lower maintenance requirements in my experience, but I wouldn't feel hindered by any of the BCM's either.

Get both and enjoy the experience IMO.

[SteyrAUG]

I run AKs because sometimes it rains a lot and I don't want to get my Colts wet.

[MegademiC]

First real rifle was an ak (couldn't afford a decent AR). I would take a cheap ak over a cheap ar anyday. A good AR beats the crap out of any AK, that said, its the person behind the gun. ARs are easier to learn, and you can be better with them, but if you practice, you can get really quick and efficient with an AK. They are the best budget option IMO.

[Ouroborous]

The short answer for me is (was) the 7n6 round. Got a 74 first and also ended up building a 5.45 AR upper too.

From there, the platform just kinda grew on me and a 7.62x39 Ak found its way into my safe.

Still love my AR's but AK's are just plain fun and still relatively cheap to shoot.

[Kalash9305]

I love AK's because they're simple
Even a caveman idiot ( i.e. me lol ) can run 'em.
However I am fortunate enough to be able to afford both platforms and it's pretty safe to say that over the last 10yrs since the expiration of AWB the quality and reliability of AR's has gone up exponentially thanks to the fine tuning the private sector affords to a military product.
You can't go wrong either way these days.
One thing I will say however is that yesterday at my local range it started to rain cats and dogs.
I put my 6920 SOCOM in the case, tugged my shooting cap on tight and ran a few more mags of 7.62x39 thru my SGL 26 before I split
It was a blast ... literally

[cma g21]

... I would take a cheap ak over a cheap ar anyday...

+1

I prefer a top tier AR to even the best AK - although I do own both. But if money were tight, and/or choices really limited due to shortages, etc., I too would take a cheap AK over a low-end AR any day. YMMV.