Combat Barrier Penetration AK 7.62 vs AR 5.56

Barrier penetration in a combat or SHTF/WROL scenario is a very popular and "hot" topic right now.  It seems as though the 7.62X39 is given a whole lot of credibility because of its ability to penetrate through cinder block, wood, and water jugs.  Meanwhile, the the 5.56/.223 is considered a "weak" round because of its lack of penetration and punch.

If penetration is the ONLY factor in a combat scenario, then yes the 7.62X39 would be considered superior.  At this point many people would stop reading and go sell their AR15 and their stash of 5.56/.223 ammo.  These same people would go and buy up the AK47 and 7.62X39 ammo...and then a week later when they hear that the AR15 has superior penetration in combat, they would go sell their AK47 and all of its ammo and then stand in line to buy their AR15 and cases of 5.56...  Before you go on a selling/buying frenzy, read on to get a bigger perspective.  Here are some things you want to consider.

COMBAT FACTORS

In a post apocalyptic, SHTF/WROL, doomsday situation or natural disaster, your situation will be much like that of the U.S. Special Forces and Recon Forces since they have to travel longer distances with fewer equipment and uncertainty of when they can resupply.  So here it is from my buddies that have returned after 15 months in Iraq/Afghanistan.

1. You cannot hit what you cannot see.  Barrier penetration out of the 7.62X39 might look attractive, but when your enemy is hiding behind a barrier, how do you know where to shoot?  Now, of course, if your enemy is partially hidden behind barrier, then your AR15 is accurate enough to hit any exposed body parts.  But for the most part, if your enemy is taking cover behind a wall or building, then it's better to take this time to have a part of your team to "close in" on your target while the others aim and wait in case the threat is dumb enough to "pop his head out"...then that's when you...well pop him on the head.
2. You can still penetrate with just a few shots.  The 5.56 might not be a one shot cinder block penetrating round, but all it takes is one more follow up shot to the same area and you have complete penetration.  Besides, how often do you plan to shoot at cinder block in real combat?
3. It is a more devastating round...trust me!  Ballistic tests are one thing and real combat is another.  In real combat, the 5.56 will devastate your opponent within 300 yards.  The 7.62X39 is more of a punching round.  It will just punch a .30 caliber hole "through and through".  Think of it as a large needle acupuncture with the 7.62X39 while the 5.56 is a nasty tumbling round...especially if you hit bone: rib, hip, spine, etc. 

   

   Wound from the 5.56

    Note: at point blank range, any rifle caliber has not reached optimal efficiency, so shots to the head is a must or multiple shots!
4. You gonna carry all that?  In combat, you're carrying 210 rounds plus another 100lbs of gear.  'Nuff said.
5. Out range them any day.  The ball ammo will be good out to about 300 yards.  With special ammo (77gr SMK), you can accurately touch out to 600 yards.  Even at 300 yards, the enemy AK47 has a difficult time (if at all) hitting you when prone to the ground.  Actually ArmyTimes published an article about 3 marksmen out ranging a platoon of Iraqi insurgents and killing over 150 insurgents while suffering no casualties.
6. Quicker follow up shots.  A typical firefight ranges anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on the situation.  If it goes over 10-15 minutes, then you're in some serious trouble and in need of an airstrike or artillery support.  If there is no support, then avoid when possible...pick and choose your battles.  However, in a typical skirmish, quick, accurate shots have the upper hand in combat.  Although the 7.62X39 may "hit harder" and penetrate cinder block better, what you're aiming for is flesh and not brick.  The 5.56 out of the AR will win in this category any day.  And hey, if your opponents are behind a brick wall, then they're not a threat.  Just take a careful aim, wait, and let them be idiots and poke their head out.

So unless you're ONLY fighting in a dense jungle where you cannot see more than 30 feet in front of you (in which case the AK47 has the advantage), the AR15 5.56 will serve the trained individual well.  And just for shits and giggles, here is a video of the 5.56 actually penetrating through a 12" thick telephone pole:

Enjoy!

~MrDailyPrepper