Downside to AK only?

[jwperry]

Doing a lot of outdoors camping and boating lead me to purchase a side folding AK (SLR106) for its compactness. I can fold it and stick it in my backpack and it works reliability without lubricant(which is caused by me flipping over in my kayak which has happened). All in all, I like it. But, it serves the same purpose as my AR15. I've found no discernible difference in accuracy potential out to 230 yards(the max I can shoot/measure at) between the SLR and my AR.

My worry goes into the training aspect. I've received the blessing from SWMBO to get do more rifle training. I've been trying to find as many resources on 'neutral' sites about the pros/cons of having the AK as the only training rifle. I've read through rob_s's "A year with the AK" and didn't really find anything that would be a detriment. But, on the other hand, some trainers and training regiments seem to be geared to NATO/M4FOW shooting only.

Am I over thinking this?

[Jay Cunningham]

You seem to be thinking about it quite well.

Look, the AK is the most ubiquitous carbine in the world, followed closely by the AR. They are both great rifles and will serve you well if you have a good one and learn how to use it.

The 5.56mm AKs are *really nice* IF they run well - which sometimes they don't. There definitely are some quirks to getting the most out of running an AK as compared to efficiently running an M4 type carbine.

[GJM]

I have an Arsenal 107CR, and it has been terrific for me -- as long as you don't mind shooting in flight gloves, to avoid the sharp edges when running it hard, are OK with slower reloads, and don't want to run a conventional optic/ NV monocular. Not sure I get the rationale for an AK in a caliber other than 7.62x39, though?

[BWT]

I have an Arsenal 107CR, and it has been terrific for me -- as long as you don't mind shooting in flight gloves, to avoid the sharp edges when running it hard, are OK with slower reloads, and don't want to run a conventional optic/ NV monocular. Not sure I get the rationale for an AK in a caliber other than 7.62x39, though?

Best of both worlds, maybe?

Cheap High Quality Commercial ammo available in many varieties and an AK?

I don't know about you, but there have been some moments recently where 7.62x39mm was a bit sparse as in, I could find none... Okay, I could find it at 6-8$ a box of 20, so in my mind, I could find none. But, also, buying say a case of a 1,000 .223 and being able to share it amongst all of your weapons, is nice as well.

ETA: The only thing that kills the 105 for me... is that they cost a $1,000 these days. Literally two years ago they were in the 700's.

[Lon]

If they would let me carry an AK at work I never would have sold my Arsenal SAM-5. I loved that rifle. It ran like a scalded dog. I never felt like i was at a disadvantage with it. Won quite a few local rifle matches with it. I sent it off for the Lightning Bolt mod (left side charging handle) which made it even better. I bought a 5.45 AK for training
Classes since ammo is so cheap. Matter of fact, i would have bought a 106 and SBR'd it for work if I could carry it.

With proper training and practice an AK is not that much slot to run than an AR. You can also drop a micro aimpoint on your 106 and have an even better setup. A good trainer will be able to instruct both AK AND AR platforms.

[rob_s]

The primary downside is that IF it breaks in a class you're likely to be on your own. Forget mags? you're on your own.

Also bear in mind that manipulations and such will be taught to the M4 so if you don't get AK-specific training first you're going to have to make it up on your own. The key to my year with the AK was taking Randy Cain's AK Operators class first to learn how to run the gun. I changed some things from what he taught us over the course of the year but I started with a good base.

[ford.304]

If you don't mind the slight derail, can I get a link to the "A year with the AK" mentioned? I ran several google searches and came up empty.

[Al T.]

But, on the other hand, some trainers and training regiments seem to be geared to NATO/M4FOW shooting only.

True, but. Once you have a good basis in training, it's simpler to adjust to what ever platform your running. Sort of like once you learn to drive a car, you can take that skillset and apply it to a forklift, lawn mower, truck, etc., etc.

I'd also note that Randy Cain has some carbine classes just down I-4 from you.

http://www.guntactics.com/schedule.htm

[Al T.]

Ford - ask and ye shall receive.

http://www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/p...365-days-of-ak

[ford.304]

Thanks.