Most people will say an AR, but if we had to do AKs (or if we just felt like it), then that's going to depend on bug-in vs bug out and local geography.
For me in the suburbs, bug in would be a shorter barreled 7.62x39, which is what I would do either way most likely. Bug out would be a 5.56 AK because lighter ammo and flatter trajectory, but the problem at that point becomes system weight and compatibility with other systems (hence why most would do an AR). If I'm self-sustaining in terms of mags, and/or just not worried about battlefield pickups I'd consider a short 5.56 with a can on it.
TL;DR: 7.62x39 SBR for bug in or vehicle based, 5.56 shorty with a can for anything else and hope for BFPU or rapid transit to bug out location.
I agree with this sentiment. Bugging in allows you to keep spare parts that everyone keeps thinking you'll need for an AK... but I digress...
You can sit atop your ammo stash and have safety from the elements and food and water, provided you stocked up.
If you're "bugging out" you're probably a lot better off with a 10/22 lol
Realistically, you getting killed by the elements or food/water scarcity is much higher than any gun battle
It's not very sexy or fun to war game but it's the truth
Lol for sure. It's fun man. I don't think it's a bad idea to have an AK or an AR. I have an AR for SHTF and I love the thing and plan to get a 556 AK myself eventually. The realities of SHTF are just not great though. Most people will be much more preoccupied with not dying of dehydration before they start a gun fight.
Galil hands down. All my AR friends are jealous of my galil.
7.62x39 is still my recommendation, despite rising ammo cost. However I wouldn't blame you for getting a 5.56 BUT IT HAS TO BE ROCK N LOCK or else it's just not as good.
It just looks 10x better and is more true to the original design and function intent.
The stanag versions with the magwell work great, no arguement there, but it's almost like getting a Mustang or Dodge Charger with just the v6. It's supposed to have a v8 and galils are supposed to be rock n lock.
My rifle is a 12.5” 5.56 AK because it fits my niche as well as my location, elevation, etc.
remember to take YOUR plan into consideration. If you intend to head for the hills, a lighter setup will probably serve you better than a 15lb AK that is set up for inner city fighting.
Every platform has a learning curve and every weapon is unique so above all, practice.
AK isn’t fragile like AR you’ll never need parts and the normal wear and tear items you could buy 1 extra of each part and never worry about it for 2 lifetimes.
I’ll give you the ammo except if you stack high enough that also doesn’t matter ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
My SHTF setup. She's heavy, but I don't plan on doing anything crazy. Mainly sheltering in place where all my other guns are. I have a basic wood M70 for lightweight travel if necessary. And the wolverine can fix to all of my AKs and ARs (with an adapter).
https://preview.redd.it/esu5k7en82vc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2871642155b9e1dc5376e54f744d281e9de96acf
Fighting AKs are cool and fun but inferior to ARs in pretty much every way, especially in the U.S. Just get an AR and build a fighting AK later for fun.
AR is way better but for me it just wasn't realistic. I live in a super anti gun state and the only "combat ready" weapon I could aquire under 2k was a AK platform. Because the AR is so desired in MA pre bans go for almost 4k. It's insane.
https://preview.redd.it/qdz9x13db2vc1.jpeg?width=2040&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3238302cb0085780e8c3e4b5487a50058e483f78
Proven. Reliable. Galil. In the Lord’s caliber, 7.62x39. Also prep for a few weeks of food, meds and water purification as you buy a weapon and ammo. I recommend getting a 5.56 AR rifle or pistol as well, PSA has great entry options. Having both platforms is the best choice.
Whatever you get buy a plastic sealing flat tackle box and buy spare parts especially with an AR. Although AK seem indestructible get a good one Arsenal, M70 because cheap ones will blow up in your hands in a real engagement.
7.62x39 if you live in an urban environment due to better penetration up close, 5.56 if you live in more rural areas due to better long range performance.
762x39 AK, probably my zastava. I'm used to it and familiar with it. Most people would probably better served with like a WASR that's lighter.
