Question, anyone fire both an M4/M16 and an AK-47?

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by IGETEVEN

LOL..Damn Cane, that is exactly why I have a Harley Ultra Classic and a Honda Goldwing!

Jack

Thanks Jack!

[Baltar]

Originally Posted by canebrake

First you can only be asking this question and looking for a subjective response.

My experience is only from the shooters position because I’ve never been shot at. (with either AR nor AK.)

And with an engineering background, my response will truly be subjective because none of my experience was conducted with instrumentation.

With the lack of empirical data I prefer to respond to your question with an analogy.

Shooting the AR and the AK is like riding a rice rocket and a Harley.

• The AR is smooth, fast with no apology, efficient and sans the report, not very distracting to the shooter.
• The AK however is more Harley-like. A ton of mechanical sound, vibration (harmonics differ from the AR) and a sense that the next round may not fire from all this distraction.

Both reports are distinctive but not due to volume. I can definitely tell the difference but cannot tell you why. Similar to how I can tell if a chopper is under load or just cruising. (or, is that military vs civilian? SOSO)

Personally, I’d rather be seen on the Harley, but I would want the rice-burner in a pinch!

So in your opinion since this is subjective, are both weapons equally loud but still different?

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by Baltar

So in your opinion since this is subjective, are both weapons equally loud but still different?

The short answer would be Yes.

The visceral/perceived (to me) "loudness" would go the the AK.

[willfully armed]

AR reports ultimately depend on the flash suppressor/muzzle brake at the end of that barrel. Mine is louder than most of the other ive shot, as it directs away to the sides.

[afi1]

Originally Posted by Shooter girl

Not to turn this into an AK vs M16 thread, but I got to disagree with you. Over the last ten years or so the number of professional militaries using the AK has gone from over 80 to seven, while the number of professional militaries using the M16/M4 has gone from twenty or so to almost a hundred.

As to the OP's question. IIRC the AK's report is two or three Db higher depending on the loading. Hardly noticable. Just different.

I said nothing about the AR Vs. AK with the exception of the difference in sound when fired. No one who studies Military history can deny the AK of it's heritage. I own an AR as well. I don't compare the two, they're both tools for different jobs. And I guess "Professional Militaries" don't use K98K rifles, 1903 Springfields, M1 Garands, BAR's and many many other famous and great war rifles for the same reasons too?

[afi1]

Originally Posted by Baltar

Are you in the military? Is that you in your picture?

Yes, I am a Combat Engineer and I'm currently deployed in Afghanistan.

[afi1]

Originally Posted by canebrake

The short answer would be Yes.

The visceral/perceived (to me) "loudness" would go the the AK.

I agree. The AK "Feels" louder when you shoot it. As far as being shot at, it's pretty hard to tell what round just flew past you at 600 meters plus. At that distance you're hearing the bullet breaking the sound barrier before you hear the shot, if you hear the shot at all.

[User Name]

It might help to know why the OP wants to know this? What are you looking for? Something that you can shoot on your property without being so loud? Or what?
I own an AK47 and have shot M4's of all diffrent types.

[Baltar]

Originally Posted by User Name

It might help to know why the OP wants to know this? What are you looking for? Something that you can shoot on your property without being so loud? Or what?
I own an AK47 and have shot M4's of all different types.

Just out of curiosity. I live in the city so I can't shoot even a .22 without getting the cops called and getting arrested for shooting in city limits.

Which do you think it louder, your AK or the M4s that you shot?

[Baltar]

Originally Posted by afi1

I agree. The AK "Feels" louder when you shoot it. As far as being shot at, it's pretty hard to tell what round just flew past you at 600 meters plus. At that distance you're hearing the bullet breaking the sound barrier before you hear the shot, if you hear the shot at all.

From what I heard the AK feels louder but the AR sounds louder. Because with the AK you feel it in your chest but the AR you feel it in your head and ears. Is that true? AK feels louder but the AR still sounds louder?