I have been to many training classes for the carbine and only seen 1 AK. It was at a Vickers class, who does teach that format, so I was curious if its kosher in all classes.
I have a ton of 5.45 and these 2 nice AKs that dont get used enough, so I was thinking about taking them to the next couple classes im headed to. Are there instructors that flat out mandate an AR type rifle since they focus on the mechanics? Is it quietly frowned upon by the instructor or is on you whether you can get something out of the class because you know you wont receive too much 1 on 1 assistance if you start dicking up reloads and such. I want to go to the instructors that I wish, without going to AK specific instructors.
You could always contact the instructor and ask the question?
I don’t see why it would be a problem, unless the syllabus specifically states that the course is specific to the AR platform. The first carbine course I attended users had ACR, Kriss, M14 and a bunch of AR15’s. The instructor spent time working with each student individually to make sure they were comfortable with the manipulations he was teaching specific to their platform.
If you have a question, ask the instructor of the specific class you are wanting to attend.
My company allows them (AK) in all of our carbine courses but we encounter multiple people that think a carbine course automatically means AR course even if the course description says otherwise
Ask, but I doubt it’s problematic, worst case I can envision with good instruction is that they’re simply more familiar with the AR pattern and will have better advice for the rest of the class in that regard. Aside from that, being the only guy with a platform can actually be a good way to really have to perform mechanical tasks under pressure.
As an instructor the only time I care is when I teach an AR only class for other LE personnel to fulfill their state mandated training requirement to carry one for duty. Technically their agency could allow an AK or other rifle, but everyone just uses AR’s (regardless of if that’s the best choice). It just make logistics and class flow simpler. Otherwise when I teach rifle/carbine I don’t care what the heck you bring so long as it runs.
Most have a ‘minimum caliber’ (5.56/5.45 or 9mm) and other requirements (Minimum mags, method to carry, ammo for primary and secondary, etc…). AKs aren’t seen that much in carbine courses, but they have and do appear. The guys who brought them can run them very well. Just don’t expect a normal AK course tailored to the one or two guys who brought them to the class. If you are as switched on with manipulations, malfunctions and can run an AK efficiently so you won’t slow the class down, I’m sure most instructors won’t mind. If you can’t run one efficiently, then you really need to take a couple of AK specific classes first. As always, it is best to call or email said instructor prior to showing up.
Taking an Ak specific class prior to a regular carbine class is a bit redundant IMO. The AK class should cover all the same material as a normal carbine course does with a few things tailored to the AK being covered.
At the last carbine class I attended (Hackathorn), there were a couple of AKs, various ARs, and even an M1 Carbine. None posed any issues. As long as the weapon is capable of performing the drills and tasks at the class, and the instructor doesn’t for some odd reason prohibit them, I say use what you think is best.
As others mentioned, give the instructor a call and or email and feel them out on how they feel about non-AR rifles in their classes. For instance, you could ask questions about how running the AK in the class would affect running their malfunction or reload drills.
The answers you get can give you an idea of the instructor’s ability and/or desire to work with you.
I welcome AKs in my classes. I like seeing them! I like seeing people operate them well and learning how to do it better.
I also welcome any other repeating centerfire rifle. If someone wants to learn how to use it better to put bullets as quickly and efficiently where they need them to be, I’m all about helping them to the extent of my ability.
