Why Does the AK-47 Dominate Globally Over the M16? 

Simple, reliable, cheap

Reliable cheap and deadly with readily available ammunition and soldier friendly.

If it works in Africa, it works anywhere.

Cheap, reliable, simple and readily available. All african militaries are using these babies. Its crazy!

Price, track record, durability.

Umm because AK is 4 times cheaper than AR. Simple and straightforward reason

An AK will survive in bad conditions without having to be cleaned all the time . A winner in any book .

The AK-47 is a beautiful assault rifle~♥

The AK-47 is clearly the better design.

Reliability and simplicity in design make a machine sofisticated

Just like Toyota pick up truck used in wars cheap and durable and easy to fix

Yuri Orlov already explained it in Lords of War.

Wait the AK has only save (safe?) and auto options? Ok so the creator of this video has no idea about this topic.

The one thing I hate about the M16 is the lousy Forward Assist System. It's pretty much a dead giveaway that it's gonna jam alot

Americans love to Dress up their Barbies with Attachments but the First Drop of Rain would Render them Useless. 😂

I remember buying my first AK in the 1990s for $250. It was an Egyptian Maadi wish i still had it. Since then i have own dozens of AKs and maybe a dozen AR-15s. I would take an AK any day over an AR-15

Because they have been giving them away since 1947!

Funny how 90% of the AKs shown here arent AK-47s

Correction, the AK-47 is the prettiest gun on the block.

In vietnam war american army use to take ak 47 rifle from the dead Vietnamese soldiers

The AK just keeps working. When it malfunctions (which isn’t often) clearing them is generally as simple as mortaring the charging handle. It can handle sustained combat without cleaning and lubrication. There are no sensitive parts like gas rings that need semi regular replacement. In the modern world there is a surplus of rails, handguards, optics mounts, railed dust covers etc. that are high quality, effective and allow the AK to use optics, lights, lasers and all the other force multipliers you might want to use on a weapons platform… lastly and most importantly is that the AK, regardless of caliber, is capable of sooo much more then westerners think it is particularly in terms of accuracy, this is likely because AKs are often placed in the hands of untrained volunteers and conscripts but placed in the hands of a trained shooter who understands the ergonomics of the platform.. he can make hits at long distances even with the 7.62 caliber, and with the 5.45 or 5.56 caliber AKs making long distance shots is piece of cake.

For the same reason SOCOM prefer harder hitting 7.62x51 SCAR than M4 in middle east, Lethality. AK offer slightly less Lethality with low price and easy maintenance. If you get hit by AK you'll unlikely getting up.

Superior reliability, maintenance, ergonomics and manufacturing are just some of the reasons why the AK is superior. You can get AK's using barrel lengths and cartridges other than what is found on something like an AKM. Dispersion is typically 2-4 MOA, much like a lot of AR's and other rifles.

Correction! The AK-47 has 3 modes: Safe, Semi and Auto. 🎯

Reliability is more important than rate, accuracy or even range. A rifle needs to go bang when needed. The M-16 has evolved greatly and is a decent rifle with improvements. I personally would select the AKM.

You’ve got quite bit of inaccuracies in this video, specifically about fire control groups, safe, semi, auto, burst etc- and functions. I prefer the AK, but please double check function and research on these two platforms.

So many lies the M-16 is far better with mud. Being a closed system . The selector on the AK does the same as the M-16 safe semi or full auto

Army Reservist; never had a M-16 that didn’t jam. All of those jams were with a clean rifle on the rifle range. Hope things are better than the 1980s M-16 rifles

AK-47 ❤❤ good

Yikes! You're going to trigger a lot of people with this video! 😅

i wonder how the AK would perform with a straight stock instead of an angled one

Both are fantastic rifles but having fired both and owned both, if I had to go to war I'd take the AR/M16. Also I'd say the AR is about as reliable as the legendary AK, believe it or not. Might want to look up a mud test on the AR & AK; you might be surprised. Although in real cold weather I do think the AK comes out ahead, generally.

