The end of the AK-47

[Frederick]

I'm quite a fan of the AK-47 personally. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not a perfect platform. If i had to choose between an AK and an AR i'd choose an AR-15 for multitude of reasons. Availability in USA, reliability, accuracy, Ammo availability, Cost in USA, etc. but the AK-47 is a 'cool' gun, it has a lot of history too it, it's reliability is legendary, though i've seen the infamous Youtube videos that dispel it and show how reliable the 'closed' AR system is comparatively in adverse conditions. But the low maintenance nature, and (for the time) ease of manufacturing made it the weapon of choice amongst bad guys. I mean, it's an ugly ass gun, but that ugly has it's own sexiness to it.

ak-74s are pretty awesome, too. it's a shame that the weapon isn't as available in the USA, and 7.62x39 is much cheaper and more available(or was) than the AK74 rounds.


It seems all is changing, the doomsday has arrived. With the sanctions, war in Ukraine and so on, these guns that used to be cheap beaters are now 1k+, some good examples over 1,300(!), even the old WASR is like ~800+

I can get a top of the line AR-15 for that. a superior weapon(in my opinion). Is there any reason to even own these things anymore? i bet the ammo is going thru the roof, too. Are the days of WASR over? I was wondering what ya'lls opinion on the AK market in 2022 and the future of the semi auto AK in the USA. I heard Kalashnikov USA is making new ones for 1,300, but it's hard to justify the price when i can get a decent AR for half that.... I mean, how do ya'll feel about the AK47/74?


Having said that

 

[OHJEEZE]

Never owned one, probably never will.

Unless...... I find a super super super deal on one...... Like 1980s prices!

 

[adamsredlines]

They're like the SKS...popular because they and their ammo were cheap. Once it's not cheap, I see no advantage.

 

[Frederick]

They're like the SKS...popular because they and their ammo were cheap. Once it's not cheap, I see no advantage.

I see it. i still think it has that niche 'cool factor', like collecting old Mausers, but i feel the days of the 500 dollar WASR you can chuck around are gone forever and i'm sad...

 

[Gideon]

I think the ammo is the biggest problem right now. US manufacturers are finally to the point where they can produce a decent quality domestic AK.

If Palmetto State can get their ammo manufacturing wing off the ground and start pumping out cheap ammo we'll be in business.

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

I've had several over the years. I don't have one now even though, as a gun guy, it's one of those guns that every gun guy should have. I've tried to like them, but I just can't. I don't see any advantage at all, especially today, to having an AK over an AR. I, too, believe all things considered the AR is a better rifle.

But, the history of the AK, like the AR, speaks for itself. There are a lot of people out there who will disagree and that's OK, too. Nothing wrong with having choices.

Even though I'm not a fan I'm saddened to see what's happening with market for AKs and the ammo for them.

 

[retrieverman]

I’ve considered buying an AK for many years and should have, but I didn’t and probably won’t now. To be honest, I’m not AR obsessed like most people are today…just not really my thing.

 

[cjjtulsa]

I'd own an AK over an AR, just me. The AK rifle isn't going anywhere; we live in a country that is money-driven, and money-obsessed. There are millions upon millions of AKM rifles in this country, and if Ivan isn't providing the ammo, someone else here will step in - there is money to be made. There are multiple websites and social media pages dedicated to the AKM, they are still very popular. They aren't going anywhere. If "cheap ammo" was the only reason for them, we'd be seeing the end of a lot of rifles. I can't buy a case of Wolf Gold 5.56 for 27 cents a round anymore, either. And I'd rather shoot 7.62 (NATO or Comblock) if I'm going to spend more money for ammo.

OP says he can get a "top of the line" AR for $1300? I don't think he's actually priced a true "top of the line" AR.

 

[GlockPride]

I think everyone should be knowledgeable and comfortable with one. Never know when you may need to know how to use one.
I bought a PSA GF3 w/folding Zhukov stock earlier this year for $650. I don’t feel that $650 is “cheap” by any means, but it’s not expensive either. Neat gun, well put together. Has a tight mag well and really only likes Magpul mags currently. I’ll probably throw an optic on it. I did convert it to shoot a .30 cal can on it, so that adds a layer of capability to it.
I do own more AR weapons than AK by far, but the AK has a place. If you want to throw a big 123gr chunk of lead/copper at 2350 fps, it’s there. Of course, some will say, what about .300BO? Yep, but can you buy it as inexpensively as x39?
The AR is superior in almost every way, but sometimes just shooting the AK gives you another option, another appreciation. They do have a place, but America has decided the AR is her rifle/carbine/pistol platform of choice.

 

[HiredHand]

People will adjust to the higher price of ammunition and keep on trucking.