Are 556 AK's taking over?
As of October 2023, 5.56 AKs are becoming the most practical and cost-effective way to own and shoot the Kalashnikov platform in the US. This shift is driven by the increasing difficulty and expense of acquiring 5.45x39mm and 7.62x39mm ammunition, particularly steel-cased variants. While traditionalists may view NATO calibers in AKs as unconventional, the current market realities make 5.56 AKs a sensible choice for maintaining shooting proficiency and enjoying the AK experience without prohibitive ammunition costs.










