text: q: which is better ak47 or m16 or m4a1?   on a rifle range? the m-16 in some god forsaken 3rd world nation and i have to kill somebody? a ak-47 wins hands down. simple, robust, more common than toilet paper in most of the world. the m-16 series has it's cheerleaders.  it's light, well made, and has light recoil.  the m4 is nice  for some troops but it has ben over issued.  the short barrel reduces bullet velocity and hinders long range power in places like afganistan where long shots are common. thus the m14 has made a reappearance for it's long range knock down power.