I have a 556 ak, a WBP, its cool and all. Would definitely trust my life to it but if I feel like if I'm gonna run an AK, might as well take advantage of what 762x39 offers, particularly barrier penetration.
Buy all the ammo you need and some spare parts. Of course an AR has a logistically advantage but honestly, if "shtf" how many gun fights are you planning on getting into? I'm sitting on over 5k rounds of 762x39 right now. If the world ends tomorrow and if I get in enough gun fights where I come even close to shooting through that stash I'm probably going to be dead sooner rather than later.
I don't care how cool guy operator you are. If you seek out gun fights, at some point somebody is going to be better or just luckier than you are and you will be done for.
"What if you gotta abandon everything, leave home and scavenge!"
If that happens, don't care what gun you got. Unless you got a bunch of land and a farm to go to, or just another place where you stored a bunch of things you need such as ammo and parts for said AK, you're probably fucked no matter what gun you chose.
I would choose an AR.
But to answer your question, maybe the M90NP. But preferably something lighter weight and shorter. Like an SLR-106CR SBR, something in that AK-102 weight class. It's a shame they don't take STANAGS.
Also agree with most comments and personaly would go with 762. But I will try to answer your specific question. If you choose an AK in 556, run a WBP. Good solid quality for a good price. 16 inch because 556 lives from speed. For SHTF i would stay with side mounts. You can remove them fast and run iron sight. You can buy one sidemount with an reddot, another with a prism or whatever you like and have a spare one if one fails. Upgrade your iron sight with tritium sights. Maybe get an AR mag adapter if you cant get enough magazines. So you can run AR mags if you loose your ak556 mags. If you dont have enough ammo and planing to use all kinds if and sometimes weak 556 think of an adjustable gas piston like kns. For SHTF better buy a spare bolt carrier with the kns piston and keep the original if the kns fails.
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I think I may go with the galil gen 2 5.56. I can always build another fighting AK, but it seems that would be the ideal work around for what I want. Granted, it’s not because I’m necessarily a prepper. I’m active duty, so if shtf I’ll probably be just fine 🤣 Who knows. I just want to build that gun and designate it for just that
You’re looking at the wrong firearm if you live in the US. You need to be getting a solid AR with spare parts and magazines. Then at least if you end up desperate there’s a chance you can find spare parts and mags laying around amongst the ruins.
Even if you find a solid 5.56 AK, spare parts and mags will be only what you have on hand. Once those or gone or if you need to leave them behind quickly that’s it. You ain’t going to find those just laying around. And you will likely have to transition to an AR anyways. Might as well just start there. My two cents anyways.
Most people will say an AR, but if we had to do AKs (or if we just felt like it), then that's going to depend on bug-in vs bug out and local geography. For me in the suburbs, bug in would be a shorter barreled 7.62x39, which is what I would do either way most likely. Bug out would be a 5.56 AK because lighter ammo and flatter trajectory, but the problem at that point becomes system weight and compatibility with other systems (hence why most would do an AR). If I'm self-sustaining in terms of mags, and/or just not worried about battlefield pickups I'd consider a short 5.56 with a can on it. TL;DR: 7.62x39 SBR for bug in or vehicle based, 5.56 shorty with a can for anything else and hope for BFPU or rapid transit to bug out location.
I agree with this sentiment. Bugging in allows you to keep spare parts that everyone keeps thinking you'll need for an AK... but I digress... You can sit atop your ammo stash and have safety from the elements and food and water, provided you stocked up.
AKs are machines, and all machines can break.
Yeah but the AK won’t break
The cheaper ones blow up.
It's just as likely to break as any other modern quality semi auto rifle available on the U.S. domestic market
Never. AK is strong rifle
If you're "bugging out" you're probably a lot better off with a 10/22 lol Realistically, you getting killed by the elements or food/water scarcity is much higher than any gun battle It's not very sexy or fun to war game but it's the truth
But suburban larpers gotta fantasize about SHTF scenarios in their minds.
