Which is Faster? AR-15? AK-47? Other?

Published on January 20, 2016
Duration: 10:58

This video from The VSO Gun Channel details a speed test comparing the AR-15, AK-47, M1A, and Century C308 platforms. Expert instruction highlights how firearm ergonomics, specifically bolt-catch mechanisms and drop-free magazines on the AR-15, significantly impact reload times and overall drill completion speed. The AR-15 emerged as the fastest platform in this empirical test.

Quick Summary

The AR-15 is the fastest firearm platform for speed drills involving firing and reloading, achieving a mean time of 6.23 seconds. This speed advantage is attributed to its ergonomic design, including last-round bolt hold open and drop-free magazines, which streamline the reloading process compared to platforms like the AK-47, M1A, and Century C308.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Firearm Speed Test
  2. 00:57AK-47 (RAS-47) Trials and Reloads
  3. 02:22Century C308 (Roller Lock) Trials
  4. 04:38M1A (M14) Trials and Reloads
  5. 07:08AR-15 Trials and Reloads
  6. 08:52Data Analysis and Conclusion: Fastest Platform

Frequently Asked Questions

Which firearm platform is the fastest for speed drills like firing and reloading?

Based on empirical testing using a shot timer, the AR-15 platform is the fastest. Its ergonomic features, such as the last-round bolt hold open and drop-free magazines, allow for significantly quicker reloads compared to other platforms like the AK-47, M1A, or Century C308.

What factors contribute to the AR-15's speed advantage in shooting drills?

The AR-15's speed advantage stems from its user-friendly ergonomics. Features like the bolt catch that holds the bolt open after the last round and magazines that drop freely when the release is pressed streamline the reloading process, reducing overall time.

How did the AK-47 perform in the speed test compared to the AR-15?

The AK-47 platform, represented by the RAS-47, was the second fastest in the test, achieving a mean time of 8.29 seconds. While proficient, it was slower than the AR-15 (6.23 seconds) due to its 'rock-and-lock' magazine system and lack of an automatic bolt hold open.

What were the results for the M1A and Century C308 in the firearm speed test?

The M1A recorded a mean time of 11.11 seconds, and the Century C308 (a roller-lock system) was the slowest at 12.61 seconds. Both platforms presented challenges with their specific manual of arms and magazine seating under speed pressure.

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