Mini 14 vs. AK question

[AKElroy]

My wife has a rule that if I buy a gun; I need to sell a gun.

Dude---I hope that goes for clothes, shoes & jewelry on her end. As for the comparison, a return of the AWB will encompass either rifle, so I would not base a decision on that. If I were buying a .223, it would not be a ruger, it would be an AR variant as they tend to be more accurate. If you want a combat rifle, it is hard to beat the run filthy, hit hard, super simple / rugged design of the AK.

 

[RP88]

RP88 I have two of the new 580 series minis and I get between 2.5-4" groups at 100 yards with open sights. Will your AK group that good?

my converted Saiga with GOOD ammo can do 2-3". With Barnaul, it groups a little under 4".

 

[gga357]

Keep the mini.

 

[Boats]

If all I had was a Mini-14, I'd be fine with it.

The market prices for AKs and the Wolf x39 that most fire through them has gotten too ridiculous to risk taking a bath on a perfectly serviceable rifle.

The Minis I have seen have all been pretty low maintenance. Maybe not quite up to AK standards of wanton neglect, but far more robust than the typical AR.

 

[Ignition Override]

As for ammo prices, last spring cheap Wolf .223 jumped about 15% almost overnight at Ammoman, AIM Surplus etc. x39 prices are not so bad, but plenty of people find scalping acceptable. My ammo buying is finished, except for .22.

Other than that, my ('90) Mini 14 is a really superb gun to have.

 

[jman80]

I never really liked Mini's much. My recent purchase was a side-folder AK-74 Tantal model (Polish). I used one in Afghanistan, and the things are awesome. They're a little bit more accurate on the "rapid-fire" than the AK-47 (not on auto, just semi-auto) just due simply to the smaller round-> 5.45x39mm. Ammo isn't all that easy to find for it though........I mainly have to use Russian surplus ammo that's not expensive at all, it's cheaper than 7.62, but it's ALL corrosive. If you clean your rifle regularly, it's no big deal.

Also, as for parts availibility, I'd go for an AK or an AK variant...just not a WASR-10. Don't get anything that has had the magazine well dremmeled out to accept a double-stack magazine. They fit sloppy and I've had a few magazines that won't stay seated well in them.

Personal opinion for what it's worth---> I'd keep what you have and save up a few hundred extra dollars a bit at a time in a friggin drawer or your ashtray in your car and just buy an AK. Prices have allready started going up, which is why I just bought the new AK.