I guess that’s cool to know that I shouldn’t stick a pastry in my magwell, except I already knew that because I’m not an idiot. Contrived tests like that don’t show me anything about the durability or reliability of a weapons system; if that test proves anything it proves my already standing point that AKs were designed for the lowest common denominator of military forces.
That’s in response to this video here:
I have to say, that while I don’t really have a dog in the AK v. AR fight, that’s not even a fair comparison for a Twinkie test, since one was shoved in a mag well, and the other into a mag well while the bolt was locked back. But either way, I own both platforms, and each has their strengths and weaknesses. I don’t think it’s much disputed that AKs can be used and abused and still fire more reliably, but the ergonomics and accuracy suffer. ARs demand more care and attention, but I can more easily drop a magazine and replace it without dismounting the gun, and have a prayer of hitting a target at 300 meters.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the shooter seems to show continued unfamiliarity with the AR platform, repeatedly performing seemingly redundant and/or unnecessary manipulations and/or manipulating it wrong (like riding the bolt forward with the charging handle).
Seriously, SPORTS. Slap Pull Observe Release Tap Shoot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vidL5L64-rQ
The video test was humorous in concept, cleverly edited, and perhaps what set Caleb off, very convincing. The fact is the AK is one of the best in handling adverse conditions, always a valuable asset in a combat weapon, and the AR is somewhat below average (at best) in coping with adverse conditions.
One wonders if the Swiss succeeded in getting the best of both worlds with the StG-90: AR style handling/accuracy and AK action reliability.
Why on earth would you “dismount” the AK to change a magazine? I assume you mean take the butt off your shoulder for some reason? Why?
I find changing the magazine on an AK to be considerably more involved than on an AR. I know that is is possible to do with an AK, but it takes practice. Practice to get around the fact that the rifle was not designed for ease of magazine change. In short, I don’t see why I should have to train to get around a poor design decision on the gun, rather than just picking a gun that didn’t make that poor design choice.
This why I want an AR platform rifle, and an AK platform shotgun (AKA a Saiga 12).
I have experience with both the AR and AK platforms from my time in the Army. Based on that experience, I’ve opted for an M1 carbine as my house rifle and an FAL for outdoor activities.
The only AR I have is a Colt Sporter in 7.62×39 mm. (It’s a long story.) I don’t have an AK.
Is there anything that will keep an AK from firing?
I do agree that the test was unfair in that the bolt was open on one and not the other, shoving a big chunk of twinkie into a chamber cannot be a good thing….
The AR can’t fire twinkies?!? My faith in the platform is completely destroyed!!!
Oh, wait. Was he using a twinkie upper, or a ,223/5.56 upper? :-)
And that’s another major advantage that the AR has over the AK: a flexibility that the AK can only dream of having!
If I should be attacked by pastry-wielding madmen I’ll have to make sure to bring my AK.
(Honestly, I find this whole AR vs AK thing rather tedious. As Uncle would say, “Can’t we all just get a long gun?”)