Differences between AR-47 and AR-15
Contents
AR-47 vs. AR-15[edit]
The AR-47 and the AR-15 are two variants of the AR platform rifle that, while sharing a similar external appearance and some operational features, are chambered for different cartridges and have key internal differences.[1][2] The AR-15 is a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle based on the ArmaLite AR-15 design, typically chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO or .223 Remington.[1] The AR-47, a more recent adaptation, is a hybrid design that merges the AR-15 platform with the 7.62x39mm cartridge, famously used in the AK-47.[3] This combination aims to provide the familiar ergonomics and modularity of the AR-15 with the heavier-hitting ballistics of the 7.62x39mm round.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | AR-47 | AR-15 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Caliber | 7.62x39mm | 5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Remington |
| Magazine | Typically proprietary magazines designed for the 7.62x39mm cartridge in an AR magwell, or designed to accept standard AK-47 magazines with a modified lower receiver.[4] | Standard AR-15/STANAG magazines. |
| Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) | Modified bolt for the larger 7.62x39mm case head; carrier is often the same as a standard AR-15.[3][5] | Standard mil-spec or equivalent for 5.56/.223. |
| Barrel | Chambered for 7.62x39mm with a typical twist rate of 1:9.5 or 1:10. | Chambered for 5.56/.223 with common twist rates of 1:7, 1:8, or 1:9. |
| Upper Receiver | Standard AR-15 upper receiver, sometimes with an enlarged ejection port. Some designs that accept AK magazines may require a modified upper. | Standard AR-15 upper receiver. |
| Lower Receiver | Can be a standard AR-15 lower (used with proprietary magazines) or a modified lower designed to accept AK-47 magazines.[4] | Standard AR-15 lower receiver. |
| Operating System | Typically direct impingement, though gas piston systems are also available. | Primarily direct impingement, with gas piston variants available. |
| Recoil | Generally higher due to the larger, heavier projectile. | Generally lower, allowing for faster follow-up shots. |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Slightly heavier than a comparable AR-15, generally in the range of 7-8 pounds. | Approximately 6.5 pounds for a standard M4-style carbine. |
Key Differences in Detail[edit]
- Ammunition and Ballistics
The most significant difference lies in the cartridge for which each rifle is chambered. The AR-15's 5.56x45mm round is a smaller, lighter projectile that travels at a higher velocity, resulting in a flatter trajectory and less recoil.[1] In contrast, the AR-47 fires the 7.62x39mm cartridge, a larger and heavier bullet that delivers more energy at close to medium ranges, but has a more pronounced bullet drop at longer distances.
- Magazines and Lower Receivers
The tapered case of the 7.62x39mm round necessitates a more curved magazine for reliable feeding than the relatively straight-walled 5.56mm cartridge. This has led to two primary approaches for the AR-47. One uses a standard AR-15 lower receiver with proprietary magazines that are designed to fit the standard magazine well but have a pronounced curve. The other approach utilizes a lower receiver specifically designed to accept standard AK-47 magazines, which requires significant modifications to the magazine well and release mechanism.[4] Standard AR-15s, on the other hand, almost universally accept STANAG-pattern magazines.
- Bolt Carrier Group and Barrel
To accommodate the 7.62x39mm cartridge, the AR-47 requires a bolt with a larger face to properly seat the wider case head.[5] The bolt carrier itself is often identical to that of a standard AR-15.[5] The barrel is, of course, chambered for the different cartridge and typically features a slower twist rate, such as 1:10, to stabilize the heavier 7.62mm projectile.
Parts Compatibility and Modularity[edit]
While the AR-47 is built on the AR-15 platform, interchangeability of parts is not universal. The upper and lower receivers are often standard AR-15 dimensions, allowing for the use of common handguards, stocks, pistol grips, and trigger groups. However, as noted, the bolt, barrel, and magazines are specific to the 7.62x39mm chambering. For AR-47 variants that accept AK-47 magazines, the lower receiver is proprietary, and the upper receiver may also have modifications to work with the wider magazine.[4]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "rileydefense.com". Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "quora.com". Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "daytonatactical.com". Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "reddit.com". Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "reddit.com". Retrieved October 10, 2025.
