GhostWarrior,
In your opinion would it be relatively easy to turn this into a firearm that would reach out 300-400 yards with a sight conversion and/or addition of a decent scope?
I've been mulling getting into some sport shooting and am going over my options for such. I know I would probably be best served with a bolt action...but I like my shoulder. Out of the three platforms I would pick from, I am most familiar with the AK platform, though I am far from being an "expert". The AR platform was explained to me well by my brother (issued to him while in theater in Afghanistan). I like to give my firearms a good strip and scrub after use, and he explained to me that they were only allowed to break them down so far in the military. Many small parts to keep track of with the AR. The bolt action would be ideal....but as I mentioned I like my shoulder. The bones don't take shock like they used to after 3.5 years working in a freezer and throwing heavy crap around. The .308 holds it's line of travel against wind better than the .223/5.56
Also, it would cover the job of an "all hell broke loose" rifle. Of course, "tactical retreat" (otherwise known as running like hell) would be priority #1. I'm sure I'll catch some flack for running, but wife and kid are the priority...and this is real life, not the movies.