AK-47 vs. AR-15 — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on February 12, 2024
The AK-47 is a Soviet-designed assault rifle, known for its reliability and widespread use. The AR-15 is a lightweight, magazine-fed rifle, widely used in civilian and military applications.
Difference Between AK-47 and AR-15
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, is a selective-fire, gas-operated rifle that originated in the Soviet Union. Its name stands for "Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947." The AK-47 is renowned for its simplicity, durability, and effectiveness in various conditions. It has a distinctive curved magazine and is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge. The AK-47 has seen extensive use worldwide and is often associated with guerrilla warfare.
The AR-15, initially developed by Eugene Stoner, is a lightweight, air-cooled, gas-operated rifle. Its name stands for "ArmaLite Rifle - 15." The AR-15 is known for its modular design, accuracy, and widespread use in civilian applications. It typically fires the .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. While the military version of the AR-15 is the M16, civilian variants are widely popular and have become a symbol of the modern sporting rifle.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Soviet Union
United States
Cartridge
7.62x39mm
.223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO
Gas System
Gas-operated
Gas-operated
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Magazine Type
Curved (banana) magazine
Straight or curved magazine
Modularity
Less modular design
Highly modular design
Compare with Definitions
AK-47
Chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
The AK-47's 7.62x39mm cartridge provides significant stopping power.
AR-15
Lightweight, air-cooled rifle with modular design.
The AR-15's modular design allows users to customize and adapt the rifle to various needs.
AK-47
Notable for its curved (banana) magazine.
The distinctive curved magazine of the AK-47 is easily recognizable.
AR-15
Originally developed by Eugene Stoner.
Eugene Stoner's innovative design led to the development of the AR-15 rifle.
AK-47
Renowned for simplicity and durability.
The AK-47's design prioritizes simplicity and durability, making it suitable for harsh conditions.
AR-15
Widely used in civilian applications.
The AR-15 has become popular among civilians for various purposes, including sport shooting and home defense.
AK-47
Soviet-designed assault rifle with global influence.
The AK-47's robust design has made it a symbol of reliability and has influenced weapon designs worldwide.
AR-15
Military version is the M16.
The M16, derived from the AR-15, is the military version used by armed forces globally.
AK-47
Associated with guerrilla warfare and insurgency.
The AK-47's widespread use in conflicts has made it synonymous with guerrilla warfare.
AR-15
Typically fires .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO.
The AR-15's caliber, often .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO, contributes to its accuracy.
AK-47
A clip-fed, gas-operated assault rifle of Soviet design having a caliber of 7.62 millimeters and used throughout the world by armed forces and paramilitary organizations.
Common Curiosities
Why is the AK-47 known for reliability?
The AK-47's reliability is attributed to its simple design, loose tolerances, and effective gas system.
Why is it associated with guerrilla warfare?
The AK-47's reliability and simplicity make it suitable for guerrilla tactics and insurgency.
Can civilians own an AR-15?
Yes, in many places, civilians can legally own AR-15 rifles for sporting and self-defense purposes.
How did the AK-47 influence weapon design?
The AK-47's design influenced subsequent firearms, contributing to the development of numerous assault rifles.
Is the AR-15 used by military forces?
While the military version is the M16, the AR-15 has influenced military rifle designs and is used in some military and law enforcement contexts.
How accurate is the AR-15?
The AR-15 is known for its accuracy, making it popular for precision shooting and competitive sports.
Is the AK-47 still in use today?
Yes, the AK-47 remains in widespread use globally and is utilized by military forces and insurgent groups.
What makes the AR-15 modular?
The AR-15's modularity allows users to easily customize components such as stocks, handguards, and optics.
What is the civilian version of the AR-15 called?
The civilian version of the AR-15 is simply referred to as the AR-15.
What is the significance of the curved magazine?
The curved magazine design enhances feeding reliability and allows for smoother cycling of rounds.
What is the AK-47's caliber?
The AK-47 typically fires the 7.62x39mm cartridge, known for its stopping power.
What countries use the AK-47 in their military?
The AK-47 has been used by numerous countries globally, including Russia, China, and various nations in the Middle East and Africa.
Is the AR-15 used for hunting?
Yes, the AR-15 is used for hunting various game, and its modular design allows customization for different hunting scenarios.
Is the AR-15 a fully automatic rifle?
While some variants may have selective fire, many civilian AR-15s are semi-automatic, firing one round per trigger pull.
Who designed the AK-47?
The AK-47 was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, a Soviet engineer and lieutenant general.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
