"There were at least 6 weapons to choose from immediately at hand. The fact that he didn't take

[Recursion]

62. The second one is moderately safer

You get fewer dropped weapons and better muzzle control with an ergonomic grip; that's why the military uses them.

The first one is designed for firing prone or from a supported position like sitting; the second one is designed for firing while standing or kneeling (which is how you usually fire when you hunt or shoot competitively).

Both are appropriate for hunting smallish animals like coyotes and groundhogs, but would be iffy to take down a deer.

Both could be used by someone to kill a lot of people in a short amount of time, assuming they have standard magazine wells.

Also, both were legal under the 1994 AWB and all the current state AWB's I know of except CA's (again, assuming that's a standard magazine well). Unless the 2nd one has an adjustable stock.