Only if you are a weak, poor shot who rips out huge bursts. I would pick a Russian AK over a plastic Ameri-rifle any day. Consider the ease with which the M-16 or M-4 (and their variants) will jam up with dirt, or even moisture; the fact that people have been known to receive multiple 5.56x45mm rounds and walk away; the low visibility sights... the case of AK and variants versus M-16 and variants is a no brainer. If you time your semi auto shots, have more strength than a 10 year old, and keep automatic bursts short and controlled, an AK is quite accurate at the engagement ranges where most firefights occur, and might actually put someone down when you shoot them. Hell, 5.56x45 (and .223) are illegal to hunt deer with. You gonna shoot a person with that?