I really like my SKS-M. Love that it is a solid, nicely made x39 rifle and very reliable with standard AK mags.
The Problem with the SKS-M:
I just can't seem to get used to that whole motion of rocking the mag into place. I keep getting the darned 'ledge' on the front of the magazine stuck on the catch at the front of the mag well. It gets jammed in there and takes a good minute to wiggle it/smack it back out. It's annoying when this happens at the range. It's even worse thinking about the possible consequences if this happened in a time of dire need. I'm thinking that in its incredible condition and with the various accessories I have accumulated I could sell this rifle for ~$600 without a problem.
I already have a huge stock of x39 ammo, so I'm not thrilled about the possibility of switching calibers. Otherwise I might look at AR-15s.
The Question:
This leaves me with another option though. The mini-30.
I've never actually shot one, and only handled one once in the gun shop. Does the mag require that same back to front rocking action?
Would it be a reasonable replacement?
Extra rambling that you can skip:
At the gun shop I think it was right around $700-750. Something like that. I feel like that's a lot of money for a gun that probably does not offer much in the way of functionanlity over the SKS-M. Actually, I have to say I wasn't super impressed with the fit or finish for a gun in that price range either. For $450 it would have been a good choice. And this is coming from a guy who has a reputation for LOVING Ruger's products. For $750, it seems like a bit much. But what's the deal? Are they better rifles that I perceive them to be?
The Problem with the SKS-M:
I just can't seem to get used to that whole motion of rocking the mag into place. I keep getting the darned 'ledge' on the front of the magazine stuck on the catch at the front of the mag well. It gets jammed in there and takes a good minute to wiggle it/smack it back out. It's annoying when this happens at the range. It's even worse thinking about the possible consequences if this happened in a time of dire need. I'm thinking that in its incredible condition and with the various accessories I have accumulated I could sell this rifle for ~$600 without a problem.
I already have a huge stock of x39 ammo, so I'm not thrilled about the possibility of switching calibers. Otherwise I might look at AR-15s.
The Question:
This leaves me with another option though. The mini-30.
I've never actually shot one, and only handled one once in the gun shop. Does the mag require that same back to front rocking action?
Would it be a reasonable replacement?
Extra rambling that you can skip:
At the gun shop I think it was right around $700-750. Something like that. I feel like that's a lot of money for a gun that probably does not offer much in the way of functionanlity over the SKS-M. Actually, I have to say I wasn't super impressed with the fit or finish for a gun in that price range either. For $450 it would have been a good choice. And this is coming from a guy who has a reputation for LOVING Ruger's products. For $750, it seems like a bit much. But what's the deal? Are they better rifles that I perceive them to be?