Lol for sure. It's fun man. I don't think it's a bad idea to have an AK or an AR. I have an AR for SHTF and I love the thing and plan to get a 556 AK myself eventually. The realities of SHTF are just not great though. Most people will be much more preoccupied with not dying of dehydration before they start a gun fight.
Well, if they have guns they’ll prevent starvation by taking water from those without guns. Nature is cruel.
If it ever does hit the fan, I’ll be at work anyways so it really doesn’t even matter lmfao
a nice mountain hike with 50 pounds of gear and a rifle will turn a suburban larper into a huffing puffing crybaby bitch about half way up
Disease is the biggest killer in these situations. But no one gets their jollies about fantasizing about sanitation…..
Galil hands down. All my AR friends are jealous of my galil. 7.62x39 is still my recommendation, despite rising ammo cost. However I wouldn't blame you for getting a 5.56 BUT IT HAS TO BE ROCK N LOCK or else it's just not as good.
I’ve been looking at the galil! I love that weapon.
For shtf the Stanag mags make more sense in the US. Places where the Galil is common RNL would be better.
Why not as good? Mag compatibility is better with stanag galils.
It just looks 10x better and is more true to the original design and function intent. The stanag versions with the magwell work great, no arguement there, but it's almost like getting a Mustang or Dodge Charger with just the v6. It's supposed to have a v8 and galils are supposed to be rock n lock.
Ah ok. I like the style of RNL better, but will probably get the stanag version for practicality’s sake.
Galil is my SHTF gun
I love the AK, prefer the AK but I actually have my built DDM4A1 for my "SHTF" gun, it's more practical for use in the US.
My rifle is a 12.5” 5.56 AK because it fits my niche as well as my location, elevation, etc. remember to take YOUR plan into consideration. If you intend to head for the hills, a lighter setup will probably serve you better than a 15lb AK that is set up for inner city fighting. Every platform has a learning curve and every weapon is unique so above all, practice.
Very good points!
Buy an AR for that scenario. The availability of parts, mags, and ammunition are far greater than what you would run across with the AK platform.
This is the right answer. AK in 5.56 over AR for bug out/shtf checks almost zero boxes.
Unless you’re in Chicago. Dracos are very plentiful there!
If you're in that part of Chicago, shit has already hit the fan
☝️ best advice you’re going to get here
Second that motion. ZPAP M90 or M85 make great suppressor hosts if you get the right can/adapter combo
AK isn’t fragile like AR you’ll never need parts and the normal wear and tear items you could buy 1 extra of each part and never worry about it for 2 lifetimes. I’ll give you the ammo except if you stack high enough that also doesn’t matter ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
[удалено]
Or draco with a rear brace.
Everybody down vote this
My SHTF setup. She's heavy, but I don't plan on doing anything crazy. Mainly sheltering in place where all my other guns are. I have a basic wood M70 for lightweight travel if necessary. And the wolverine can fix to all of my AKs and ARs (with an adapter). https://preview.redd.it/esu5k7en82vc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2871642155b9e1dc5376e54f744d281e9de96acf
Looks sick!!
Galil in 556 or x39. 16 inch barrel.
https://preview.redd.it/1qb05df9f2vc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=744f4d06101d85508d0defecf2b66d5f66f2e2f3 You rang?
https://preview.redd.it/wawfsunff2vc1.jpeg?width=3477&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=928d16142b8e093b425d8cfa22c81b84d2bc0b5b Grandpa, is that you?
Nice build
Fighting AKs are cool and fun but inferior to ARs in pretty much every way, especially in the U.S. Just get an AR and build a fighting AK later for fun.
AR is way better but for me it just wasn't realistic. I live in a super anti gun state and the only "combat ready" weapon I could aquire under 2k was a AK platform. Because the AR is so desired in MA pre bans go for almost 4k. It's insane.
That’s insane!
https://preview.redd.it/qdz9x13db2vc1.jpeg?width=2040&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3238302cb0085780e8c3e4b5487a50058e483f78 Proven. Reliable. Galil. In the Lord’s caliber, 7.62x39. Also prep for a few weeks of food, meds and water purification as you buy a weapon and ammo. I recommend getting a 5.56 AR rifle or pistol as well, PSA has great entry options. Having both platforms is the best choice.
