User:GrayBeard Actual/Notebook/AK 47 Analysis

Update May 19, 2016

Since originally performing this analysis, I've learned that certain weapons have critical hits. Both the AK and the SMG have a 10% chance of a critical hit. The AK does an additional 150 points damage with a critical hit and the SMG does 100. I'm not sure that changes my opinion of the AK VS SMG, given the low chance of a critical hit.

Analysis

I'm now in what I consider the mid, to late-mid-game phase on a server running the latest version; A13. I define mid-game as the time when I begin consuming gasoline to build a more-permanent structure and also when I start engaging hordes with firearms rather than the crossbow (which is my primary weapon throughout the entire game, due to its low noise level).

I've recently found everything to build both an SMG and the new AK-47 and after a short time with the AK, I've put it away and kept the SMG in my kit and here's why:

At relatively similar durability levels, the AK and the SMG deliver similar damage. However, rounds for the AK contain 33% more gun powder (three units in the 7.62 round VS two units in the 10mm round). With two rifles that deliver nearly identical damage but with significantly different per-rounds costs, I'm going with the cheaper weapon every time.

Granted, these two specific rifles have relatively notable differences in durability; 4% difference, but the difference in damage is not comparable — it's only 2%. Therefore I'm sacrificing 2% in potential damage to save 33% in actual gun powder costs¹.

Or put another way; if I have 100 units of gun powder to make rounds, with this specific SMG I have a potential maximum damage delivery of 3,294.5 VS 2,148.63 for the AK-47.

I also think the SMG is quieter, but that's just based on what the two rifles sound like to me and the attention I get, or more importantly, don't get after firing them. I don't have any other evidence of that fact.

Update: As suspected, the SMG is quieter than the AK. In fact, it's the quietest firearm. Compare all here: List of firearms. That clenches it, for me anyway. The SMB is the better weapon, given my game play (prioritizing stealth).

¹ I say "potential damage" and 'actual cost' because I pay the cost to make the round regardless of its success in delivering damage. But I may miss when I fire the round, thus "potential damage" and 'actual cost.'