The M-16 was designed to be used at close range in a jungle enviornment in the 60's. It also was designed to be a spray weapon that is not aimed. At 350 meters max. effective range, it allows the enemy to get in way too close, then it is fix bayonets time. For MOUT it is not a bad weapon and police SWAT teams swear by the M-16 but against the range of an AK-47, it is no match. The M-14 with sear switch from semi to full auto may be heavy but at 600 meters MER, you can take your time and aim some good clean shots at the enemy.

GSO, the AK47 is less accurate, and has a lower effective range than the M16 series.

A7-47 Killing Range = 1500 meters
http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka50.html

M16A2 Killing Range = 550 meters
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m16.htm

The U. S. Army Rangers had first hand experience of the range of the AK-47 at the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993.

I think the killing range of the AK-47 refers to max distance possible by the bullet in which case it is 1500 vs 3600 of the M-16 (im prob wrong!)

http://world.guns.ru/assault/as01-e.htm

http://world.guns.ru/assault/as18-e.htm

First is for AK, second for M16. I dont believe that 1500 is a true noumber for the AK47s effective range. I think that is the maximum range.

You are right Skywalker I rechecked
AK-47
Maximum range:1500 meters
Maximum effective range:
Area target:1200 meters
Point target:800 meters

M16A2
Maximum range :3,600 meters
Maximum effective range:
Area target:800 meters
Point target:550 meters

Im sorry, these noumbers still dont make sens. I want a source for this.

The AK-47 numbers are far off....

The effective range is max 300 meters...
Have you ever tried one of those??
They are very reliable, but not very accurate at all.....

The most serious drawback to the AK and AKM is the low muzzle velocity (710 meters per second) of the relatively heavy 7.62-mm round. This results in a looping trajectory that requires a clumsy adjustment for accuracy at ranges beyond 300 meters.

http://www.ak-47.us/AK-47info.htm

The AK-47 has a 800 meter leaf sight that is only adjustable
for range. All windage adjustments must be made by using
the front sight. The AK-47 weighs 4,300g and has a rate
of fire of 600rpm. The rifle will accept most synthetic
and metal magazines, generally 30 rounds in capacity. The
rifles effective killing range is 1,500 meters, and is
generally not used for more than 300 meters

http://www.ak-47.net/ak47/akru/ak47.html

Cartriage Comparisons
http://www.bobtuley.com/terminal.htm
AK-47
http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka50.html
M16A2
http://world.guns.ru/assault/as18-e.htm

Originally Posted by GSO

AK-47
http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka50.html

Can't find these numbers there:

Maximum effective range:
Area target:1200 meters
Point target:800 meters