AK-47 vs. M4A1?

Question

Typically,
Insurgents in Iraq have AK-47s.
American soldiers have M4A1s (like M16 but more compact and with auto fire mode).

Say,
You stood two fully trained, professional Special Forces troops (lets say SAS) up on a firing range.
600 metres downrange there are two real men, both in kevlar-149 jackets and kevlar helmets and combat gear and all.

The SAS guy with the M4A1 sets his sights to 600 metres, puts his fire mode to single, and lies down and takes a shot at the face of one of the targets.
The other SAS guy with the AK-47 does the same against the second target. (except hes using an AK-47).

How effective in hitting the target (the face of the enemies downrange) would the AK-47 and M4A1 be?
And if they differ in accuracy and effectiveness, why?
And if they both manage to kill the targets in one shot, then why is it so difficult for Iraqi insurgents to do the same?

THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!!

Answer 1

The AK-47 and M4A1 has both its PROS and CONS:

M4A1
PROS: Accuracy and Precision on targets, Lightweight Assault weapon

CONS: Jams frequently when used at full auto (once those metallic dust from the shell casings and bullet gets to the weapon's mechanism then that's it... Jam galore). Use the weapon at semi auto or single shot to prevent this, good only under 150m or less

AK-47
PROS: Stopping power, doesn't Jam

CONS: Heavy, inaccurate weapon due to heavy recoil (only good at close range)

I sure do agree with the p_l_gray above. It depends on the guy behind the weapon. Actually the weapon just becomes his extension. So if you give a super accurate weapon that can kill even 3000 meters away to a freakin' idiot then that weapon would be useless. The US armed forces are one of the best trained soldiers in the world so there you go.

Answer 2

Ak 47 Vs M4a1

Answer 3

It depends on what your situation is. The M4 fires the 5.56 cartridge which has a muzzle velocity of about 3000fps but lacks hitting power since it uses a 55 grain bullet. It fires flat and straight so is good for long distances. The problem is that the 55 grain projectile can hit a guy and, unless it hits a vital organ, he can stay up and continue firing back. The 7.62-39 fired by the AK-47 and 74, has a muzzle velocity of only 2400 fps but uses a 120 grain bullet and hits much harder. The M4 is good at distance but, for urban warfare, the AK is a more rugged gun with greater stopping power. The 7.62 can hit a man almost anywhere and out him down everytime. The M4 is also a lot fussier than the AK and takes a lot more care.

Answer 4

You are talking 600 meeters, and at that range you need to be aiming three solders stacked on top of each other above the target with a M-4, and that is 200 meeters past an AK-47s effective range, so I don't care if your guys are SAS, Navy SEALS, or Delta Force,,,, they ain't gonna get er done!!!!
An M-24 would be a far better choice of weapons at that range. (even then it is a tough shot)
MAX range for a AK-47 400 meeters
MAX range for a M-4 600 meeters
MAX range for a M-24 800 meeters

Answer 5

The M4A1 is greatly more accurate, w/ a well trained soldeir firing it, it could nail the target between the eyes. An AK-47 is greatly cheaper than the M4 and is better for not so well trained personnel; its more of a shoot abunch of ammo in a general direction and hope you hit sometihng type of gun

Answer 6

At 600m both are useless. The M4 doesn't have the power to inflict a lethal shot and the AK doesn't have the accuracy to come close to the target. The short barreled M4 sacrifices range for handling convenience. 600m isn't a realistic range for these types of weapon.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

M4A1 is more accurate especially with sight vision but it jams
p.s. M4A1 max effective range is 360m while AK-47 is 300m

Answer 9

most of these AK's they use in iraq, have been hammered together out of baked bean tin lids in some old farts back yard - not like that gold plated peice Sadam possessed.

wikipedia both weapons for a run down of capabilities

Answer 10

Your question assumes that Iraqi insurgents are as well trained as US military.

The Iraqi insurgents have fewer combat kills with small arms because they are not trained to use them as well as the US military is.

It's not the weapon its the soldier behind the weapon.