That is how most people think.

But if you have to go to the handgun its because there is a problem.

AR-15's have lots of problems in real battle. They only want to run "wet" meaning they have to be cleaned and oiled very well and have lots of maintenance to make sure it will fire.

An AK is nothing like that, it does not need to be coddled to fire. If the world is going into a SHTF scenario you want an AK. It was designed with better tolerances and it does not "Shit" where it eats.

Either option is a great black gun to strike fear in people. Especially with a bayonet attached.

But if this theoretical SHTF scenario is WWIII I would not carry a Pistol. I would have a 308 scoped sniper rifle and my AK as backup.