Weight is a problem. In the US Army a typical load is around 80 lbs. It can be over 110 lbs depending on the weapons and gears.
You can carry twice as much 5.56 ammo for the same amount of weight of 7.62 x 51 NATO. Standard 5.56 magazine is 30 rounds. Standard 7.62 x 51 NATO magazine is 20 rounds. 210 5.56 vs 100 7.62 rounds. That's the trade off.
Someone posted that AK are "disposable weapons for disposable troops." Which is more or less correct.
Don't get me wrong the AK is the best rifle in its class. I own two in my collection but when it comes down to it I'll go with my six AR.
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