I had to og with no. While it is extremely reliable and dependable the ballistics suck. After 200 yards the bullet loses a lot of ooompf. After 100 yards accuracy is extremely diminished. While I like the AK-47 and respect it, it would not be my first choice.

Have never used one to kill anything more lethal than Coke cans. My impression was that the Kalashnikov was designed as a weapon for close work like the AR-15. At less than 100 yards it's pretty good! I've also shot a Galil and it's amazingly accurate at alomst half a kilometer!

IMO the whole success behind the AK is it's dependability and ability to be canabalized to repair another AK, which oddly enough is brought about by it's loose tolerances, something that is generally considered undesireable in any rifle. Yes, it's definately a workhorse for close in use but it is not the best assualt rifle made.

So what, in your opinion Beachbum, is the best assualt rifle made and why?

I only have experience with M16 and SKS/AK. I really dont know/not qualified to answer. Personally I like an AR or M16 for it's accuracy. To me, accuracy is really important. They are almost as dependable as an AK if you take care of them. They all have their place in certain applications.

I said no. Yet it does have its merits. For a line gun that can be thrown in the mud and taken out and shot, there is none better. For lazy troops that don't take good care of their weapons, there is none better. But overall, for a good troop that wants and appreciates a good weapon, there are a lot of choices. The Steyr AUG is a sweet gun. Even the M-16A3 is a better weapon on the long run.

it is an open ended question really, when you think to its original use, much like the early M16 it was a mass produced rifle to issue to troops. plain and simple.

you have to admit, becuase of its huge tolerances, it is by far the most reliable rifle, is it the most comfortable to shoot or tacti"cool" probably not.

you have to consider the SIG Commando rifle used by the french, and also do not forget the FAL. which will probaly be another forum for another time !

so to answer your question, no its not the best ever made, but certainly one of the most historic rifles ever made

Fired many and liked it, the best? mmm no, reliable as hell? YES ...


"Mikhail Kalashnikov denies his assault rifle was based on the German StG44 assault rifle."

More Vodka Comrade Kalashnikov?, just look at the G44 same rifle almost lol..

After WWII durring Russian occupation of Eastern Germany many German engineers, scientists that were left that were not snatched up by the Americans during "Operation paper clip" went to work for them, so it is no big mystery that much of their later designs emulated what the Germans were doing or had done during the war...

I had relatives on both sides of the war then, did not want to be around the first family BBQ when Mom brought Dads family over to meet my 101st Airborne Grandfather whom made all the drops on D day, battle of the bulge etc ...lol..


Loose Tolerances OH yeah lol, but the SKS I owned was a pretty great rifle I really loved it and it was about as accurate as you would expect it to be for what it is.


Teufey

Each gun has it's pros. The AK is reliable and good for spray-n-pray at medium distances. I'd take an M16 variant for close quarters for it's lighter recoil and ease of carry. I'd also take the M16 variant for longer range for the apparent accuracy advantage.