AK-74 Still Worth It?

Published on November 14, 2019
Duration: 5:46

In 2019, the AK-74 in 5.45x39mm remains a viable and enjoyable option, offering low felt recoil and higher velocity than 7.62x39mm. While ammunition costs have risen due to ATF reclassification of surplus rounds, 5.45x39mm remains more affordable than 5.56x45mm NATO. Magazines are still relatively available and affordable, especially compared to less common calibers. The platform benefits from parts commonality with AKM variants, ensuring future parts availability.

Quick Summary

In 2019, the AK-74 in 5.45x39mm remains a worthwhile investment, offering low felt recoil and higher velocity than 7.62x39mm. Despite increased ammunition costs due to ATF reclassification, 5.45x39mm is still more affordable than 5.56x45mm NATO, and magazines are readily available.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Intro: The AK-74 Experience
  2. 00:19Is the AK-74 Worth Buying in 2019?
  3. 00:25Arsenal SGL 31: A Modified AK-74
  4. 00:42Magazine and Furniture Details
  5. 00:57Optics Rail and Sight Setup
  6. 01:12Cost of Ownership: Ammo & Rifles
  7. 01:265.45x39mm vs. 5.56x45mm AK
  8. 01:40Ammunition Price Analysis
  9. 02:00ATF Reclassification Impact
  10. 02:13Current 5.45x39mm Ammo Costs
  11. 02:50Magazine Availability and Cost
  12. 03:075.45x39mm Round Performance
  13. 03:17The Upside of Scarce 5.45x39mm Ammo
  14. 03:43Verdict: Is the AK-74 Still Viable?
  15. 03:46Low Recoil and Velocity Benefits
  16. 04:03Cost Comparison to Other Rifles
  17. 04:15Comparing to FAL and G3 Rifles
  18. 04:27Parts Commonality and Availability
  19. 04:52The Shooting Experience
  20. 05:02Affordable AK Entry Points
  21. 05:15Final Thoughts on the AK-74
  22. 05:19More Shooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 5.45x39mm AK-74 still a good buy in 2019?

Yes, the AK-74 in 5.45x39mm remains a viable and enjoyable option in 2019. It offers low felt recoil and higher velocity than 7.62x39mm. While ammunition costs have increased, it's still more affordable than 5.56x45mm NATO, and magazines are readily available.

How does the cost of 5.45x39mm ammunition compare to 5.56x45mm NATO?

In 2019, 5.45x39mm ammunition averages around $0.20-$0.21 per round, while brass-cased 5.56x45mm NATO can cost $0.28-$0.29 per round. This makes 5.45x39mm a more economical choice for AK platforms.

Are 5.45x39mm AK-74 magazines easy to find and affordable?

Yes, 5.45x39mm AK-74 magazines, such as Bulgarian Circle 10 surplus, are still fairly affordable and widely available. They are not as common as 7.62x39mm AKM magazines, but their availability is good, and prices haven't reached a premium.

What are the advantages of the 5.45x39mm caliber in an AK platform?

The primary advantages of the 5.45x39mm caliber in an AK platform are significantly reduced felt recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot, and higher projectile velocity compared to the 7.62x39mm. Certain rounds also exhibit good expansion and stabilization.

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