Is the AK-47 overrated?

For military use, yes it is. It all started in the Vietnam War. There was a Nicolas Cage movie where they said AK-47 couldn't jam and all that bullsh*t.

For criminal use, it's pretty dangerous I believe.

As all russian made stuff it's quantity over quality. Its simple design allows for such a high supply to be made for a fairly low price (Compared to other weapons) and not to mention that it holds great to other rifles despite its simpleness. It's not the most powerful rifle out there but it gives you the most bang for your buck.

Simple and easily fielded. While on tour i came across a number of AKs from different countries . I was even shot by a weapon firing 7.62x39

Old East black nations AKs are the best in my opinion.

It's like an old Nokia, nothing is more tougher and reliable. But a little old fashioned

No, AKA-47 is still the best gun for criminals.

Who knew Nick Cage was a firearm expert? Lol

It's starting to show it's age technologically, but the fact that there are working models from 1948 still around today is a testament to it's longevity.

The real advantage of the AK-47 and subesquent models is the fact that they are so cheap, so plentiful and so well built (at least, the euro models) that any country or gangster can use them.

it's not overrated its just that good.

I heard during the vietnam war american soldiers would drop m16's in exchange for ak 47 during combat. because the m16 jams alot.

Such a weird question.

Overrated? Well, what is it rated? 9 on 10? 8 out of 10 stars? Who is rating it? What are the ratings based on? Effectiveness? Cost? Accessibility?

I'm so confused.

@jaken7: i think his scale is from 10--suck.

@chibi_cute: Yeah but these days we have the M4 Carbine.

@mandarinestro: Yeah but can you bury the M4 carbine in dirt then dig it back up and fire a 1000 rounds through it without it jamming?

I have an original Russian SKS and it still fires fine, after neglecting to clean it for a few years....

@mr_clockwork91: Sure, I'll give em that, but in the battlefield an M4 is more accurate because it has less recoil. Maybe against M16s in Vietnam it was epic but against modern weapons not so much.

Unless, you're talking about cost which I will agree that AK47 gives more value for cost.

Depends on what you mean by 'overrated'.

Simplicity and ease of maintenance? No, it probably isn't since its the weapon of choice for terrorists who have next to nothing to repair it with.

As a primary weapon? It's a pile of ass and recoil when it comes to accuracy but fine if you really only need/want to run forwards and spray bullets to keep the enemy ducking (hence why it's called an Assault Rifle).

All in all, it's not overrated as long as you accept that its an item from the bargain bin.

How can a gun be over-rated?

=(

@claymore1998: lol you made me spit my coffee out !

No, but it is overused.

The AK family can most definitely jam, but it's certainly much more durable in environments like mud and sand (such as Vietnam) and because of that the myth that it never jams came to place because of how well it did compared to weapons of the time such as the US's original M16 model and the M14. AKs are also cheap, perfect for mass production and distribution. I don't think I know anyone who praises it for its accuracy, because that is its weak point so the range is limited; therefore it's not overrated in that point.

Overall for criminal use, I agree since it's pretty much good for long term use and just overall spraying in one general direction.

Nope.

No.

I do wish the HK G3 would get a little more recognition.

It's all about style

Just like their nuclear weapons.

Except Tsar Bomba....

Both underrated and overrated, it is easier and cheap to mass produce and work in most environments and rarely breaks or jams, however due to the larger slug it has less AirPrint power than smaller rounds and is not very accurate with high recoil

I used to have one.

Nicolas Cage made a movie during the Vietnam war? He must be ancient by now!

Ever popped someone? :D

@cave_duck: Lol no, it was about weapons dealers.

@mandarinestro:

Oh that one! I saw it at the movies and I remember feeling so ripped off.

Anyway...

The AK does what its meant to- be a mass-produced, general purpose rifle for use by mostly unskilled, minimally-trained personnel.

As to over-rated? What's the context???

No love for the Sturmgewehr 44? It deserves just as much recognition imo. Without that gun the AK wouldn't exist! Like Justice League without Superman: TAS.

Pfft...give me an M1 Garand! Boss rifle right there and yes I know it ain't an assault rifle...still though!

Ok no, people who overrate guns get dead.

What do you mean by overrated? It's a great rifle for what it is, it's cheap & easy to manufacture it's simple & easy to maintain it's rugged & reliable but really only shines in a spray & pray situation so it really just comes down to personal preference. That being said I'm personally not a fan but I wouldn't call it overrated.