It's just downright ignorant when any firearms owner makes a statement like "I don't see the point in" or "why would anybody want a" or "why in the world do you need"...
Those are the same words that gave us the '89 Import ban and the '94 Assault Weapons Ban.
Every time I go into a gun shop and see an SKS, I think "there's that sub-$200 rifle again that everyone says is the best thing since sliced bread and is better than (insert rifle here) and that I'd be happier with one of these and two cases of ammo instead of (insert rifle here). Then I pick it up, put it to my shoulder, and remember the sucky ergonomics (for me) and the unneccessary weight, then put it back down and move on to (insert rifle here).
Back to our regularly scheduled program:
I had a Mini-30, a LONG time ago, and it was a LOT of fun (though not as accurate as my buddy's SKS
). He always had "magazine envy" and I had "accuracy envy". I sold it and used the funds as a downpayment on a Springfield M1A
Now nearly 10 years later, I really do miss that Mini-30. It was fun, VERY comfortable to the shoulder, great ergonomics (again, for me) and I just liked everything else about it EXCEPT the accuracy. The BEST thing about the -30 over the -14 is the $60 per 1000 round cases of ammo you can get!
I've been told that the "new mini" is supposed to be capable of better accuracy, but I don't know that for a fact.
One last thing I'll add regarding the Mini-14 vs. M1 Carbine... My Dad has 2 carbines, and he does love them... BUT he keeps saying he wishes he had a Mini-14 because he likes the 5.56 round better than the .30. Unless you want an M1 Carbine BECAUSE it's an M1 Carbine, my vote is for the Mini-14. They're cheaper these days too