Apples To Apples: AKS-74U Vs. M4A1

If you go to any gun forum or website you always tend to see AK47 Vs. M16 threads, whats most annoying about these threads and or videos/posts is that they never tend to compare apples to apples. Its usually whatever the OP tends to have Vs. something not really comparable.

Examples tend to be: AK-74 Vs. M4A1, AKM Vs. M16, ect.

So Since I don't see a similar topic on a base scan of google I will simply give my thoughts on what is the equivalent of a modern day comparison.

AKS-74U Vs. M4A1

And to start this out I will be Quite frank and come out with My Bias ..... I think the AK is better.... But Onward as to why..

COLT M4A1 (Commando): The M4A1 is the current military Issue of what is the ever evolving M16 series Designed by Eugene Stoner. The Most Notable features of the M4 vs. the earlier M16's is that it has a much shorter Overall length, shorter gas tube, Different Rear sight base and, an adjustable stock. Internal differences include a cold hammer forged chrome lined steel barrel, and Improved feeding ramps. The M4 Exists to Solve the problem of Mounted combat with a mobile army. After Dessert Storm the Army Decided that the M16 was long and unwieldy to be rapidly deployed out of a Humvee. Colt Already Had the XM177 Commando Model of M16's in development and were mostly being used with special forces Operators. Needless to Say The M4 is taking over as the primary issue carbine in the US Army. It is also taking over the Positions of SMG's and PDW's.

This is because the M4 fits the same size and weight specs as SMG's, like the MP5, but have a much greater effective range.

Features that Make the M4 Popular/Desireable are the use of the widely available 5.56mm NATO Cartridge, Ergonomics, and the wide array of aftermarket parts. Currently American Civilians can purchase and build Mill-Spec Semi-Auto M4's at a reasonable price point and customize them to fit their unique needs. This weapon is easily Capable of 1MOA accuracy with Iron sights and depending on the optic and skill of the shooter Sub MOA shooting. This is truely a Point and Shoot weapon. The Gas system, and buffer tube also eat up any recoil that could be felt by the shooter. (This is assuming proper trigger control and stance)

Negatives: Due to the short Gas tube on the Direct Impingement gas system this rifle tends to cycle faster than a normal M16 which causes faster wear and deterioration of parts. Also due to more gas being needed to cycle the action the M4 is prone to quicker Carbon build up from sustained fire. This paired with the tight tolerances on Mil-spec weapons could cause failure with the Weapon system. While considered a negative by most It is generally accepted that proper maintenance easily remedies this issue. (The catastrophic failures described are more typical with fully automatic fire.)

Overall: I think the M4 is more than Capable and Quite formidable in the hands of a skilled marksman (with the ability to engage targets lethally at 400 yards). While I have shot the M4 It is an awesome weapon and I plan on stocking a few away. Overall because I am in a desert environment and I hate cleaning I do not want a gun that I will be needing to constantly maintain. This is more a personal feeling to me, I think the system overall is amazing and would gladly have one as part of my arsenal and even use for self defense.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Izhevsk Arsenal AKS-74U: the AKS is the Only Comparable model of the Kalashnikov Variants of Rifles to the M4. Part of the Redesign in 1974 The Soviets looked at how the AK-47 Pattern rifles fared against the New M16 rifle of the west. Seeing the use of smaller lighter cartridges that allowed the soldiers to carry more ammunition into battle struck the soviets as genius and they took the newly produced AKM pattern rifles and developed a new cartridge in the same size/weight class as the 5.56mm NATO. Thus both the 5.45x39MM WP (Warsaw Pact) and, the AK-74M were born. During this time Spetznaz Units, Mobile, and rear echelon troops wanted a compact Sub-Machinegun that they could use because they were either engaged in close quarters combat or in cramped spaces that did not permit a rifle. Building off the New AK74 pattern rifles Kalashnikov and his team redesigned the AK to make a weapon that met the same space requirements as the M4 (Years before the M4). 


Features that Make the AKS-74U Desireable: Shorter Overall Length, Folding Stock, Decreased Weight, Smaller 5.45mm Round (vs. the 7.62x39mm) Loose AK Tolerances Make for more reliable weapon system. 5.45mm round Not restricted by NATO/ Geneva convention Guidelines (more lethal 7n6), Will Engage targets up to 400 yards. WP length stock is too short for some shooters. Built in Quick Release Optic mount.


Cons: The AK Platform is generally accepted as Less Accurate than the M4/16 platform. (because of loose tolerances), Only Ergonomic with serious modification, Requires different shooting philosophies/stance than the M4, Piston system creates friction which causes hand guards to heat rapidly, Requires use of "Notched" Iron Sights, Must remove any optics to fold stock. Long Action of Weapon transfers more recoil than necessary to operator.


Overall: I love the AK platform because of its Rugged reliability, I have never been one to shoot for amazing groups so I take accuracy claims worth a grain of salt. If I can hit within my 4 inch circle offhand at 100 yards I am typically happy. With that said I hate that the level of modification required to make this gun ergonomic sucks.  most optics will fit this weapon ( again stance must come into account) This gun Is still verymuch point and shoot.


Now While I said earlier that I am biased against the AK that is only really for my systems. I advocate the training and proficiency with both of these fine weapons. Simply this is highly a matter of preference, but If your finances dictate so, then having both would be the route I would take. I know thats my plan.