a full review of the ar vs ak was a couple months ago in Combat Tactics magazine. The AR won hands down. 95% of people just vote on what they hear on the internet, and read on gun forums.

Both are great guns and have thier own purpose and place but the AR is the superior weapon, no doubt. Now if you ask which is the best for YOU and YOUR purpose, thats a WHOLE NOTHER TOPIC.

But the OP didnt ask a question that everyone is giving him answers for. He asked which is the better SHTF gun, and my answer remains which ever one you can get parts and ammo for.