Because the stock doesn't break😂

Not true that AK has only two positions: safe and auto. It has three: safe, semi-auto and auto. At least the ones I used when in the army had though admittedly it was Yugo version, M70AB1. And it's not that easy to control burst fire, that's not really true. Shot 3 shot burst (if achieved by skill of the shooter) is relatively easy to control, true but long bursts... Forget it! The rest is true; cheap, reliable and just keeps working. On all the target practice shootings I've been, there was only 1 (ONE!) jam...

The number of inaccuracies in this video is exactly what I have come to expect from this channel.

A country like Pakistan and probably Afghanistan are able to replicate the Ak 47 fairly similar in function but the materials used are slightly cheaper and less durable while other countries like Serbia and China are able to produce their own Ak 47 variants using their weapons manufacturing companies.

Those are AKMs bro😅 I don't think AK-47s are manufactured anymore.

He has it completely backwards when it comes to controllability. This one area where M16 totally outshines AK.

Actually, most are now AK 74----5.45 x 39 mm

M16 is actually pretty good in muddy conditions because the action is in a sealed environment. I can see an AK struggle with mud a lot more than an M16. AKM beats the M16 in ease of use and maintainance by a long shot tho.

You also have to look at how the ak improves overall troop morale. A soldier can fire a couple of rounds to warm up the barrel then use it as a s*x toy in the a$$. It has helped many rebel soldiers maintain good morale and remind them what they are fighting for. I believe this was an integral design feature.

Any weapon system, without any level or form of maintenance or checks, there's always a chance of malfunction.

I prefer the ar15 over the ak, in North America the ar15 is a better choice, because they are more readily available, meaning parts are everywhere, ammo is everywhere. If I lived on the other side of the world I would choose ak all day long for the same reason. As for reliability modern ar platforms don’t have the issues the early m16s did. The early m16s had their problems but that was over half a century ago, not really an issue now.

AK is very simple to learn, operate and buy. It is pretty accurate and very powerful. Perfect weapon for everyone.

The Most G.I. Proof Weapon I Have Ever Used.

The AK-47 would be my choice for a SHTF situation for all the reasons you stated in this video and the comments made by the viewers!!!

Becsuse 5.56mm ammo is lighter.. the average American soldier in Vietnam can carry more 5.56mm ammo then a 7.62mm ammo

AK for conscript army, AR for professional.

Because it's cheap and you can hand it out to some conscripts without the common sense to maintain it regularly (AKs still break and foul up easily within 1000 rounds without maintenance, go try if you have the capacity to do so and you'll see for yourself). If it was actually a GOOD firearm, we wouldn't have been using M16s. Calling M16s or AR platforms in general "fancy" is just propaganda. They can take every bit of a beating that AKs can and still reach out further and hit targets in fewer shots. If you want better penetration than the 5.56 already has then we have .308 which beats both. It's down to preference, training, the job ( AR platforms can fill all the roles youd need) and familiarity that determines the effectiveness and quality of the weapon, not sheer numbers deployed because of price and manufacturing capacity. Just today I was at the range with a bunch of guys with AKs that go all the time and they couldn't hit a bullseye at 50 yards, been giving them shit about it for years. So really try and explain how AKs beat out M16s? Without the bullshit this time. Especially when you consider that 20 inch heavy barrel can effectively turn any load into duty ammo with some of the greatest precision of any automatic available?

It’s funny that in the tests of ’47, Mikhail’s creation lost to the AB-46 and AD-46 in terms of accuracy! But in terms of reliability, it won!

The AR is a Superior Rifle (because it’s better engineered)!!!! It’s a marksman’s rifle!!!! The AK however, might be crude compared to the AR, but it’s a Frontiersman rifle!!!! You can abuse it to the nth degree and it’ll still work!!!! Also it’s the most widespread, because it’s alot cheaper than the AR!!!!! Those are basically the advantages of the legendary AK!!!!!!

Americans Ak47 Enthusians have improved AK47 from being a villain gun into home clean advance reliable home defender with fency mods.

