The Kalashnikov Showdown, Which One's BEST??? (Cheap vs Expensive)

Rob Ski, a recognized AK expert, advises against current inflated AK market prices, particularly for WASR-10 and Kalashnikov USA models. He suggests Zastava AKs as a more stable alternative and urges patience, research, and avoiding bidding wars to secure fair deals. The video also touches on the unlikelihood of an immediate assault weapons ban.

This video reviews the Century Arms WASR-10 rifle and briefly introduces the Kalashnikov KP9. The WASR-10 is chambered in 7.62x39mm and noted for its light weight, though the reviewer experienced issues with a crooked front sight. Recoil is present but manageable, especially when shooting faster. The reviewer prefers their Zastava AK for shooting performance but appreciates the WASR-10's lighter feel. The KP9 is mentioned as a 9mm option, with further content available on Instagram due to magazine compliance.

This video from Brass Facts offers a pragmatic, analytical review of the AK platform, challenging its 'cool factor' against objective utility. The host, with extensive experience, details the AK's ergonomic and modernization drawbacks compared to the AR-15, its rising costs, and specific advantages in 7.62x39mm ballistics, barrier penetration, and cold-weather reliability. Modern alternatives and specific product mentions are also covered.

This video from KLAYCO47, featuring insights from firearms instructor Clay, details the current challenges and increased costs associated with owning AK-pattern rifles in 2024. The discussion highlights fewer available options, rising prices for both firearms and ammunition, scarcity of quality parts kits, and import restrictions impacting accessory availability. Clay's expertise is evident in his realistic assessment of the market shifts affecting AK enthusiasts.

This review of GROM 7.62x39mm ammunition from Poland, imported by Atlantic Firearms, details its performance over 1000 rounds. The ammunition is remanufactured surplus with lead cores, lacquered steel cases, and corrosive Berdan primers. While it proved reliable in standard 16-inch AKM platforms like the WASR-10 and Egyptian Maadi, it exhibited significant issues including failures to fire and stuck cases in short-barreled AKs such as the Riley Defense Krink. The ammo is noted as dirty-burning and corrosive, requiring immediate cleaning after use. Despite its drawbacks, it's considered a viable budget option for compatible firearms.

This video argues that the WASR-10 is the best value AK-47 variant available in America, despite historical criticisms regarding canted sights, poor barrel threading, and loose magwells. The presenter details the evolution of the WASR-10 from early kit builds with significant quality control issues to modern production with improved features like CNC-machined magwells and better threading. While acknowledging past problems, the video highlights that many issues can be rectified with aftermarket parts like the M+M Mag Latch, making the WASR-10 a robust and affordable option.

This video provides an expert-level assessment of BB gun lethality for self-defense, featuring an experienced instructor from 1ShotTV. The test uses a realistic ballistic dummy head to compare a Daisy Red Rider BB gun, an Umarex MP40 CO2 replica, and a Gamo Wildcat Whisper pellet rifle. The findings indicate that BB guns are ineffective for self-defense, while pellet rifles show some potential but lack the stopping power of conventional firearms.

This video provides an expert-level demonstration of the BulletSafe VP3 Level 3A bulletproof vest's capabilities. The host, exhibiting high authority and expertise in ballistics and armor ratings, tests the vest against various calibers up to .44 Magnum and 12-gauge buckshot using a realistic ballistic dummy. The results highlight the vest's effectiveness in stopping rounds while also illustrating the potential for significant blunt force trauma and skeletal damage from high-energy impacts.

This review covers the Crosman DPMS SBR, a full-auto BB gun mimicking an AR-15 SBR. The host, demonstrating experienced authority, details its select-fire capability, dual CO2 power, 25-round capacity, and performance metrics like 430 FPS and 1400 RPM. The review includes practical demonstrations of loading, accuracy testing with minimal recoil, and penetration tests on various targets, concluding it offers a realistic full-auto experience for recreational shooting.

This video from 1ShotTV, featuring an experienced firearms content creator, experimentally tests the viability of a flare gun for self-defense. The tests reveal significant fire hazards when firing into household materials and inconsistent performance against clothing and ballistic targets. The Orion 12-gauge flare gun's single-shot capacity and slow reload time are highlighted as major drawbacks for defensive use. The conclusion strongly advises against using flare guns for self-defense due to these risks and limitations.