Bit of a rifle conundrum.

[hudson5969]

OK, here's the deal.

Been running an AK for the longest time.  Good with it, far more familiar with it than any other system.  Been running the Hel out of the UW Minuteman with it, and they are a great pair.  (BTW, if anyone is wondering how the 500D MC Tropic holds up, nary a rub-through anywhere on it, it's just a bit dirty.  I load with bullets up, so the baseplates have been dragging along the material with each insertion and extraction, and I'm using metal mags.  No problems).

However, I got into a 2-gun sort of deal at the local range, and have been running ARs, and built one of my own, best I could with what I really wanted.  It works great and I'm to the point that not only am I not trying to hit the thumb flap to release a magazine (like on an AK) I can go between the two rifles and not miss a step.

But now I'm wondering if I should sell the AK and associated stuff, or keep it in reserve.  The cost of ammo is a bit less with the AK, but not a lot less like it used to be.

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

keep it and the ammo. thats what i did. now, having said that, i might sell one or two of my AKs and keep only one. have been saving them until my son leaves the house. he's not quite out the door, but getting closer and he has his own AR and pistol. will keep my Arsenal SGL-21 with the ammo and still rely on my AR system.

just my two cents...

[Dave R]

I'd say keep it in reserve. Remember, a few years ago you could get into an entry level ak for around $400. Now on the other hand theyre going for around $600+.

[kenny256]

What would you do with the money from the sale?

I would probably just keep it, i had a nice aknsetup and sold it now I want it all back! I still love my ar's though!

[omnivorous]

I was in a similar position, and ended-up selling my 5.45x39 ak to fund an AR. I simply can't afford both at this time. I don't regret it, especially since the AR is honestly a better choice to go with in CONUS because of the availability of parts and ammo, should internet purchasing not be an option anymore. I'd still like an AK, but in the 7.62x39 variety, just to maintain familiarity with the system, though.

[panzer0170]

If you can afford to keep it and don't need the money? Keep it. If you don't use it for a year or two, then sell it. If you get rid of it now and decide you want it back, how much are you going to lose getting a new one?

Same process with any gear; When did you last get it out and use it? Do you not use it because it's crap? Sell it. Do you not use it because you've not had chance, or it's been replaced with something better? Keep it. If it doesn't get use, launch it, you don't need it.

My £0.01

[Hawkeye]

My $.03.... Depends. If your ok financially and can support the AR, ie - get a decent supply of ammo, mags, support gear, etc... then just keep the AK in reserve. If you don't have the funds to fully set up/support the AR, then sell the AK and use the funds for that. I like AK's a lot. However, being in the continental US, my go-to gun will be and is an AR.
Now, another consideration... I'm personally not one to have "fluff". I like redundancy where needed, but not where it isn't. If you want to really streamline your setup, which I'm a big fan of, then by all means sell the AK and put the money into other items as needed. There are many reasons to do this. One example would be, and not limited to, if you envision at some point having to honestly and seriously pack up and go, and don't want to leave anything behind, but also cant realistically pack up 40 tons of stuff, etc...

[eddiewouldclearhot]

like everyone else said, keep it. maybe stash it somewhere.

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

Okay, with more time to dwell on it.....i still stand on my above advice if...
1. as others have said you are set on mags, ammo, spare parts, optics, and UW Gear Chest Rigs and Bandoleers, etc for your AR
2. do you have or need another AR to give to spouse or friend that you may need to "run" with? this way you could share ammo, mags, etc.
3. are you squared away on other needed items for SHTF...food, armor, and other tangibles (PM's)
4. are you squared away on med supplies, antibiotics, bandages, TQ's, chest seals, etc

If so, keep it. If not, well you need to decide if the money you gain from selling would benefit you more in other aspects of life/survival.
just a few more of my thoughts....

[hudson5969]

Thanks, good advice.

I'll be keeping it.

[matt]

If you can afford to keep it, keep it. The secondary market is tough right now. I sold some stuff recently and ended up taking a bath on it just to get it sold.

Besides, the AK is just like a 12 gauge shotgun, .357 revolver, .22 rifle, etc in that every man should own at least one.

[Erick]

Cache it : )

[currahee]

What do your buddies use? If you have a lot of friends that us AKs you need to have an AK around- even if you use an AR also. If your buddies shoot ARs I would probably want a spare KISS AR over an AK as a spare.

I had a convenient solution to this personally. Years ago I sold my AK to a buddy that lives a couple hours away as a spare for him, with the understanding that if I ever showed up at his house needing a rifle I could use it.

[eskimodave]

All the above is good honestly keep one if you have all the ancillaries. I found it forces me to think more and follow through. AKs are great tools and I find that reloading and hunting with them makes them valuable to me as a support item. YMMV but definitely make sure that you want it gone before it's gone.