AK-47 vs AR-15

1949–Present

1964–Present

Approximately 100,000,000+ units (including all variants and licensed copies)

12,000,000+ units (combined military, law‑enforcement, and civilian production)

870 mm (34.3 in) with stock extended, 640 mm (25.2 in) with stock folded (rifle with folding stock)

840 mm (33.1 in) with stock extended (16 in barrel), 730 mm (28.7 in) with stock collapsed (14.5 in barrel)

415 mm (16.3 in) standard, 375 mm (14.8 in) for AKM shortened models

406 mm (16 in) standard, 368 mm (14.5 in) carbine, 508 mm (20 in) designated marksman, 254 mm (10 in) pistol‑length

3.47 kg (7.7 lb) empty, 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) loaded with 30‑round magazine

3.2 kg (7.1 lb) empty (16 in barrel, without optics)

30 rounds standard detachable box, 10‑round magazine for civilian use, 40‑round drum, 75‑round drum (rare)

30 rounds standard, 10/20/40/60 round options, drum magazines up to 100 rounds

Gas‑operated, long‑stroke piston, rotating bolt, closed bolt

Direct‑impingement gas system (original) or short‑stroke gas piston (aftermarket/variant), rotating bolt, semi‑automatic or select‑fire

Single‑stage military trigger with selector lever for safe, semi‑auto, and full‑auto

Single‑stage semi‑automatic trigger; military select‑fire models use a two‑stage fire selector with safe, semi, burst, and automatic modes

Adjustable rear notch (range 100–1000 m) and hooded front post; some models equipped with side‑mounted night sights

Standard: detachable flip‑up rear iron sight and fixed front post; many models equipped with Picatinny rail for optical, holographic, or night sights