AK-47 vs AR-15 rifles remains one of the top debates in the world of firearms. AR-15 rifles are lighter in weight compared to the AK-47, and they also have a higher rate of accuracy.
The AK-47 and AR-15 rifles are widely used by the military and police. They are also used for general purposes such as hunting and self-defence.
There is a comparison between the AK-47 and the AR-15 as well as there are differences. That is what we have discussed in this guide, so continue reading to find out more about the differences between these rifles.
AK-47
Officially known as the Avtomat Kalashnikova, the AK-47 rifle is a gas-operated assault rifle developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The Kalashnikov or AK is an assault rifle that is chambered for the 7.62 x 39mm cartridge.
The assault rifle is the originating firearm of the Kalashnikov family rifle.
The design work to manufacture the AK-47 rifle began in 1945. The AK-47 rifle was presented for official military trial two years later. In 1948, the fixed-stock version of the rifle was officially introduced into active service for specific units of the Soviet Army.
The AK-47 rifle was officially accepted by the Soviet Armed Forces in 1949. The AK-47 was also used by most of the member states of the Warsaw Pact.
The AK-47 assault rifle has been manufactured in various countries worldwide. Currently, it’s estimated that about 500 million assault rifles are in circulation worldwide, with about 100 million belonging to the Kalashnikov family.
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AR-15 Style Rifle
AR-15-style rifles are lightweight semi-automatic rifles that have a higher rate of accuracy. An AR-15 style rifle is any semi-automatic rifle that is based on similar to the Colt AR-15 design.
AR-15-style rifles are widely used by both the military and police. Eugene Stoner developed the AR-15 rifle in the late 1950s. The AR-15 rifle is an air-cooled gas-operated rifle and its name stands for “ArmaLite Rifle–15”.
The AR-15 rifle is widely known for its modular design and accuracy. It’s often used in civilian applications and also by law enforcement. The AR-15 rifle fires the .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge.
The military version of the AR-15 is the M16, while the civilian variants are popular as they have become the symbol of modern sporting rifles.
AK-47 vs AR-15: Key Differences between AK-47 and AR-15
Officially known as the Avtomat Kalashinikova, the AK-47 rifle is a gas-operated assault rifle developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The Kalashnikov or AK is an assault rifle that is chambered for the 7.62 x 39mm cartridge.
AR-15-style rifles are widely used by both the military and police. Eugene Stoner developed the AR-15 rifle in the late 1950s. The AR-15 rifle is an air-cooled gas-operated rifle and its name stands for “ArmaLite Rifle–1”.
The design work to manufacture the AK-47 rifle began in 1945. The AK-47 rifle was presented for official military trial two years later.
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AK-47 vs AR-15: Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy, the AR-15 rifle is a better option.
AK-47 is a powerful assault rifle, but it’s more popular for its lack of accuracy. The rifle still performs accurate hits when you are in a short. Besides that, your marksmanship skills must be very impressive to hit targets from a far range.
The AR-15 rifle is known for its accuracy. It’s also the better option for tighter tolerances.
AK-47 Vs AR-15: Weight
It’s important to consider the weight of your preferred rifle. The weight of a rifle will matter is situations where one needs to act quickly to defend themselves or their family.
The AR-15 “ArmaLite Rifle – 15” weighs about 2.94 kilograms (6.5 pounds), while the AK-47 rifle weighs 3.85 kilograms (8.5 pounds) in its stock condition.
AK-47 vs AR-15: Fire Rate
The rate of fire of these rifles is something that may not be considered as being too important since all automatic rifles run out of bullets fast.
The AK-47 is a gas-operated assault rifle that has a firing rate of 600 rounds per minute.
In contrast, the AR-15 comes with 800 rounds per minute, offering more firing rounds than the AK-47. If you want a rifle that fires bullets quickly within a few seconds, the AR-15 is your best option.
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AK-47 vs AR-15: Reloading
Reloading is one of the most important things to consider when handling a rifle.
For the AK-47 rifle, you need to grip the unloaded magazine and at the same time, you need to get the lever while rocking the old empty magazine out of the rifle. After that, the new magazine is then pressed into the rifle.
It’s easier to reload an AR-15 rifle. By pressing the button, the magazine drops, so a new one can be pushed in.
AK-47 vs AR-15: Chances of Failure
Both the AK-47 and the AR-15 are rifles that can malfunction sometimes. But how often can these rifles malfunction?
The AR-15 has a bad reputation for failing more often than the AK-47 rifle.
The AK-47 rifle beats the AR-15 in this one. The AK-47 is designed to function in harsh environments.
AK-47 vs AR-15: Pricing
The price of the AK-47 rifle ranges between $300 to $750. The AR-15 is more expensive as its price ranges between $750 to $1,500.
So the AK-47 is more affordable compared to the AR-15.
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AK-47 vs AR-15: Range
When it comes to range, the AR-15 wins this round. The maximum effective range of fire for the AR-15 ranges from 400 to 600 meters.
The AK-47 on the other hand has a firing range of 300 meters when it’s in automatic rifle mode and 400 meters when it’s in semi-automatic rifle mode.
Comparison Chart
| AK–47 | AR-15 | |
| Origin | Soviet Union | United States |
| Gas system | Gas-operated | Gas-operated |
| Cartridge | 7.62x39mm | .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Magazine type | Curves magazine | Straight or curved magazine |
| Weight | 4.3 kilograms (9.5 pounds) with empty magazine | 2.27 to 3.9 kilograms |
| Variants | AK-47 1948–51, AK-47 1952, AKS-47, RPK, AKM (most ubiquitous variant), AKMS | .223Remington/5.56x45mm, .45 ACP, 5.7x28mm, 6.5 mm Grendel, .338 Lapua, 6.8 mm Remington SPC, .50 Beowulf and .50 BMG. |
| Barrel length | 415 mm (16.3 inches) | 508 mm |
| Rate of fire | 600 rounds/min cyclic | 800 rounds/min |
| Designer | Mikhail Kalashnikov | Eugene Stoner |
| Muzzle velocity | 715 m/s (2,346 ft/s) | 975 m/s (3,200 ft/s) |
Conclusion
The AK-47 and the AR-15 are reliable rifles with their distinct features.
The AK-47 is a gas-operated assault rifle that has a firing rate of 600 rounds per minute. In contrast, the AR-15 comes with 800 rounds per minute, offering more firing rounds than the AK-47.
AK-47 is a powerful assault rifle, but it’s more popular for its lack of accuracy.
The AR-15 rifle is known for its accuracy, so it’s a better option than the AK.
