I am a strong believe in 2 is 1, 1 is none. So, I have 2 AR's, 1 AK, and 1 M1A (standard). Which would you get next, a second M1A (Scout Squad or Loaded), or DDI AK?
Had 2 AKs, sold them, cause they're a PITA to suppress and thought the platform was overrated.
Never had a M1A (but have a Garand and M1 Carbine), but again, PITA to suppress and never thought the M1A was the end all be all answer (like the love the Garands and Carbines get too)
I have zero experience with the M1A (never even shot one) and minimal expertise with the AK platform, so my opinion probably comes from a different place than others.
If it were me, I'd get another AK first. Why? Let's look at the major reasons to own two of the same gun:
-To be able to hand to a friend or family member if things get really hairy.
-To have a second gun in case the primary goes down.
In either instance, the AK makes more sense to me. You could hand it to a 10 year old and they could learn the platform in a couple of hours. It's also the poster child for being able to strip down and cannibalize if parts on the primary fail.
I'm a huge fan of the M1A but for me it's a "one and done" rifle. AK's, AR's? They are like potato chips, you can't have just one.
I'd vote for getting another AK. If you are only looking for magazine compatibility the CMMG Mutant takes AK mags and is the best of the AR and AK worlds wrapped into one. Considering the price range you are looking at, I'd be buying a Mutant instead and then have money left over (compared to the scout or loaded) for extra ammo or more magazines....
Two AK platforms here. I had one and then inherited Dad's when he passed away. Plan on keeping them and passing them on to my two kids at the appropriate time.
The M1A of course. If I'm gonna carry and shoot a rifle that reaches the 8 lb range it had best be capable of at least 500 yds. The M1A does that easily.