Ak vs. Mini 14

[leathermanwave]

My brother wants a cheap gun for SD and plinking. He has settled between the ak and mini 14. How much does the Mini cost if he bought one he would buy local. He would have to buy the ak online so what type of ak should he buy and where. Remember that he wants something cheap while still fairly good quality. Thanks for any help.

 

[Deer Hunter]

About twice as much as an AK.

 

[leathermanwave]

Man that was fast i wasn't even done posting the poll.

 

[innerpiece]

AK hands down imo.

ip.

 

[woodyjustin42]

Ya

I wouldnt throw the mini-14 into the cheap category, definitely a fun gun but not exactly cheap. If he just wants a plinker and for sd he should go with the ak imo. Check www.jgsales.com

 

[woodyjustin42]

To little knock down power

Something I forgot also I prefer the mini for plinking but the ak will put someone down in the sd role. I have seen a man hit by 8 rounds of 5.56 (essentially the same thing as .223) and get up and run in a house. Now we were pretty sure he was high but hey why risk it right?

 

[Ignition Override]

Used Mini 14s in Memphis appear to be in really good shape. I bought a 14, then a Mini 30 via "GunBroker.com" (a phone call made the deal).
The used Mini 14s are listed for $450-500, unless in about mint condition.
Have no idea what AKs cost here (I plan to find an SKS instead).

He might look at "GunBroker.com" to size up some of the retail market at a glance.
As for some broader issues, many AKs and SKS (30-40, consisting of Norinco, Yugo, some Russian) are displayed there, but not so many Minis, and the AK price increases might exceed those of the SKS in the short-term due to the anxiety about the future White House' influence on high-capacity magazine restrictions. Some of my info is from local gun store staff.

Reportedly, an SKS can not be sold in/shipped to California. The internal magazine holds 10 rounds.
The 'California Delusion Disease' might spread.

Good luck with the decision.

 

[W.E.G.]

Sar-1 -- $450

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=96314505

 

[ThomasT]

As far as cheap self defense goes i would get a pump 12 guage and never look back.

I have an SKS paratrooper that shoots 3" groups at 100 yards with open sights. I just bought a Mini-14 but haven't shot it yet.

My shooting buddy had one of the old style Mini-14s that shot a 5-6" group at 100 yards. My new one is much tighter. I hope it shoots better.

For home defense the bullet does all the work. Over penetration is a big concern from a rifle. I would prefer a pistol caliber round myself but there are excelent loads for the 223 available that will stop inside of a BG.

The ranges for defense will be so close the accuracy will not be an issue. The guns shooting the Russian round will most likely be cheaper.

 

[leathermanwave]

He already has a 12 ga, he also has a .270 win for long range. The main reason for another gun because it is cool to have a semiauto rife But hey who needs a reason to buy another gun.

 

[dstark]

I cant speak for the AK, but the mini is a great gun for what it's designed for, a fun, cheap to shoot, plinker. If your friend is worried about cost, there is a bunch of them on gunbroker for a decent price.

 

[leathermanwave]

What brand of ak is good. Is there a brand to stay away from.

 

[Joe the Redneck]

I have a romanian 5.45. THe finsh looks like crap but I never had a lick of trouble with the gun.

Arsenals are top of the line and look great. There is just no way in hell I would pay $900 for any AK. But the people who have them think very highly of them.

Joe

 

[guntotinguy]

I have both...6 AK's and only one Mini-14,and for a .223,the Mini-14 is 'ok'...not what I expected when purchased.Barrel heats up REAL fast,yet it handles nice enough...I got a Landcaster NDS-3 for a few hundred bucks...shoots nice and well 'its an AK' and affordable.

 

[nalioth]

Wasn't something like this just asked?