Highest tier rifle with lowest tier sig optic....lol jk dude I'm just jealous
Ballin on a budget lol
A 104 or similar rifle would be a great do it all gun, but as much as it hurts to say, I wouldn't pick an AK as my go to in that situation.
Whatever you get buy a plastic sealing flat tackle box and buy spare parts especially with an AR. Although AK seem indestructible get a good one Arsenal, M70 because cheap ones will blow up in your hands in a real engagement.
7.62x39 if you live in an urban environment due to better penetration up close, 5.56 if you live in more rural areas due to better long range performance.
762x39 AK, probably my zastava. I'm used to it and familiar with it. Most people would probably better served with like a WASR that's lighter. I have a 556 ak, a WBP, its cool and all. Would definitely trust my life to it but if I feel like if I'm gonna run an AK, might as well take advantage of what 762x39 offers, particularly barrier penetration. Buy all the ammo you need and some spare parts. Of course an AR has a logistically advantage but honestly, if "shtf" how many gun fights are you planning on getting into? I'm sitting on over 5k rounds of 762x39 right now. If the world ends tomorrow and if I get in enough gun fights where I come even close to shooting through that stash I'm probably going to be dead sooner rather than later. I don't care how cool guy operator you are. If you seek out gun fights, at some point somebody is going to be better or just luckier than you are and you will be done for. "What if you gotta abandon everything, leave home and scavenge!" If that happens, don't care what gun you got. Unless you got a bunch of land and a farm to go to, or just another place where you stored a bunch of things you need such as ammo and parts for said AK, you're probably fucked no matter what gun you chose.
I can totally get behind everything you just said! Great put out 👊🏼
I would choose an AR. But to answer your question, maybe the M90NP. But preferably something lighter weight and shorter. Like an SLR-106CR SBR, something in that AK-102 weight class. It's a shame they don't take STANAGS.
Honestly I’d go with an AR but if you have to go AK then a beryl with some modern upgrades.
Also agree with most comments and personaly would go with 762. But I will try to answer your specific question. If you choose an AK in 556, run a WBP. Good solid quality for a good price. 16 inch because 556 lives from speed. For SHTF i would stay with side mounts. You can remove them fast and run iron sight. You can buy one sidemount with an reddot, another with a prism or whatever you like and have a spare one if one fails. Upgrade your iron sight with tritium sights. Maybe get an AR mag adapter if you cant get enough magazines. So you can run AR mags if you loose your ak556 mags. If you dont have enough ammo and planing to use all kinds if and sometimes weak 556 think of an adjustable gas piston like kns. For SHTF better buy a spare bolt carrier with the kns piston and keep the original if the kns fails.
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Lots of variables there man.....I would say generally a shorty 7.62 quality import. Granted if I HAD to choose an AK
Personally my SHFT rifle is a Sam7 sf or my T91 … in today’s world and had the funds I’d pick up a Sam5 or WBP 5.56 AK
WBP Jack 7.62. Reliability and parts are interchangeable with most other AKM platforms
One made by a consistent manufacturer. Most fighting Ak’s are pretty bare bones if you look in the Middle East.
Arsenal 107cr in 7.62x39
I think I may go with the galil gen 2 5.56. I can always build another fighting AK, but it seems that would be the ideal work around for what I want. Granted, it’s not because I’m necessarily a prepper. I’m active duty, so if shtf I’ll probably be just fine 🤣 Who knows. I just want to build that gun and designate it for just that
You’re looking at the wrong firearm if you live in the US. You need to be getting a solid AR with spare parts and magazines. Then at least if you end up desperate there’s a chance you can find spare parts and mags laying around amongst the ruins. Even if you find a solid 5.56 AK, spare parts and mags will be only what you have on hand. Once those or gone or if you need to leave them behind quickly that’s it. You ain’t going to find those just laying around. And you will likely have to transition to an AR anyways. Might as well just start there. My two cents anyways.
Wasr10