Hey guys,

I want to assemble a list of legitimate (not necessarily universally accepted) issues and complaints about the AK system. Just real concerns (and even ones that have been addressed by the aftermarket).

I will add to the list as points are made.

I'll get it started...

1. At the very top of the list for me is the lack of elegant optics mounting solutions. The AK's top cover design means you will not be able to mount an optic to the top cover without having a wandering zero. Back when I was heavily into Aks about 10 years ago I really liked the Ultimak, but it was basically a gas tube held stable by screwed on metal half rings attached to the barrel. It worked pretty decent, but it meant your dot was going to be waaaaay forward which limits just how sloppy your head position can be when using it (which is one of the red-dots greatest features in my mind). RS Regulate mounts and the like are apparently pretty good these days, but you still end up with a contraption clamped to the side of your gun with a series of screws and locktite holding your optics over the barrel.

2. Selector switch is a mess. The selector switch on the AK is on the right side and requires a fairly awkward maneuver for anybody not equipped with wookie hands. Krebs came out with a lever with a shelf that helps a bit. But this thing is yucky, even by comparison to other barely post ww2 designs like the Cetme and straight-up garbage compared to the AR.

3. The charging/ bolt handle is awkwardly positioned for most folks. Like the selector, the bolt lever is positioned so that right handed folks have to perform one of a few fairly goofy maneuvers to charge the bolt. The AK12 design, if it ever gets off the ground, seems to have finally fixed this by putting it on the other side and pushing the handle forward.


4. Insane variations in quality. I have been burned, BAD by QC issues in the past. My first AK was a ban-era Mak 90, which was awesome. My second was a ban-era Hungarian FEG AKM, which was awesome (and I had it converted by Jim fuller and I sold it like a DUMBASS). Then I started buying Wasrs and Gps and good lord my shooting buddies have had 74s that wouldn't stabilize anything, I have seen gas tubes just come loose etc. Canted front sight posts, cracking gas levers, loose selectors, tight selectors, random full auto, you name it. And I gather things have gotten worse. Over the years I learned a lot. You can still get a good, relatively cheap AK, but you have to be very careful. I have had two PAP-92 AK pistols. One I bought from a friend after I discovered it shot straight. One I bought online which I had to shift the sight into the next zip code (traded). That being said, I have an EXCELLENT wasr right now that I selected after Clyde's let me look through all their stock.

5. Not particularly accurate. Some folks say it is "combat accurate." It is definitely sufficiently accurate, especially before it gets hot.

6. No bolt hold open.

7. Usually lots of sharp edges.

8. Magazine insertion/reloading is more difficult that the AR-15. Rocking in an AK mag is both more difficult to insert and eject than the AR-15. It can be done well, and certain training workarounds are possible, but it clearly inferior to the AR.



8. Can't get a nice straight shot at the bore from the chamber end, for no-flexin'-da-rod cleaning.



9. Parts replacement can be a problem. Unlike the AR, there really isn't a standard or "mil-spec" reference that everyone can point to, There are endless varieties of parts and many require gunsmith fitting. Barrel replacement is gunsmith only.

9. A. If something actually breaks, you are done. If an AR bolt breaks you can just drop in a replacement. Very little other than grips and stocks and maybe trigger components can be replaced by regular users if they break.





HERESY

I will include my personal contention here that the Ak is not as durable as the M4 carbine. I will take it on faith that it is generally more reliable, but I have just seen too many random parts failures in the allegedly indestructible AK47 rifles compared to ARs. FLAME SUIT ACTIVATED.