[vsse]

I'll need everyone's advice on this one.

[No4Mk1*]

What are you going to do with it? At what range? How much will you shoot? How many magazines do you want and at what capacity? Does Ruger's position on gun rights bother you?

You should also consider the Kel-Tec .223 rifle, the SKS, AK 47 and AK 74 series, as well as the AR-15 as these are all intermediate power carbines.

[vsse]

Let's see, I live in CA, so AK and AR are out. The SKS I've considered, but I don't like how it runs on stripper clips. Between the Mini, the SU-16, and the Kahr, which one will set me back the least?

[natedog]

The lowest dealer price I've seen for a standard, blued Mini-14 is $440 from ImpactGuns.com . The SU-16 from the same source is $430. The Kahr M-1 Carbine will probably be around $500-$600. M-1 Carbine magazines are pretty decently priced ($15 or so), but the ammo is more expensive. I'd go with the Mini-14 or SU-16. I've heard the SU-16 is more accurate out of the box than the Mini-14, and it has an accessory rail on the reciever. Some say the Kel-Tec feels cheap and flimsy. Ruger has excellent customer support, some of the best in the business. The Mini-14, with some work, can shoot 2" groups or better (out of the box average is about 4"). A standard used Mini-14 should be in the $300 range.

http://www.impactguns.com/store/ruger_mini14_bl.html

[JShirley]

I don't like Mini's, which may or be an unfounded prejudice, or not. I do like the little M1 Carbine, and you should be very happy with an IAI or Kahr.

John

[Andrew Wyatt]

a mini-14 is a better gun, quite frankly.

dissassembly is easy, and you don't have to re stake things when cleaning the gas system.

[Mannlicher]

Well, since ya asked............
From what I have seen and handled at the range, the KelTech carbine is pretty flimsy, and looks cheap.
For a M1 Carbine, I would just find a good USGI one. I have several, one is a RockOla that I bought for $40. so bargains are out there.
I like my Mini-14 a lot. I have 10 new 20 round mags still in blister packs, and 6 shooters. I have a number of PMI 30 round mags that function perfectly. My Mini is bullet proof, no problems at all. Like the Energizer Bunny, it just keeps running, and running, and running.............
To Recap:
I would buy a Mini-14, skip the Keltech, and find a GI carbine.

[bud45]

I have NEVER seen an M1 carbine for $40!!! Where in the world can I find such a deal- or can I get one from you? Maybe I'm not looking in the right places- the gun shows locally have dealers/owners that think there "stuff" doesn't stink....Thanks.

[BDM]

you can always get the springfield armory bush rifle,kind of a large caliber carbine,legal in CA.The only thing is I dont think the barrel and chamber are chrome lined on that model.

[carpettbaggerr]

Where in the world can I find such a deal
Not where, but when. Fire up your time-machine.
Maybe I'm not looking in the right places
Try 1965. :cool:

[mini14jac]

It really depends on what you want to do.

The Mini will be cheaper to shoot, but mags are more expensive.
(I bet you can only have 10 round mags for either anyway, right?)

I like both, but I've never wanted to cough up the money for a beat up GI gun.

I've had several Mini 14s.
I just finished "accurizing" my newest one.
Cut the barrel to 16.5", trigger job, smaller gas bushing, lower rear sight, and bedded the stock.

Hope to shoot it tonight.