User blog comment:USMC Lance/Whats the better rifle: M16 or AK47?/@comment-174.88.121.76-20111017012543

Personally, I'd throw away the M16 and AK 47 in favour of either the M16A3, M16A4, AK 74M or AK 103.

Pro's and Con's of the AR 15/M16 Platform:             Pro's and Con's of the Kalashnikov Platform: +Straight line Design                                                      + Ridiculously Reliable +Very high Precision                                                       + Very Simple +Low Recoil                                                                      + Low Maintenance +Fairly Simple to use                                                       + Low Price + Lightweight                                                                      - Not Made for Precision Accuracy + High Rate of Fire                                                            - Not as Versatile + Extremely Versatile                                                        - Slightly Lower Rate of Fire - Not Super Reliable                                                         - Slightly Heavier - Requires frequent and Thorough Maintenance - More Costly

Regardless of the pro's and con's, the effectiveness of both assault rifles depends heavily on who's using them. Sure, any Idiot and pick up an AK and use it, but that person won't be as effective as someone who has been trained very well with the rifle (Spetsnaz), who can be just as effective in combat as a well trained US Soldier with his M16.

Long Story Short: Both are good weapons; it's a matter of preference and training.