Mini-14 or AK .223?

[grimjaw]

If you get an AK, part of the accuracy problem is the stiff, gritty triggers.

I would also disagree and say that it depends on the rifle. The SAR1 I had benefitted from a pretty good trigger: a little long but smooth and not very heavy. The SA M5 trigger seems a little longer but also smooth, consistent and light.

jmm

 

[Buzter]

Also, .223 ak mags might be even more difficult to find. If you can find the weiger..wieger? whatever. They are supposed to be good. The converted 5.45x39 are iffy.

 

[Tomac]

First off let me say that I'm a huge AK fan and have been for decades. However, as posted earlier I'm concerned about the continued availability of parts (looking long-term here). The Mini-14 isn't a bad alternative, especially now that my 2 biggest complaints (relative lack of accuracy & reliable aftermarket mags) have been solved: Accuracy can improve greatly by cutting the bbl back a couple of inches and/or adding a flash hider/muzzle brake, and ProMag makes both steel & polymer hicap mags that get good reviews (love the polymers, myself) at a decent price (Natchez sells the polymers for $11). With a stainless/synthetic Mini I have a weather-resistant, lightweight, fast-handling reliable rifle that eats everything I've thrown at it and is easy to strip/clean (albeit not as easy as the AK). For a reliability test I've got one Mini w/500rds of the dirty & underpowered Wolf .223 through it so far w/o cleaning (my goal is 1,000rds before cleaning again). Just my $.02 worth...
Tomac