It is difficult but not impossible to get close to the ground with the magazine. I do not want to be close to the enemy and my poorer eye site is helped with a low power scope. A mounted laser site or dot site would help immensely for close work and the power of the AK47 round is much more powerful than other sub machine guns. The M-4 with its shorter barrel has lost a lot of its power. (what little it had) The ranges in the deserts of the mid-East are too far for the .223 to be accurate or effective. In the past the military was taught to hit a target at 600 yards with the M-1. You could even range your target using the width of the front sight against the target.) This, or the M-14 would be a more effective weapon in Afghanistan. First the military needs to be taught marksmanship.

$1000 will get you a decent weapon, magazines and ammo to defend you and your family. You would not be short changed by having an AK.