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Factbox: The M4 and AK-47 Compared

Discussion in 'Guns & Hunting' started by Packman73, May 26, 2010.

  1. May 26, 2010 at 9:35 AM
    #1
    Packman73

    Packman73 [OP] ^^^^ 3%er ^^^^

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    http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/05/25/factbox-rifles-compared/
    Taliban fighters in Afghanistan are attacking U.S. Army soldiers with AK-47s, while the army relies upon the M4 Assault rifle. The AK-47 uses a larger bullet, which leads to more kickback upon firing. Some reports indicate that the U.S. Army is looking to upgrade the weapons being used in Afghanistan to larger caliber guns.
    Here, the differences between the two weapons.
    [​IMG]
    M4 Carbine
    ABOUT:
    * Entered Army Service in 1997
    * A compact version of the M16A2 rifle, with a collapsible stock, a flat-top upper receiver accessory rail and a detachable handle/rear aperture site assembly
    * The M4 enables a soldier operating in close quarters to engage targets at extended range with accurate, lethal fire.
    * It achieves more than 85 percent commonality with the M16A2 rifle
    * It is ideally suited for use in close quarters and/or by soldiers who operate from vehicles with limited stowage space
    * The M4 can mount the optics and lighting components of the Modular Weapons System
    * It has become the weapon of choice for the Global War on Terror
    SPECS:
    Caliber: 5.56 mm
    Weight: 7.5 lbs (loaded weight with sling & one magazine)
    Max. Effective Range: 600 m (area target) 500 m (point target)
    Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing (Hartford, CT)


    [Source: US Army]
    ==========================
    AK-47
    ABOUT:
    * The most commonly encountered assault rifle on the planet
    * The AK-47 was first fielded with Russian troops in 1949
    * As of 1990, more than 70 million Kalashnikov automatic rifles of various designs had been produced
    * At present the AK-47 is in service with the Armed Forces of more than 50 countries
    * The AK-47 has come to symbolize armed struggle and national liberation, and insurrection and political violence
    SPECS:
    Caliber/Ammunition Types 7.62
    Magazine Capacity 30
    Effective Range (m) 300
    Fire Mode: Semi-automatic, Full automatic
     
  2. May 26, 2010 at 10:03 AM
    #2
    SteelRain

    SteelRain Veteran Redleg

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    I am really starting to lean towards the Weapon of my enemies. I enjoy my AR15, however the pure fun of shooting my AK47 is literally a "blast"
     
  3. May 26, 2010 at 10:08 AM
    #3
    thai fyter

    thai fyter Well-Known Member

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    I love my AK and everyone who shoots it falls in love with it too. Pretty funny that a gun made almost 50 years prior to our M4 is still kicking ass. It is very easy to shoot and the simplicity of the AK is why you see 12 year olds carrying it around in 3rd world countries. Scored mine from AIM surplus in 2004 for $278. What a deal!
     
  4. May 26, 2010 at 10:22 AM
    #4
    Packman73

    Packman73 [OP] ^^^^ 3%er ^^^^

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    I'll always love the M16/M4. The effective range and ability to carry x2 as much ammo into a battle and the modular-ability makes it my favorite.


    The M4 is just a short M16 with quad rails more or less. The M16 was developed in 1956 making the AK only 9 years older.
     
  5. May 26, 2010 at 10:29 AM
    #5
    SteelRain

    SteelRain Veteran Redleg

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    I also like the fact that due to the lack of tight tolerances I can run my AK47 in a severe dusty environment, dry and with little lubrication. My AR, I have to field strip and clean it every few hundred rounds. I also have to keep it lubed up to where it's almost dripping in order for me to practice any combat scenarios with rapid fire and multiple targets. I do however, appreciate the accuracy of it. Does anyone have any experience with the new 6.8 cartridges?
     
  6. May 26, 2010 at 10:36 AM
    #6
    Packman73

    Packman73 [OP] ^^^^ 3%er ^^^^

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    I do not but I did almost buy a 6.8 upper for my latest lower...the ammo is too expensive for my taste. Then I thought about getting a 7.62 upper but decided to finish my coyote rifle project instead.
     