CHILD :- AM17(5.56×39mm) FATHER :- AK SERIES(7.62×39mm) GRANDFATHER : - AK308 ILLICIT INNOCENT NEW BORN BABY :- M16

No the m16 has less full auto recoil it’s a lighter round and personally I think the safety is easier to operate

The ak is awesome, to say it's more controllable at full auto is ridiculous

The Russian made Kalashnikov is way cheaper and easy to maintain and use not to mention it's really cheap and even a kid can use it The M16 may have range but the AK has reliability

Basically, if it was a game, you would start off at level one with an AK because it’s more noob, friendly, but as you learn how to use the weapons better and how to clean them and care for them as well as practice marksmanship you could upgrade to western M4 platforms

Because the AK has few moving parts than the M16

Ak’s are actually very hard to build it’s not something you can just do with some tools like an ar wrench and punches. The rivets can make or break a build. Everything seems to be more hand fitted per the individual rifle vs the ar15 where people basically just drop in parts. It’s funny the ak is easier to do a basic cleaning although the ar15 has a very easy bolt to disassemble. The flip side is the ak bolt assembly is so robust I feel very few people even bother knowing how to take out the extractor and firing pin. The clear winner is having both.

Russian weapon are made for war and battle Not just for operation

It took 5 minutes tu learn to operate and maintain m70 zastava (AK derivate) when I was just 12 years old. Even I have not been touched the rifle for 25 years, I colud disaseble and assemble it in complete dark any time. Precision is excelent up to distances where average shooter can do it (300-400 m). Beyond that, it is impractical, since at battlefild noone stand still to play target for you. When I saw what is needed to dissasembly M16 and to solve stoppages, I would not be eager do pick it instead the AK.

the AK-47 is a weapon from the future. just look at its design!

From the jungles of Srilanka and northeast India, to the -50 degrees in the Siachen glacier to the desert's of Rajasthan, The AK won every battle. 750,000 AK 203 on order by the Indian armed forces.

They lost me when they said the ak has safe and full auto mode 😂😂

I would take an SG553 R....best of both worlds

The ergonomics of the M16 are way better. So are the iron sights. Easier to handle after a few mags have run through it as well. They both get hot, but the M16/AR manages it better. In the vein of ergos…you’re much more likely to scrape pinch or burn your fingers operating the AK..manipulating the safety, mag changes, charging handle etc..it’s an effective, reliable weapon for sure but, for me it’s the M16 every day.

M16 or AK47? Get both!

Unfortunately, as long as i can recall i never saw an AK unit at service on my country troops. Back then the troops even issued with unreliable US M14 carbine before switching to licensed FN Fnc (ss1 v1).

They are both great weapons. One is for rugged usage with minimal maintenance and firepower. While the other is also easy to service while delivering good firepower and accuracy. You can't compare them really because they are both highly successful and very reliable although the AK47 has the greater reliability and ruggedness. The M16's great features are, lethal high muzzle velocity, high precision and lightweight, being easy to operate and increasing agility of the user in combat

"Which one would you pick?" YES

Ehhh, maybe my US civilian perspective coupled with my time under threat of mean things being done to my peers and I if we didn’t clean our rifles makes most of the talking points for the AK a little meh? I enjoy shooting the AK and it’s not as inaccurate as some say but the AR isn’t as unreliable as others may think. I think a lot of the issues and pluses of this stuff comes from Cold War and early post Cold War talk. If we go into the present day, just look at how quickly the taliban dumped their AK’s for m4’s when the U.S. flew the coop in Afghanistan. In all, I could easily get by with either in most situations.

Because the AK's was exported to every poor country in the world. This has nothing to do with the function of the rifle and all that other nonsense. If we exported M16's just like Ak's, we be seeing them more. Also, AK's aren't cheaper than M16's. The AK had government funding to build factories to crank them out using at the time expensive machines, while the M16 had businesses run them that we're ten times smaller than those factories pumping out Ak's.

Many countries can make ak in cheap i mean very cheap. A local made ak can be cost around 300- 500$.

