text: I'm not quite keen on small arms but this is what I know between these two guns:\n\nThe AK and the M16 are a product of different philosophies and needs the USA and USSR were going through. The USSR was constantly in combat in 300 meters, and thus needed faster weapons. And because of the fact that it was a large-conscript based Soviet army, they needed guns that were cheap, reliable, and easy to use. The AK is known to work perfectly even under the dirtiest conditions the gun has gone through.\n\nOn the other hand, the US army preferred Lighter weight, accuracy and ergonomics. Thus came the accurate, semi-auto M16.