AR vs. AK.....Underwater

Published on September 18, 2020
Duration: 6:52

This video from RECOILtv features Iain Harrison and Mark Plowman conducting an extreme test of an AR-15 and an AK-47 firing underwater. Using professional commercial diving equipment, the test reveals significant malfunctions in both platforms due to water ingress and overpressure. The analysis highlights the failure points of each rifle under these unique conditions.

Quick Summary

Firing an AR-15 or AK-47 underwater is highly discouraged due to extreme overpressure from water ingress, causing catastrophic failures. RECOILtv's test showed the AR-15 ejecting its magazine and splitting a brass casing, while the AK-47 struggled to cycle. Both platforms failed under these conditions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the AR vs. AK Debate
  2. 00:40Commercial Diving Gear Overview
  3. 01:11Diving Preparation
  4. 02:04AK-47 Underwater Test
  5. 03:25AR-15 Underwater Test
  6. 05:20Post-Test Analysis and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an AR-15 or AK-47 fire underwater?

No, firing an AR-15 or AK-47 underwater is not recommended and leads to catastrophic failures. Water ingress into the barrel and gas system causes extreme overpressure, resulting in malfunctions like magazine ejection, split casings, and cycling issues, as demonstrated in RECOILtv's test.

What specialized equipment was used for the underwater rifle test?

The test utilized professional commercial diving gear, including a Kirby Morgan helmet with surface-supplied air and a communication system, to ensure the safety and functionality of the diver operating the firearms underwater.

What were the main failure points for the AR-15 and AK-47 underwater?

The AR-15 experienced a catastrophic failure with magazine ejection and a split brass casing due to overpressure. The AK-47 struggled with reliable cycling. Both rifles failed due to water in the barrel and gas systems.

Who conducted the underwater AR vs. AK test?

The underwater AR vs. AK test was conducted by Iain Harrison, a former Top Shot winner and firearms journalist, alongside Mark Plowman, a professional commercial diver from Commercial Divers International, at their facility.

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