The AK is more simplistic, fewer parts, easier to take down, and always goes bang. That said, it is NOT a pression weapon with an effective range of about 300 yards. Three inch groups at 100 yards is the norm. The AR platform is very accurate out to 600 yards and beyond. In a few days the National Matches will begin at Camp Perry with thousands of competitors competing across the course with ARs. No one competes with an AK platform. The AK platform can not match the ARs accuracy.

i have a 30 year old sa85m still going strong

M4/16 series. Reliable and *accuracy.*

Ah yes RECOIL PATTERN

Um the ak has a full auto and semi, not only full auto. How the Fck did this video get that wrong?

Don't know, never got to fire either at the rifle range.. both are banned in this country.." A bit much" for hunting I do believe was the words spoken. But if I were to have the paperwork for such devices, would try out both in a closed course and carry through rough conditions away from civilization.." do my own tests" regarding reliabilty and function. Most millitary like firearm I got my hands on, field stripped and cleaned was an old FN in cadets which I never got to fire plus a bolt action Enfield from WW2 of which I did get to fire a lot at the rifle range back in my early adult years. There is the type of shooting you do when hunting, and then theres the kind of action your expected to preform via the armed forces.. Both taxing at times, but only have been hunting game in the past..cannot see reason to own an automatic rifle in this country other than maybe a few sessions at the rifle range to relieve stress.. " Expensive" entertainment.. And also costly in more ways than just money alone. If such need came to pass where having an automatic rifle was suddenly allowed or required..would most likely go with what's affordable, reliable..easy to maintain, can take punishment if conditions are tough.."avalible" as well. But do not see that happening anytime soon. To go out hunting these days comes at a cost, not to mention politics thick like pea soup in the tundra at winter. No longer an affordable option for many unless you already live out where the game are and own property there..even then, one would probably more so go with a bow over a rifle to save on expenses. Arrows do cost more, but at least re usable a few more times upon achieving a level of accuracy. " Bullets are not cheap" here, and limited. Where it comes to these two rifles mentioned, well.." I hope such need for civillians to possess one never comes to pass in this nation." Already know what a .308 is capable of in the bush fired from a bolt action on a deer or moose at close and medium range.. Cannot recall what an AK shoots..but figure they are high caliber rounds close enough to them old bolt action hunting rifles. Let's just say such facts involving firearms do not sit with me well where people are at odds with one another in urban areas full of children. Even when I had rifles, well.. in some ways it's less stress not having them, but more not having as much meat on the table during the fall and winter. Find a lot of individuals talking b.s. about having an auto but never killed anything to eat nor defend themselves don't realize certian facts of life and need to get them sorted quick before applying for a licence to have one...maybe go out hunting with an experianced individual after taking the courses and obtaining paperwork... Pay a visit to a ward where people are recovering from firearms injuries..speak to a few vetrans.. Think about what it is like to be a parent and have everything devolve into a war zone. Nice to have such items I know... being "Prepared" is a good thing.. But...there is more behind the matter of owning firearms than just the courses you take to utilize them safely plus store them...they are deeply entrenched with politics in which matters not how good you are with them, rather how well you are with people and solving problems without a firearm peacefully, otherwise there are others whom train daily to remove them from others who will pay you a visit. Access to food supply, tools and such when cut off tends to cut down anyones bravado.. Sure you got yourself a trusty well renown dangerous piece of equipment..a few "friends" But without access to everything it requires to function legally via your government..law enforcement, "comrads"..well...😅... War does look like hell..cannot imagine many enjoy it. One does what they must for their nation and people.. War is Buisness, and buisness is war at times.. Firearms from my understanding beyond hunting purposes are but a quarter measure or less where agressive negotiations are concerned. Artillery, drones, tanks, mines, booby traps, suicide bombers and such don't care how good of a shot you are, nor those with access to nuclear stockpiles armies, police at their command... One individual with a firearm can do a lot be it good or bad.. "But" eventually things don't go so well regardless of who you are, nor skillsets. More to the whole bigger picture beyond what is written here..several perspectives..knowlage bases..experiances..etc. "Long yarn I know." Not a soldier, never been one. Have hunted, fished and fed my family for a few winters in the past.." that's about it." Not an expert..only know a few rifles having shot them and cared for, but no longer. " Cost measures" politics and such. Don't want my home to be in a war zone, but how politicians are managing things home and abroad..well, not a lot anyone can do other than endure. Not looking forward to an intercontental exchange between superpowers nor another gain of function lab mistake in safety protocol.. Then there is the fruits and nuts talking smack with bloodlust but no exp in their minds who get their first gun be it legal or otherwise.. Everyone eventually grows up, but some are obviously not going to be around very long. When things go sour, don't like being near them if there is a choice...would include some police on that list as well..(not naming anyone here) Well..will delete this later..see where the algorythim goes and who is watching me after...😅. Hope everyone who read this far has a good life.

