Which is a better field-grade weapon: The AK-47 or the AK-74?

Question

And, which weapon would you use if given the choice between the AK-47, the AK-74, The AR-15 Bushmaster and the M-14 Rifle?

Thank you in advance for your answers!

Answer 1

The AK74 is an interesting solution to a nonexisting problem; it fires a smaller bullet which makes it worthless for a hunting rifle. The AK47 is simple, long lived, and dependable under any field conditions. The 7.62x39 round is also quite good for deer and antelope hunting in addition to its original purpose. There is no such thing as a bad AK47; and if you clean it once every five years or so it will last forever.

Answer 2

If I could choose a variant of either one, I'd pick an M14 EBR. The only ones from that list that I personally own and have very much experience with are the AR-15 and AK-47, though I have shot all four. Between the AK-74 and AK-47, I'd have to go with the AK-47. To me, both seem to perform similarly, reliability and accuracy wise, so I'd opt for the more powerful cartridge of the AK-47. Between the M16 and M14, it's a close call, but I'd have to pick the M14 in any configuration. I have a good friend in Iraq using an M14 (not a DMR) and he says he'd take it over the M16 any day. When I join up in 10 months I hope I get issued one.

Answer 3

I would vote for the AK74. The cartridges weight less and more can be carried. This modernized version also has an improved bullet type. The forward section is hollow with a lead and steel base which will cause it to tumble excessively upon impact. It also produces less recoil than the original 7.62x39.
I read a book with data collected by the East Germans' and it indicated that because of the improvements, fatal shots would be more frequent up to 300 yards by 20%. Couple this with the AK's reputation for being extremely rugged and reliable and you have one fearsome weapon.
The AK47 was the orignal and very awesome. The AK74 was an even better update.

Answer 4

The AK 47 and the AK 74 are basically the same identical weapon with a few minor cosmetic differences. I would choose one of these for close range targets of 100 yards or less.

I own (2) Bushmaster AR-15 HB Taget versions and they are accurate out to 600 yards..another good choice for distant range targets or close up....

The M-14 is definately the 308 caliber long range weapon of choice with extreme range capabilities and accuracy......

Answer 5

1)The 7.62 AK47 has a heavier bullet and more pronounced terminal characteristics than the 5.45 AK74 round that replaced it. The reason the more deadly 7.62x39 was replaced, is that in a combat situation, If you kill a man outright, you remove one combatant from the battlefield, but if you wound a man, other soldiers will be forced to come to his aid, tieing up several potential combatants. Thus the 5.45 was adopted in place of the older 7.62, as the 5.45 was more effective at wounding without killing outright.

So, if you are asking which round is most deadly, that would be the 7.62 AK47 round.

2)If I could choose between the rifles you listed, I'd prefer the M14. Continuing the same train of thought expressed above, the full-power battle rifle 7.62x51 round chambered in the M14 outclasses the 5.56 AR15 round, The 5.45 AK74 round, and the 7.62x39 AK47 round by a wide margin. The M14 is also a inherently accurate and rugged rifle...that has been recently recalled to active duty in Afghanistan, -because 5.56 M16's weren't effective at the distances engagements occur at there. For sheer power as well as excellence of design, I'd choose the M14/M1A over any of the others.

Answer 6

The ak 47 is the better field grade world wide weapon.

Answer 7

AK-47 hands down. Cheap to produce, devastating on the battlefield.

Answer 8

M14
because the M1 garand wasn't listed

Answer 9

M-14...powerful, accurate and rugged...best of all battle proven.

Answer 10

For what purpose?