AK Pistol vs AK Rifle: Which Should You Buy??

Published on October 26, 2019
Duration: 18:49

This video compares a 16-inch AK rifle with an IWI Galil ACE 7.62x39mm pistol, focusing on performance differences due to barrel length. The presenter, an experienced shooter, conducts ballistic gel tests with Wolf 123gr FMJ and Red Army Standard 124gr HP ammunition. While the rifle shows slightly better initial penetration and wound cavity, the pistol demonstrates surprisingly effective performance, suggesting the 7.62x39mm round remains potent even from shorter barrels.

Quick Summary

Comparing an AK pistol to an AK rifle, the longer barrel of the rifle offers higher velocity and better bullet performance. However, ballistic gel tests show the 7.62x39mm round remains highly effective from shorter pistol barrels, delivering significant penetration and wound cavities, making both viable options.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: AK Pistol vs. AK Rifle
  2. 01:08Shooting the Full-Length AK Rifle
  3. 01:44Advantages of the Full-Length AK Rifle
  4. 03:16Sponsor Mentions: Turtle Lake Tactical & Davidson's
  5. 03:57Shooting the IWI Galil ACE Pistol
  6. 04:38Sacrifices and Gains with the Pistol
  7. 06:35Using the Pistol Brace on the Forearm
  8. 08:17Ballistic Gel Test Setup
  9. 08:58Wolf 123gr FMJ Test: Rifle vs. Pistol
  10. 12:07Red Army Standard 124gr HP Test: Rifle vs. Pistol
  11. 15:26Fruit Test: Galil Pistol with Hollow Points
  12. 16:18Conclusion: Which Should You Buy?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of a full-length AK rifle over an AK pistol?

A full-length AK rifle typically offers a fixed buttstock for better stability and a longer barrel, which results in higher bullet velocity and improved ballistic performance compared to a pistol.

How does barrel length affect 7.62x39mm performance in ballistic gel?

While a longer barrel (16-inch rifle) provides more velocity and initial wound cavity damage, a shorter barrel (8.3-inch pistol) still delivers effective penetration and a significant wound cavity, proving the 7.62x39mm round is potent across different platforms.

Is the IWI Galil ACE pistol a good option compared to an AK pistol?

The IWI Galil ACE pistol is highlighted for its effective performance and the advantage of a top rail for optics, making it a strong contender against traditional AK pistols, with the presenter expressing a strong personal preference for it.

What ammunition was used in the ballistic gel tests?

The ballistic gel tests featured Wolf 123-grain full metal jacket (FMJ) and Red Army Standard 124-grain boat tail hollow point (HP) ammunition, common choices for stockpiling 7.62x39mm.

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