Recently shot an AK ( original from Tula ), whaaat a beauty 😍.

AK-47 is no longer considered a field weapon but a collector item by the US military. It's heavy, inaccurate at long distances, and worse ballistics.

I haven't watched the video yet, but I would guess that the reasons for this are mainly availibility, reliability and a cheap(er) price compared to M16 derivates. I often wonder what role the AK-74 has compared to the "classics". It is quite old too and chambers a round similar to the 5.56 NATO calibre but never seemingly became as popular as The AK 47 or the M16 although it seemingly was/is widely used. Or what about the german G3? I would also be interested about not only chinese copies but also their standard rifle, the QBZ-95. It doesn't seem to be widely used from a global point of view. Is it more similar or comparable to english or frensh designs which weren't said to be very good, or is it more comparable to a Steyr Aug which has a good reputation?

"When a young man, I read somewhere the following: God the Almighty said, 'All that is too complex is unnecessary, and it is simple that is needed.' So this has been my lifetime motto - I have been creating weapons to defend the borders of my fatherland, to be simple and reliable." Mikail Kalishnikov. He made them simpler so they would be more durable.

Obviously the AK47, the M16 likes to jam.

All the Taliban switched from their AKs to ARs with ACOGs;)

We don’t even use the m16 anymore lol, years late man

Simple, robust, very reliable, good accuracy up to 300m, good tolerance to dirt and most importantly very cheap.

Everyone: Reliable and cheap Me : CIA

Reason why a gun made in 1950s is still used in modern warfare where we got drones with lasers and shit:- Easy to use, cheap and easy to purchase via black markets or Russia, needs less maintenance. is the Nokia of the gun world.

Didn’t realize CS recoil patterns were authentic😂

Boomers in the comments are mad mad mad! Muh forgotten weapons! Muh accuracy. 🤣😂

Ak is cheap and doesn't require a lot of maintenance. The M16 is much more expensive and requires much more training to use.

The Armalite design is actually better in adverse conditions especially if you close the dust cover.

The AKM has 3 settings, safe, full auto, and semi-auto. Not just safe and full auto

AK all day. Most durable semiautomatic rifle ever to be manufactured, and has a larger caliber. 👍

US should adopt it, LOL...

Everyone has seen the guy who makes an AK receiver out of a shovel pan. That's why they don't make ARs in Bumfukistan.

Save or auto, Ak can save instead of safe. Wow no wonder its better lol

It's so simple and easy to use even a child can use it, and in some places they do.

The newest M4 series, particularly the HK 416 equivalent, is actually fairly reliable, arguably more so than the Kalashnikov line, because it's made with better materials and more experienced engineering. That being said, the Kalashnikovs are cheaper, easier to produce, easier to clean and maintain, and easier to train on. If you have America's or the EU's resources and combat infrastructure, the M4 series is better. If you're anyone else, the Kalashnikov will do. I was able to adequately clean an AK with a toothbrush and a shoelace, which I soaked in motoroil, knotted, and pulled through the barrel and receiver. The M4 though, even with endless drills, was a pain to clean and demanded not just the official cleaning kit, but additional materials like Q-tips and tiny pipe cleaners.