Mini or SKS-

[Squidward]

Mini 14 or SKS?

Which is easier to work on for the lay person?
Which is a better performer
Which round is a better performer?

If its an SKS, which one? Russion, Chinese???
If it's the mini standard or ranch?

It'll be used to teach the kids how to shoot a rifle and as a HD and SHTF tool.

Depending on the answers, I'll be buying at least 2. I'd go to SKS or Mini 14 forums, but I'd like unbiased opinions.

I'm sure this has been asked before, so directions to the proper thread will be appreciated.

 

[.45Guy]

SKS on all three points. I have owned all three, and contrary to popular opinion the SK's blew the mini out of the water in both accuracy and reliability, even with the much maligned "duckbill mags." Bear in mind, this is just my experience, I'm sure that there are plenty of folks who have had experiences to the contrary.

 

[Borachon]

Agreed. SKS.

One of the best values in terms of price versus quality out there.


You might think about getting a shooter quality Yugoslavian. Dirt cheap and a good shooter.

 

[Kurush]

Yugo SKS

 

[Spot77]

I agree - sks

You can pick up an sks for an average of about $100.

Great tool to train with.

 

[Darth Ruger]

It'll be used to teach the kids how to shoot a rifle...

A .22LR would be better for that purpose. Preferably a bolt-action, to teach them the importance of shot placement over firepower.

 

[chris in va]

and as a HD and SHTF tool

Can't do that with a .22.

If the kid(s) in question can reliably hold up the SKS, sure...why not. Very little kick and it makes one HELL of an impression when you hit a water jug or melon.

But if they are really young kids, definitely a cheap kid sized bolt-action .22. I even saw a tiny pink one at WalMart the other day...

 

[Pietro Beretta]

SKS all the way!

(Except for you kids, then a 10/22)

 

[pdt203]

Mini-14... because I own one.


Johnny in Huntsville

 

[dasmi]

Sks

 

[Squidward]

oops

 

[Squidward]

The smallest kid (of the ones still at home) is 6-0, 175.

I'm looking at supplying the whole family with like weapons for training and ammo commonality reasons.

I have enough pistols and pistol ammo to go around, but we are seriously lacking in the rifle arena.

 

[Pilot]

Sks.

 

[possum]

sks. It will meet all the requirements that you want it to fill. I see no problem with the kids shooting the sks, it will have more kick to it but I think it will be fine. I have let many people that are recoil sensative shoot the sks and they had absolutly no problems at all. I have a chinese by the way. It is awesome and I have had absolutly no problems with it. It even shoots better than my ak. Ammo is cheap and for the shtf scenario there are some very nice sp loads out there!

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I'm looking at supplying the whole family with like weapons for training and ammo commonality reasons.

Hands down, the SKS.

Not only are they more accurate and more reliable, but they load quickly from stripper clips (which are very inexpensive), and the best part is, you can get 3, maybe 4 SKSs for each Mini-30, depending on the deals in your area.

 

[longhorngunman]

SKS all the way! Aim surplus has their shooter grades on sale now for $80! I got one several months ago when they were $100. A few dents and dings on the stock, most of the blueing gone, the bore looked brand new though and I can pop a coke can at 80 yards all day long. Aim has the unissued ones (brand new guns soaked in cosmoline) for $140. www.aimsurplus.com

 

[rbernie]

Sks, Chinese

 

[warriorsociologist]

sks

 

[deputy tom]

I own both but if I had to do it all over again I'd buy two SKS's instead of one Mini-14.I'd buy the cheaper commie pistols as well.Lots of ammo could be had for the money wasted on all the "up-scale " firearms I've purchased over the years.Ammo that could be used in fun and practice.Oh well.tom.

 

[mr.trooper]

SKS

1) much easyer to work on.

2) Better preformance

3) 7.62x39 hits harder

4) More parts and upgrades

5) Cheaper parts and upgrades

6) More rugged design.

7) Cheaper initial investment

8) Cheaper upkeep

 

[Average Joe]

Sold my mini, got 3 SKS's

 

[Jason M.]

SKS. The reasons have been well explained.

 

[silverlance]

sks

but just a warning.. while accurate (well i'm still trying to get mine to hit the "x" at 25 feet.. it keeps hitting a nice group to the right) it's really really REALLLY darn heavy.

 

[possum]

What might even be better than a normal sks is a paratrooper model. Especially for the kids to handle, plus they are alot handier no matter who is using it! I think you will be happy with any sks varient!

 

[karlsgunbunker]

Russian, Chinese, Romanian, Albanian or any other Chromed Barrel model

The SKS Rocks for all the reasons listed and they are just a hell of a lot of fun to shoot.