The AK-47 is the most prolific rifle in the world. Because of that fact, this famous rifle has been considered the preferred rifle of ‘the enemy’ for decades. However, the popularity of the AK in the United States has dramatically increased over the past 10 to 20 years. Seeing a community within the gun culture grow around the AK platform is very interesting. More and more conventions, shooting competitions, and even YouTube channels have surfaced to highlight this profound rifle’s rich history, modifications, and enjoyment. So, what are some reasons YOU may want to buy one?
Battle Born
Before we discuss why you should own one, let’s look into the history of the AK-47. In 1941, Mikhail Kalashnikov was injured at the Battle of Bryansk and hospitalized until April 1942. At that time, Kalashnikov thought about what his comrades needed to win the war and save more Russian lives. While in the hospital, he listened to other soldiers complain about their current rifles, and the lifelong tinkerer knew he needed to act! As soon as he was discharged from the hospital, Mikhail hit the ground running in developing the next Russian service rifle.
His first attempt at developing a new submachine gun was not accepted. Yet, his simple and rugged design caught the eye of several generals. This design propelled Mikhail to design a rifle that was heavily influenced by the M1 Garand and again would lose out to another rifle that became known as the SKS. Nevertheless, Kalashnikov persisted, and in 1947, the Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947 was born. This rifle beat out other submissions from Vasily Degtyaryov and Georgy Shpagin to become the standard issue AK of the Soviet Union.
Since then, modifications and updates have been made between 1947 and the 1970s. These modifications (moving from the Type I to the Type II and III), not only increased the rifle’s durability but also moved the receiver from a milled to a stamped receiver. The stamped rifle, now known as the Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy (AKM), dramatically reduced the cost of manufacturing and the overall weight allowing for a more agile soldier. In 1974, the AK-74 was developed and issued, which followed the same modifications as the AKM, only with a new 5.45x39mm cartridge. The 5.45mm round came about directly from NATO’s 5.56x45mm round that was widely used during the Vietnam conflict.
Since the 1970s, the more modern 100 series AKs have explored different barrel lengths and chamberings to include 5.56mm. Post-USSR collapse, the even more modern AK-12 has seen action in the current Ukrainian conflict with varying degrees of success. Additional developments are also being made as Russia seeks to bring the AK further into the 21st century.
Top 5 Reasons to Own An AK
The history of the AK is fascinating, along with the developments of all the variants we see from countries like the former Yugoslavia, Poland, former East Germany, Romania, and even Egypt. But why would an American want an AK style rifle? Ultimately, there are five reasons why you should consider buying one. These reasons may seem nuanced or controversial, but this may convince you to try this iconic rifle.
The AK is Just Different
The first and most evident reason is that it is NOT an AR-15. While that may seem the most nuanced reason, here’s why. The popularity of the AR-15 has dramatically increased since the Global War on Terrorism and the sunsetting of the Assault Weapons Ban in 2004. Since then, every possible modification, update, and accessory has been made to the AR, which has made it kind of boring.
Conversely, the AK has not seen the same explosion of improvements until the last ten years or so. As more and more people turn their attention away from the “American Rifle,” the Kalashnikov is the obvious next viable option. This also bodes well for those people in the gun community that loves to tinker with their rifles to get them exactly how they like them.
Companies like Palmetto State Armory, Midwest Industries, RS Regulate, Texas Weapon Systems, and many more have burst on the scene to allow the newly introduced AK enthusiast to customize at will.
Ease of Use
The development of Kalashnikov’s rifle was specifically made for ease of use. Most of the conscripts, draftees, or volunteered service members in the Soviet army were not well educated. Due to this, Mikhail wanted to ensure the operation was as simple as possible. A lever that blocks the action is easy to understand as a safety and intuitive to manipulate allowing it to be fired, a large knob on the bolt makes charging the rifle quick to chamber a round, and a lever behind the magazine that will unlock it when pushed made the gun simple to use.
Disassembly was planned so there were no small, easy-to-lose pieces when field stripping. This has the added benefit of performing cleaning and maintenance quickly and easily. When using corrosive ammo, most of the cleaning can be done with a jug of water to neutralize the salty residue that would corrode the rifle if left unattended but also to wash away loose carbon. In turn, simplicity in maintenance allows an individual to focus on more essential items like training.
