m16 assault rifle compared to ak47?

Question

which gun would you want if you were in a war?

Answer 1

it depends on the training and discipline of the combatant. The East Bloc countries used mainly conscripted soldiers that served for one or two years in the military so they adopted the fire superiority technique of massed fires meaning they would use a high volume of fires that were not really well aimed shots. The US using volunteer soldiers that served 3 or more years opted for using well aimed fires in the hands of trained disciplined troops.

The reason you see AK-47 (more recently AK-74's) used all over the place is for the exact reason above. For undisciplined warriors whose sole tactic is swarming the AK is a godsend. For soldiers (warriors with training and discipline) the M-16 (currently the M-4 or M-16 A4) is a fine weapon. Sure you need to clean it everyday or you will have malfunctions, but that is part of your soldier discipline. For those here that thought cleaning a weapon is a minus the elements of Fire Communicate and Maneuver are probably alien to them too

Answer 2

First of all, while the M16 is more accurate the the AK47, the AK is absolutely not inaccurate. Yeah you can't get sub-MOA, but I can shoot a pie-plate size target at 100 yards and not miss. Think about it, if your in combat the enemy isn't 1-2 inches tall. In my opinion it is one of the best military rifles ever made. That's why dozens of countries have been using it for 50+ years because it is very reliable in any condition, it is accurate enough to hit a person at reasonable battle distances, up to 200 yards at the most, any more than that and it's not very practical. The ammo and parts are very common on any battlefield in the future and are easily replaceable. It is even possibly the perfect infantry rifle today.

Answer 3

I would definately want an AK. The AK is a sturdier rifle, it also has a 7.62 mm round compared to 5.56 for the M16. The 5.56 is does not have the stopping power the 7.62 round has. The AK is famous for being able to withstand a lot of abuse and low maintenance. The M16s I have shot had a lot of problems with jamming and you had to keep them clean, not that theres anything wrong with that but in a combat situation theres not always time for that sort of thing.

Answer 4

the m16 uses a smaller caliber round than the ak47, i have experience with both, in the military and civilian wise (ar15).

the ak47 is heavier but is very simple and easy to field strip and clean, also it isn't effected so much, if not at all, by poorly made ammo or dirt and grime, unlike the m16.

they are both high quality weapons, but the m16 requires a bit more TLC to ensure it functions correctly, but it makes up for that in that it is lighter than the ak47.

Answer 5

M16 - accurate, low recoil, upgradable
AK47 - reliable, powerful ammo

Overall, I think the AK47 is a better weapon. The M16 has some nice features but you can't use them if the gun won't fire.

Answer 6

Depends on the circumstances. The m16 is far more accurate, and the newer ones are way more reliable than the original ones that we had in Vietnam. The AK47 is still more reliable in extreme conditions and the ammo is widely available. Both are great weapons, I have one of each.

Answer 7

AK 47, preferably russian or ex yougoslavia fabrication,
used it , good as money in all weather situations
I am not satisfied with power impact of the caliber so later prefered FAL 7.62 x 51
Close range ,always AK 47
middle range FAL
but if I had to choose today then the final choice would be
Tavor Assault Rifle http://world.guns.ru/assault/as30-e.htm
It is the best assault rifle in the world.
Still in price performance no one could beat AK47
m16 is no in my top 10 in any situation

Answer 8

The AK, because it requires less maintenance. It is not as precise as the M16, but it is capable of delivering more firepower longer than the M1. The AK is really good in close combat.

Answer 9

I would prefer the AK. Its just as effective but a much simpler design with less to go wrong with it. And Assuming a world war...EVERYone on the planet uses it...so ammo and parts will be plentiful.

The M16 shoots much nicer. Smoother operation. but AK is more reliable. Its also MUCH cheaper to produce.

Answer 10

Definitely a decent-made AK.
I can shoot with it, I can whack people's heads with it equally well. The parts and ammor are widely available on Earth. The later editions can mount various accessories, including sights and grenade launchers.
Amounts of mistreatment ad lack of proper care it can withstand are legendary. As well as relaibility.

Besides, AKM and it's descendants were what I had in the army training. I know how to use it, whereas I had no chance to strip or shoot M-16. I have experience with AK, so it would topple the scales... should they ever been in balance.