imported post
I have owned and shot both ARs and AKs for over two decades - they are both fine rifles in their own right. Please allow me to suggest a far different line of thinking.
Camouflage
If you are seen by police or military from a distance wearing tactical trousers and a black parka...would they think any differently of you if you were carrying an AR or AK? I bet they would!
They all shoot ARs - they are used to seeing ARs - a "professional" looking man carrying an AR would not draw the same attention as one carrying an AK.
If there were police or military patrols in your neighborhood and for whatever reason you were forced to fire your weapon - we can assume that the shot would be heard. ARs and AKs have distinctive sounds. I can only guess if shots were being fired by "good guys" an AR would not draw the same attention as the sound signature of the AK would.
You are in a situation again where you are required to shoot and run - empty shells are all over. If I were a LEO or military and I found 5.56 brass I would not necessarily know if they were from another officer, or you. If I found AK brass I would know it was not from one of my guys.
If things really get bad and how much AK ammo would you expect to find in a police armory or maybe WalMart? There may be some...but I am guessing law enforcement and military stock much more 5.56 comapred to 7.62x39.
In about ten seconds I can swap my ARs 16" CQB upper for a precision 24" upper complete with Krieger barrel, chambered for 80 grain match rounds, and high $$$ optics package - if you are within 600 yards I will share pain and frustration with you in less than a second.
Parts are a dime a dozen - everyone has spare AR parts.
Don't get me wrong - the AR is a mouse gun - chambered in 5.56x45 it is quite weak - but I still have no desire to soak up a round from it regardless of range. Yes, it has a terrible direct impingement gas system - but it has proven itself and issues have been worked out decades age.
Yes, I feel the AR is the best choice for many reasons.
And stepping up to a .308 bolt gun after that - don't waste your time - you will only gain a few hundred yards, if that, over the 5.56x45. Step up to a .338 Lapua Magnum bolt gun and as the song goes..."let's get physical, physical..."