  7. May 26, 2010 at 11:34 AM
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    solus

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  8. May 26, 2010 at 11:41 AM
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    bambooshoots

    bambooshoots Be a fountain, not a drain.

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    I have no problems with either one nor would I feel undergunned with either one.

    I don't get what all the fuss is about; but then again I guess I'm not entitled to say anything as I've never served in the military before.
     
  9. May 26, 2010 at 11:57 AM
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    Packman73

    Packman73 [OP] ^^^^ 3%er ^^^^

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    Although combat forces' opinions command my attention, all shooters have valid opinions too I think. :)
     
  10. May 26, 2010 at 1:17 PM
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    solus

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    I shot both the AK and the M4... I had an M4 while in Iraq, the accuracy and ease of firing make the M4 my choice, however the AK is very rugged, rarely jams, and has tons of stopping power, you also can't hit the broad side of a barn with the AK from over 300m.

    Plus I also enjoy having more ammo for the same amount of weight. I didn't "need" to use my rifle while I was over there though so... I don't think stopping power matters when you are shooting unarmored targets like the insurgents in Afghanistan... the 556 will go right thru their robes.
     
  11. May 26, 2010 at 1:44 PM
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    rackatak

    rackatak Well-Known Member

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    I absolutely loved my M4 in Iraq. I was a truck driver more or less so having something that is short yet still has the ability to "reach out and tough someone" was great. I slept great at night knowing I had my M4 by my side. I have never shot an AK-47 before but like solus694 says, "you also can't hit the broad side of a barn with the AK from over 300m." We would get harrassing fire all the time and we just didn't pay it any attention because it was so inaccurate.
     
  12. May 30, 2010 at 9:06 AM
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    tussery

    tussery Well-Known Member

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    AK74... Can carry more ammo and have the legendary reliability of the AK series and a tad more accuracy.
     
  13. Dec 13, 2010 at 7:55 PM
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    Zulu Six

    Zulu Six Well-Known Member

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    The M4 (assuming it was built to spec and has been properly maintained) is more accurate than the AK. To contend with shitty environmental conditions and poorly trained soldiers, Kalishnikov;s design traded a bit of accuracy for something that is simple to maintain and goes bang every time you pull the trigger. Piston system aside, the AK's legendary reliability is achieved largely due to the fact that the parts are machined to such loose tolerances (loose tolerances are bad for accuracy). "Good enough" accuracy is good enough.

    I definitely respect the AK and think that Kalishnikov was a genius. That being said, I believe that the M4 is the superior weapon for a number of previously stated reasons. The M4 gets a bad rep because it "isn't reliable and lacks stopping power". In my experience the main sources of M4 malfunctions are due to 1) crappy magazine followers tilting and binding. 2) Knucklehead Privates drenching them in CLP and gumming up the action. 3) Running a suppressor gums up the receiver and coats all the rounds in your magazine in carbon gunk. A piston system, anti-tilt followers and a remedial weapons maintenance course fix this.

    The green tip ammo is to blame for the "lack of stopping power". It was designed to punch through body armor, not some 110 lbs dude in a man dress and a shower curtain poncho. Over-penetration is the fault of the ammo, not the rfile. Replace the green tip with a good 75-77 gr BTHP and you're good to hook.

    /Loved my M4. Never spent more than 10 minutes cleaning it. Never had any problems. Just my two cents.
     
  14. Dec 13, 2010 at 8:08 PM
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    Zulu Six

    Zulu Six Well-Known Member

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    A friend's team gave the 6.8 a go. They definitely bring more ass, but the guy said that the recoil really slowed down follow-up shots. His guys tried to fix this by running a PWS compensator. It helped with the recoil but made shooting indoors so loud that it was disorienting. They went back to the 5.56.
     
  15. Dec 14, 2010 at 1:44 AM
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    tanzak88

    tanzak88 Well-Known Member

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    I know what I'm tracking down when the zombie apocalypse rolls around.
     

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