How would they compare for home defense in a civil unrest situation?
This is the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 (9mm) Carbine. This photo shows a SUB-2000
with a Beretta 92 grip, and is showing a 20 round Mec-Gar magazine in the grip
This is a typical AK47 (7.62x39 Caliber) with a 30 round magazine.
| CATEGORY | AK47 | KT SUB-2000 |
| Cartridge | 7.62x39 | 9mm |
| Ammo Cost | $25 per 100 | $18 per 100 (FMJ) |
| Ammo Power | 124 grains/2300 fps | 115 grains/1400 fps |
| Capacity | 30 round mags | 10-30 round mags |
| Accuracy | 6 inches at 100 yards | 6 inches at 100 yards |
| Pistol Grip | yes | yes |
| Made by | Everyone | Made in USA |
| Sales Price | $450 and up | $300 |
| Warranty | None | Lifetime |
| Weight | 8-9 pounds | 4 pounds |
| Length | Approx 35 inches Folded - 26 inches |
17 inches folded 29.5 inches unfolded |
| Sights | notch and post | peep sight and post |
| Stock Furniture | Wood or aftermarket polymer | Polymer only |
| Reliability | Legendary | Excellent |
| Online information | Forums and websites | Forums and websites |
| Collectibility | Yes, many variations | Not collectible YET |
| Legality | If you modify it, watch out for BATFE! |
Make modifications all you like |
| Appearance | Scary Assault Weapon | Modern Hi-Tech |
Summary: The AK47 is a historic Russian (and later made in other countries) weapon that has seen more combat on more battlefields in more nations than any other rifle. The 7.62x39 bullet flies much faster than the 9mm bullet, but with rising ammo costs has become more expensive to shoot. Since 30 round mags are most common, it is also tempting to shoot more ammo, adding to the expense. The AK47 is very rugged, but if a part DOES need to be replaced, you will be on your own to order a new part from the internet, and install it yourself. Magazines of capacities from five to one hundred are available. AK47s that are sold in the United States are semi-automatic firearms, NOT machine guns. One shot per trigger pull.
The Kel-Tec SUB-2000 9mm carbine is also a rugged firearm, and operates reliably. If a part DOES break you may send it in to the manufacturer for a cost-free fix or rebuild, or parts may be sent to you for home repair. The Kel-Tec warranty is considered to be as good or better than any other firearm warranty, and it applies for a lifetime to the original owner. The 9mm cartridge is less powerful than the 7.62x39, however it is STILL an adequate cartridge for self defense or shooting predators, and it is less expensive to shoot. A typical 9mm bullet fired from a carbine (115 grains at 1400 fps) will be three or four times more powerful that the typical .22 caliber rifle bullet (40 grains at 1100 fps), so it's nothing to sneer at.
Neither rifle is a "tack driver," but both are accurate enough for effective firing at distances of up to 100 yards. At ranges over 100 yards, the 7.62x39 will definitely retain its velocity better than any 9mm round; and at the 200 yard range hits harder than a 30-30 hunting rifle, due to the better aerodynamics of the bullet. The AK47 will likely still be "minute of man" accurate at 200 yards, with a flatter trajectory than a 9mm bullet.
If you are attracted by the "romance" and legend of the AK47, then the AK47 will appeal to you more than the SUB-2000. If you are a collector, AK47's come in a large variety of configurations and nationalities. If you are thinking of taking to the hills and fighting a revolution while living off the land, the AK47 is the gun for you! On the other hand, if you just want a practical knock-about carbine that will last a lifetime, be cheap to shoot, and will cost nothing for repairs, other than shipping to Kel-Tec, you can't beat the SUB-2000. The pistol grip and shorter length of the SUB-2000 may also make it easier to handle, and thus a better "in the home" defense rifle than the AK47. Note also, if you require just a little more fire-power, the 40SW caliber Kel-Tec SUB-2000 carbine may be purchased for the same price.
The SUB-2000 has two additional advantages over the AK47:
First, the SUB-2000 is obviously MUCH more portable. Its weight is less than half of the weight of the typical AK47. If you will be carrying your rifle very far, the lighter weight will be much appreciated. The ability of the SUB-2000 to fold up into a 16" x 7" package makes it remarkably easy to carry in a brief case or something similar. It is HANDY. Even a folding AK47 will be quite a bit longer and heavier than a SUB-2000.
Second, the magazines of the SUB-2000 are interchangeable with many models of semi-auto pistols, including GLOCK, Beretta and Smith and Wesson. AK47 magazines are rugged and reliable, however they are more bulky than SUB-2000 magazines. Given the same amount of space, you could carry more ammo in magazines for your SUB-2000 than you could for your AK47.
In an out-in-the-woods rough-and-tumble live-off-the-land survival situation the AK47 would undoubtedly be a more durable firearm than the SUB-2000. An AK47 is all wood and steel and rugged. The bayonet and solid wood stock (unless you have a folding AK) means that the AK47 can be used in hand to hand combat. The Kel-Tec SUB-2000 would shine in an urban survival setting. Here's a photo of a 16" wide case which contains my SUB-2000, 11 magazines and 300 rounds of ammo. As you can see, it is a compact package, and light-weight, too.
For more information about the Kel-Tec SUB-2000, try this compendium page.
For more information about the AK47, CLICK HERE.