There’s a going myth that AK’s are “inaccurate” (let’s skip the inaccurate vs unprecise debate for now. it matters, but the root of this topic is the pesky myth that when a shooter uses an AK… they’ll likely miss the target at longer ranges).
A few reasons for this stereotype …. But it’s not a myth. Exactly. AK’s can be accurate, but what you’ll find on the market… more often than not… will NOT be.
1. The ammo (7.62×39) for it tends to be poor QA with inconsistent powder charges…. as focus was cheap and quick to make in mass volumes…. So you get wildly inconsistent spreads and deviation on powder charge. Means velocity shift and casings being different all result in each bullet going wherever it wants. Huge MOA. (ie. each bang is different, resulting in different velocities).
2. Cheap parts. Most AK’s are using cheap parts. Means it’s hard to get a solid lock in the chamber and controlled explosion. Due to lack of consistent standards every part is “close enough”….
3. Barrels are usually not well maintained nor properly rifled. This is ironically the LEAST of your worries….
if you get an AK … with good barrel and solid twist rate (around 1:10) …. Solid custom fit chambering and bolt (due to loose standards has to be hand fit)…. And use solid ammo that’s consistent …..
you will get an AK that’s insanely accurate.
and they do exist. Rifle Dynamics makes some. Can get 1 MOA … even sub MOA on their longer rifles.
But. Also take a look at the price. you hitting $5-$6k for these rifles …. To do what an AR can do for $600. You also lose out on that “famous” reliability when you go tight tolerances… and stuck with very expensive ammo….
all of that is just what you can blame the rifle on. Add to that – most AK shooters are chugging vodka and shooting one handed without 3 points of contact and both eyes closed ….. you will get stories of how inaccurate it is.
Not to mention the recoil…. the round itself is higher recoiling, plus the long stroke action doesn’t help… resulting in more challenge for the shooter… but all of that can be mitigated with practice. the stuff I outlined above… is kinda just “the way the rifle is” and not much can be done other than throwing a ton of money at the problem.