An AK is not in the same class as a large frame AR10, so, I don't consider those at all equivalent.

If you are interested in building/buying a primarily defensive weapon, a 308 based AR10 is the way to go. If you ever want to get into target shooting at ranges over 500m, want a "better" cartridge design for hunting, or wavy to take advantage of more modern ballistics overall, 6.5 Creedmoor is really hard to beat.

So, for the AR vs. AK thing... An AK is, essentially, more robust, if you get one that isn't half wonky. That being said, an AR is faster to reload in nearly all cases, has much better ergos, is much more modular, nearly any AR is actually more accurate, and will be generally easier to carry.

I am biased. I was in the army and my brain just functions on AR now. But, Stoner got so much right with the design, it's become the base to which one a few designs have exceeded its utility, practicality, strength to weight ratio, accuracy, and utility.

Though, I absolutely detest the 556, in general. That's a solvable problem, though, and I think it is good to have a rifle that shoots military loads.

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I really appreciate this response. Clear, concise, and well thought out. I too detest the 5.56 and the 9mm, I do think an AR10 is the correct choice for me. Those 6.5 mm bullets sure have some amazing coefficients don’t they? With my eyes though, sometimes I think an 1895 repeater in 45-70 with a 4x scope would be the better answer for this old man….lol.

Funny you should mention that... Have you ever heard of 458SOCOM? It's basically 45-70 in AR friendly rounds. It's on my list of things to build. Works with any AR lower, just need the upper and it helps, but may not require, to have magazines for that. (Duramag makes them, but, they mostly just have a tweaked follower and a raduised outlet, which you can do yourself.)

I want a 308 for in close stuff dealing with steppers in level 4 plate. 308 still hurts enough to knock someone out of a fight, and if they are unfortunate enough to only be wearing level 3? Well, they are gonna have a really bad day. It's also better for large deer.

If you are concerned about your eyes, you will want to try a bunch of different stuff. Right now I have a SFO 1x prism that's delightful. No issues with my astigmatism, really easy to pick up reticle and I can bang steel very easily as far as I can see. (The farthest I can regularly shoot is only 100yds.)

There are lots of options available. Don't worry about that so much.