M416 vs AKM in 2026: Which Assault Rifle is Actually Better?
It's the question every BGMI player asks: M416 or AKM?
Your duo partner swears by the M4. That YouTuber only uses the AK. Everyone has an opinion, and nobody agrees.
This guide ends the debate with actual stats, recoil comparisons, and use-case analysis.
Quick Answer Box
TL;DR Verdict:
| Factor | Winner | |--------|--------| | Damage per bullet | AKM | | Fire rate | M416 | | Recoil control | M416 | | TTK (Time to Kill) | Depends on range | | Attachments | M416 | | Overall versatility | M416 |
Winner: M416 for most players. AKM for confident aimers at close-mid range.
Base Stats Comparison
Damage Numbers
| Stat | M416 | AKM | |------|------|-----| | Base Damage | 41 | 47 | | Headshot (No Helmet) | 103 | 118 | | Headshot (Level 2) | 64 | 73 | | Headshot (Level 3) | 53 | 61 | | Fire Rate (RPM) | 680 | 600 | | Magazine | 30/40 | 30/40 |
DPS Analysis
| Weapon | DPS (Damage Per Second) | |--------|-------------------------| | M416 | 464 | | AKM | 470 |
AKM has slightly higher DPS due to higher damage per bullet, but the difference is minimal.
TTK (Time to Kill)
| Scenario | M416 | AKM | |----------|------|-----| | No armor | 0.26s | 0.24s | | Level 2 vest | 0.36s | 0.34s | | Level 3 vest | 0.44s | 0.42s |
AKM kills slightly faster in PERFECT conditions. But those conditions require hitting every shot.
Recoil Comparison
This is where the guns truly differ.
M416 Recoil Pattern
- Vertical: Moderate
- Horizontal: Low
- Pattern: Mostly straight up with slight right drift
- Controllability: Easy with attachments
AKM Recoil Pattern
- Vertical: Very High
- Horizontal: Moderate
- Pattern: Sharp upward kick with horizontal variance
- Controllability: Difficult, even with grip
With Full Attachments
| Weapon | Recoil Reduction | |--------|-----------------| | M416 (Vert Grip + Stock + Compensator) | ~50% | | AKM (Compensator only - no grip slot) | ~15% |
The M416 can be turned into a laser. The AKM... stays wild.
Attachment Comparison
M416 Slots
- Muzzle (Compensator/Suppressor)
- Grip (Vertical/Half/Angled)
- Stock (Tactical Stock)
- Scope
- Magazine
Total attachments: 5
AKM Slots
- Muzzle (Compensator/Suppressor)
- Scope
- Magazine
Total attachments: 3
The M416 has 2 more attachment slots. This is a massive advantage for customization.
Best Attachments
M416 Optimal Loadout
| Slot | Attachment | |------|------------| | Muzzle | Compensator | | Grip | Vertical Foregrip | | Stock | Tactical Stock | | Scope | 3x or 6x | | Mag | Extended QuickDraw |
This turns the M416 into a spray machine with minimal recoil.
AKM Optimal Loadout
| Slot | Attachment | |------|------------| | Muzzle | Compensator | | Scope | Red Dot or 2x | | Mag | Extended QuickDraw |
Without a grip slot, the AKM will always have significant recoil.
Range Effectiveness
Close Range (0-30m)
| Weapon | Effectiveness | |--------|--------------| | M416 | ★★★★☆ | | AKM | ★★★★★ |
AKM's high damage shines in close range where recoil matters less.
Medium Range (30-100m)
| Weapon | Effectiveness | |--------|--------------| | M416 | ★★★★★ | | AKM | ★★★☆☆ |
M416's controllable recoil makes it superior for medium range sprays.
Long Range (100m+)
| Weapon | Effectiveness | |--------|--------------| | M416 | ★★★★☆ | | AKM | ★★☆☆☆ |
The M416 can be tap-fired at long range. The AKM's first-shot recoil is too strong.
When to Choose M416
- You're playing with a 6x scope
- You need versatility across ranges
- You prefer spray fights over tap-firing
- You want to use fully kitted weapons
- You're NOT confident in recoil control
Playstyle
The M416 user is methodical. They kit their weapon, take controlled fights, and maintain consistent damage at all ranges.
When to Choose AKM
- You're fighting close-to-mid range primarily
- You're confident in recoil control
- You want fast kills without perfect accuracy
- You play hot drops where early gun damage matters
- Your secondary is a DMR/Sniper for range
Playstyle
The AKM user is aggressive. They push fights, rely on high damage to win trades, and pair with long-range backup.
Pro Player Preferences
| Player | Preference | Why | |--------|------------|-----| | Jonathan | M416 | Consistent spray | | Scout | M416 | 6x capability | | Mortal | AKM | Aggressive style | | Thug | M416 | Versatility |
Most pros lean M416, but aggressive fraggers prefer AKM.
The Final Verdict
For Most Players: M416
- Easier to control
- More attachments
- Versatile at all ranges
- Forgiving of mistakes
For Confident Aggression: AKM
- Higher burst damage
- Faster TTK at close range
- Scarier to fight against
- Requires skill to maximize
Upload Your AR Gameplay!
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FAQ
Q: Which gun for beginners?
A: Always M416. The recoil is more forgiving.
Q: Can AKM use a 6x scope?
A: You CAN, but probably shouldn't. The recoil makes long-range spray impossible.
Q: What's the best M416 alternative?
A: SCAR-L has similar feel but lower damage. G36C on Vikendi is identical to M416.
Q: Does the AKM need a buff?
A: It's balanced. High damage is offset by high recoil. Skill-based design.
The debate isn't about which gun is better.
It's about which gun is better FOR YOU.
Now go loot.