Author Topic: AK gets so hot it catches on fire (Read 1337 times)

Badair · « **Reply #30 on:** February 05, 2007, 04:12:23 AM »

The only big advantage the AK holds over a C7 (Canadian variant of M16, much higher quality but basically the same design) is that it really doesn't need to be maintained. This is great when you have a poorly trained force or one with little money for regular maintenance. An M16 type weapon will fire faster, more accurately, at longer ranges with less recoil and better quality safety, selector, and sights, just as long as it's properly maintained - like any other piece of equipment. I remember once I decided to see just how long a basic rifle, straight from the rack from the armory would fire continuously and I was feeding mags for well over 15 minutes. Granted, I was wearing thick leather gun gloves and I had to remove the plastic grips but those only take a couple seconds to take on or put off. But even after all that I was still hitting sub MOA at 100 meters. Hell, AK can't even do that when it's in perfect order much less on fire

AquaShrimp · « **Reply #31 on:** February 05, 2007, 04:21:45 AM »

The fact of the matter is that the M-16 got some of our troops killed in the invasion of Iraq because it could not fire with sand particles in the receiver. One young private whos M-16 was only partially disabled was able to take out an entire Iraqi mortar crew by firing a shot, ducking down, and unjamming his rifle, then firing again. Apparently he was an expert marksman.

So, 50 years after its invention, the M-16 still can't withstand the rigors of combat. People continue saying "Keep it clean and it works". Maybe. But being out in the field is an extremely dirty environment. Sand and snow environments are alot alike, the particles get everywhere. Same with mud.

1895 · « **Reply #32 on:** February 05, 2007, 07:15:11 AM »

You can never rely on keep it clean statement. Hell, you could clean it 24/7 it'll still jam at the worse possible times.

Edit: Also its a break "weak" weapon. Considering ive seen people smash it against a tree and have it break. And an AK run over by a humvee and not even dent

rabbidrabbit · « **Reply #33 on:** February 05, 2007, 09:36:48 AM »

Really? I have seen AKs smash just fine. Are you sure yours isn't made of Kryptonite?

An early problem folks were having in the desert was using wet lubes. Most use dry lubes now to much greater effect.

Sixpence · « **Reply #34 on:** February 05, 2007, 09:53:18 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Debonair
*"global woorming" is teh new "boosh"

fixed!

Angus · « **Reply #35 on:** February 05, 2007, 10:39:09 AM »

The only time I fired a Garand (WW2), it jammed. It was sand.

Anyway, on the field, reliability is all more important than the muzzle velocity + range that you will not enjoy with a jammed gun.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #36 on:** February 05, 2007, 12:35:49 PM »

My son became a bit of an AK expert, starting with a cheap Romanian SAR1 version, and working up to a Krebs Custom built AK74M.

In between he had an AK103 in the collection and a Polish underfolder AK47.

I've been the AR guy. As much as I like ARs, I have to admit his AK74 is probably the nicest shooter of the bunch and is just as accurate if not more then the ARs I have. Now they aren't match rifles, but then again neither is his AK74.

Also keep in mind that with AKs there are all kinds of variants built milled recievers and stamped recievers which also makes a difference in accuracy etc.

I was surprised at all those variants when my son started explaining it to me when he would try to justify "just one more" for his AK collection.

VOR · « **Reply #37 on:** February 05, 2007, 04:38:26 PM »

I know the feeling Guppy and I can relate. I started with a WASR a couple of years ago because of the price tag. Since then, the collection (and quality) has grown. It's a sickness.

Here's a video of an AK sand function test:

AMD-65 Sand Test

mussie · « **Reply #38 on:** February 05, 2007, 08:40:24 PM »

Hmmm possible stupid question here but... could doing what he did (the video) have caused a "catastrophic" failure resulting in serious injury....?

It seams VERY possible to me, but then again I dont know an all that much about guns....

VOR · « **Reply #39 on:** February 05, 2007, 09:38:13 PM »

Not a stupid question, and I would say your hunch is probably correct. It's a mechanical device and just like any other, it has safe limits which were obviously exceeded since the gun was destroyed. When a mechanical failure happens in a device designed to contain and direct explosive energy, it's usually bad.

The AK's reputation for reliability and ruggedness is legendary and alot of it is deserved, but alot is perpetuated myth/urban legend. Some folks take this as carte blanche to enter into freestyle redneck olympic events like the one in the video. Sooner or later, their luck will take a turn for the worse.

VooWho · « **Reply #40 on:** February 05, 2007, 09:43:41 PM »

I love my SKS-47 it doesn't jam unless I'm discharging the bullets manually which I found out is dumb. I went to stupid mod and was trying to pry this bullet out and as soon as I got the bullet out, the bolt smashed my finger, but it was okay. I went back to smart mod and just opened the bottom of the mag and let the bullets fall into my hand.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #41 on:** February 05, 2007, 09:48:07 PM »

Quote

but smaller and higher muzzle velocity means more accurate when you consider the minimal recoil.

Foolish conclusion.

moot · « **Reply #42 on:** February 05, 2007, 10:09:00 PM »

HHAAARRRRRRRRR!!

Gunslinger · « **Reply #43 on:** February 05, 2007, 10:24:44 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by lasersailor184
Foolish conclusion.

Not really. A lighter round traveling faster than a heavier round will go further, and will have less drop at closer range. Couple that with minimal recoil and it's an accurate weapon.

Keep in mind all that I'm making my argument based on ranges of 300 meters or greater.

Not just small grouping at 50 to 75 yards.