AKs Have Pistol Style Sights for a Reason
As mentioned, simplicity was crucial to the development of the AK. Another example is the notch and post-style sights that were common at the time with standard issue bolt actions like the M91/30 Mosin-Nagant or even most pistols. This made the transition from the AK-47 easy since the conscripted armies were already familiar with this style of sights.
Coupling the rudimentary sights with the 7.62x39mm round made teaching soldiers how to shoot the AK easy too. Zeroing techniques for the AK-47 allowed for a “minute of man” accuracy, which was much needed in the Soviet army as they equipped a growing ground force due to the escalating Cold War with the west in the 1950s. These techniques made hits on target possible by aiming center mass at any range from 0 to 300 yards.
The Russians also found that the AK’s iron sights could be used in quick target acquisition. We now refer to the method as the “caveman’s EoTech.” What they learned was that the rear sight could be placed at the base of the front sight, the ears of the front sight would help guide the shooter to the target, much like the housing of a red dot today, and the tip front sight could be easily placed on their target without, also like a red dot. This helped a nervous farmhand shoot a target up to 25 meters without aligning the post in the rear notch. Again, the simplicity of the sights created an environment for the Russian army to train an ever-increasing force quickly.
AKs Thrive in the Cold Weather
It is no mystery that Russia can be highly frigid! Over the centuries, the winters have been weaponized more than once to defeat an invading army, whether it be Napoleon or the Germans. Mikhail could watch this happen in real-time and knew his rifle needed to endure frigid environments. It was also a driving factor in developing the rifle with oversized controls to allow mittened hands the real estate to operate it. In addition, a large charging handle would enable a soldier to use their foot to “kick-start” the rifle should the bolt freeze shut. This is a feature that some speculate was adapted from the M1 Garand.
The rifle was also built with loose tolerances and, in some cases, slightly over-gassed to ensure inclement weather would not be the rifle’s demise. That is not to say it would withstand being buried in the mud; however, the loose tolerances would allow continued operation with some mud, dirt or other debris that might choke other rifles. This is why it has been the rifle of choice for countries like the sometimes rain-soaked Asian subcontinent or the arid Middle Eastern and African countries, propelling it as the pinnacle of versatility.
You’ll Become A Better Marksman
Finally, and probably the most controversial point, is that learning to master the AK platform will make you a better marksman! There is no doubt that the AR is over-engineered and has seen an evolution through the years to keep up with the times. The AKs, or at least many variants in the U.S., have not seen similar updates. That is not to say you cannot modify them; however, it is safe to say the AR is better out of the box. Yet, the AKs disadvantages are its strongest features. Here are three reasons why.
First, the AK is almost always heavier than the AR. But the additional weight will assist in mitigating the recoil of a .30 cal round from a small platform. Managing the AK’s recoil impulse will significantly help control the AR while moving from target to target or follow-up shots. Using the AK regularly will eventually make you stronger. Training with the AK will translate into a more agile AR user like a baseball player practicing with a heavier bat.
Second, using the iron sights in conjunction with ammunition that can be inconsistent is also highly frustrating. This has pushed many people away from the AK. Yet, mastery of these seemingly profound weaknesses will teach you how to judge distance better, understand how the wind impacts on target, and build your confidence, making you much more capable of hitting targets from any platform.
Lastly, the AK will teach you the efficiency of movement. Undoubtedly, the manual of arms is more cumbersome than the AR. With the AR, there is a button for everything. Conversely, the AK is plagued with levers and handles. However, it would be best to learn to eliminate wasted movement to be as fast in reloads or remedial action as someone on the AR. Many AK competition shooters have discovered this and can challenge similar competitors using ARs. The key is finding the most efficient means to complete the task needed to get your rifle back into the fight. That MAY require you to use your firing hand to operate a charging handle occasionally. But, conquering movement efficiency will only make you faster as you translate these learned techniques to the AR rifle.
Conclusion
It is unfair to say the AK will ever be ‘better’ than the AR. Both tools were designed for specific applications and for a particular type of person. However, the AK-style rifle offers a rich history, the uniqueness of not being an AR, and the possibility of making you a better marksman. While many will see its simplicity as its weakness, others will see it as a strength. We also see a renaissance with aftermarket accessories that elevate the civilian AK to a viable battle rifle to defend yourself, your family, and/or your home. For all these reasons, everyone should own at least one AK.