Compare Mini 14 and Saiga223, please

[Bennett]

I would like expert camparison of a Mini 14 and Saiga both in 223.
I have a Saiga and am thinking of trading it for the Mini.
Pros/cons
thanks in advance I always get very good counsel here so help me make the
right choice.

 

[1KPerDay]

What don't you like about the Saiga and why are you considering trading? That may help.

 

[Double Vision]

I'm certainly no expert but I'll give you my 2 cents...

I have a Mini Thirty and a Saiga both in 7.62x39. In my opinion, the Ruger is a much better quality rifle with greater accuracy.
The Saiga is fun and easy to own. But if I had to choose between the two, I'm keeping the Ruger.

One more thing, I'm guessing Ruger's customer service is a bit better than the Saiga.

 

[Bennett]

Got the Saiga a couple of years ago but only took it out once and shot a few rounds
I dont know why I havent shot it. Just got to thinking about getting the Mini maybe I would shoot it more.
I shoot handguns lots more than long guns, I know a lot of guys love AK's but I think
I might enjoy the Mini.
Am I giving away a lot of firepower in making the trade?

 

[marksg]

Is the mini a 180 series or 580 series? 580 and up is after Ruger retooled their tooling and is more accurate than the older models. if its a newer model i would be tempted to trade.

Keep in mind that iv'e shot both Rugers, but haven't shot the Saiga.The Mini is a well built rifle, and American made if that matters to you.

 

[1KPerDay]

Am I giving away a lot of firepower in making the trade?

Firepower? I don't see how.

I'm a fan of the M1/M14/M1 Carbine rifles, not to mention I grew up on the A-Team, so it's the Mini for me. Plus me shooting long guns lefty, the safety on the Mini makes a lot more sense. I haven't even shot an AK variant so I don't know anything about them really. I'd like one or two, though.

 

[M1key]

Consider converting the Saiga to PG config (with the very good Tapco G2 trigger) before you decide to sell/trade for the Mini. You can then adapt the Saiga to utilize any number of military surplus 30-round mags (Galil, Weiger, Bulgarian, Surefire, poly and steel, and even Tapco).

The Saiga will then balance and shoot much better than the factory-import configuration.

Or KEEP the Saiga and add the Mini...for the win-win.

I own two Minis (14/30) but many more Saigas. What's that tell you? (don't say it)

M

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Or KEEP the Saiga and add the Mini...for the win-win.

There ya go! Here is my Mini-30 184 series and my converted Saiga 7.62x39mm. I can easily put the Mini in the Butler Creek folder for the half dozen or so 30 round mags or leave as is and use the dozen or so 30 round mags for the Saiga(or the GP1975 I also have). If I were to get rid of any of them,they would go in this order; GP1975,Saiga and last of all the Mini. The exact same goes for the .223 versions of both guns.

 

[toivo]

I have both the rifles you are asking about. My Mini-14 is a late-model (580 series) "Tactical," with a 16" barrel and a flash-hider, but with the standard stock (no pistol grip). My Saiga has a 16" barrel, and is unconverted, but I have changed from the sporter stock to a "skeleton" (Dragunov-style) stock.

Here's my subjective and non-expert feedback ...

• Accuracy is pretty much a wash. They are both accurate enough for my needs, which is mostly to hit center-mass on a silhouette target out to about 125 yards. Neither one is a target rifle.
  
• The Mini is superior in fit and finish.
  
• The Mini's Garand-style safety is much easier to operate. I can be switched on and off with one finger while maintaining your grip with both hands. The Saiga's AK-style safety requires breaking your grip with your right hand and reaching up or breaking your grip with your left hand and reaching over.
  
• You can get high-cap mags for the Mini (although here in NY they have to be pre-ban). The Saiga only takes the proprietary 10-rounders unless you do the total AK conversion.
  
• The Saiga is easier to strip down and clean, although that might be because I've had it longer and am more familiar with it.
  
• It's a little tricky to get the mags seated right in both of them. ARs are much easier in that regard.
  
• The Mini-14 locks open after the last round has been fired. The Saiga doesn't -- it has a bolt stop lever that has to be manually engaged if you want the action to stay open.
  
• In function, both the Saiga and the Mini-14 have been dead-nuts reliable: no jams or stoppages of any kind.
  
• The Saiga was a heck of a lot cheaper -- like less than half the price.

 

[Bennett]

thanks guys for all the good input
I have lots of food for thought
I am thankful for the great help you guys are willing to give
b

 

[wriggly]

Saiga has that goofy grip angle that is just uncomfortable, and the stock trigger just plain stinks.

 

[mac66]

I have to echo what Double vision said. I have an old Mini 30 and a Saiga in the same caliber. The Ruger is much more polished and refined rifle. The Saiga is pretty crude in comparison. The advantage of the Saiga is the price and that you can covert it (even if just to use AK mags) pretty easy. Consequently AK mags are pretty cheap.

If I was in the market today, I would choose the new Mini 14 every time.