Recreation/utility rifle… what do you say?
- Thread starter Gunsby_Blazen
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TCB in TN
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Get the Marlin. Lots of fun, and enough gun to do a lot with!
Z-Michigan
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I voted for the Marlin.
However, if you want an AK, you could easily get a decent one. I would recommend a Saiga and converting it yourself. Other options might be a preconverted Saiga ($550 or so), a "Bulgarian SSR-85C" (which is a parts gun, but nicely finished) for around $600, or the much maligned WASR for $400 ish. The Romanian guns are not pretty but are fine otherwise, though you should inspect before purchasing for things like a canted front sight base.
It really all depends what you want. The Marlin and AK are radically different guns, but can overlap a fair bit in uses. With the AK, you can buy cheap steelcased ammo. With the Marlin, you have possibly the easiest caliber there is for reloading.
However, if you want an AK, you could easily get a decent one. I would recommend a Saiga and converting it yourself. Other options might be a preconverted Saiga ($550 or so), a "Bulgarian SSR-85C" (which is a parts gun, but nicely finished) for around $600, or the much maligned WASR for $400 ish. The Romanian guns are not pretty but are fine otherwise, though you should inspect before purchasing for things like a canted front sight base.
It really all depends what you want. The Marlin and AK are radically different guns, but can overlap a fair bit in uses. With the AK, you can buy cheap steelcased ammo. With the Marlin, you have possibly the easiest caliber there is for reloading.
pinstripe
Member
I'm thinking that the best SHTF weapon will be a wrist rocket and several hundred bags of hard ass marbles. 
If it were me, I would probably go with the Marlin too.
If it were me, I would probably go with the Marlin too.
barry960
Member
I don't have a Mini-14, nor have fired one, but have a Mini-30, basically the same rifle, but in 7.62x39. Its accuracy leaves so much to be desired, that I wouldn't recommend any Ruger Mini unless maybe you got this tuned up barrel I saw in Shotgun news that looks like a heavy barrel, but actually serves as a compensator if I understand it right. I don't know how much that option costs though, but I'll probably sell my Mini if I don't go with that option. Also mine has feed issues. On top of that, I was told not to shoot corrosive eastern bloc surplus ammo in it, even though it's stainless, so kind of defeats the purpose of being able to shoot a lot of the cheaper surplus ammo. With the Mini-14, my understanding is that it's not safe to shoot military surplus 5.56mm munitions, and you actually have to buy commercial .223 Remington for it, another cost factor unless you're willing to risk it.
I think the suggestion to get an SKS is the best if I were you, but if you're just not interested or already have one, I guess I'd pick the lever gun. Anyone remember the Timberwolf? It was a pump action 38spl/357mag with a full length tube magazine and was available in blue or stainless. That would be good for this niche too, but I don't know how much one would cost if you could find one, or how good their quality really is, just seemed like a cool handy little carbine though.
I think the suggestion to get an SKS is the best if I were you, but if you're just not interested or already have one, I guess I'd pick the lever gun. Anyone remember the Timberwolf? It was a pump action 38spl/357mag with a full length tube magazine and was available in blue or stainless. That would be good for this niche too, but I don't know how much one would cost if you could find one, or how good their quality really is, just seemed like a cool handy little carbine though.
smartshooter.45
Member
I have to agree with MikeU. Get an AK. ive got a few good reasons: ammo is readily available and pretty cheap (.25 per round), parts are EVERYWHERE, its accurate beyond 50 yards and can be scoped, 30 rd capacity (if u want to hunt just fill the mag with the max rounds allowed), 7.62x39 is a gnarly round with great stopping power if you find yourself in a "Mad Max type situation". enjoy, SS.45
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Gunsby_Blazen
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Thanks for your advice, I was leaning towards the marlin before I started the poll anyway, the mini was my second choice, and the m1 carbine was my third. It looks like this poll reinforced my choices...
Thanks again.
But actually, I think when it comes down to it, I will get the one that is most readily available and that I can get best deal on.
I am having a hard time finding a .357 1894c Marlin lately... Are they currently out of production until next year?
Thanks again.
But actually, I think when it comes down to it, I will get the one that is most readily available and that I can get best deal on.
I am having a hard time finding a .357 1894c Marlin lately... Are they currently out of production until next year?
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Gunsby_Blazen
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I pushed the enter button too many times, sorry..
duplicate...
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Gunsby_Blazen
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mistake duplicate...
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Gunsby_Blazen
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sorry duplicate
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I have a Mini-14 and a Marlin 1894 Cowboy Ltd in .45 Colt. Last weekend I was hiking on a fairly remote trail with my wife and our two Rottweilers and it was starting to get dark. I asked myself a similar question i.e. which firearm of the numerous rifles, shotguns, pistols and revolvers that I own would I most want to have with me and I thought of the Mini-14. I could be carrying four of five 30 round magazines without any trouble, reloads are fast, it's INCREDIBLY reliable in that it's NEVER jammed or failed to fire ... EVER ... and it's easily capable of 1" groups at 50 yards in stock form. I shoot 77gr SMK HPBT bullets (reloads) and it spits them out in the x-ring with no trouble at all. The Mini-14 is stainless steel (well mine is), it's reasonably light, it can be modified to full-auto if necessary for an "end of days" scenario, .223 ammunition is everywhere, recoil is virtually zero so it's easy to make follow up shots, it's a carbine so the short overall length makes it good in the home, brush or other confined spaces, it's a gas piston system so the action stays clean, I could go on and on ...
Needless to say, I chose the Mini-14 in the poll for all the reasons given plus it's fun to shoot.
Before I forget, .223 ammunition is cheaper to reload (or buy) than .308 ammunition and that may translate into a lack of familiarity or practice with an M1A or similar due to the cost factor. I wonder how many here have an M1A that rarely gets out of the safe due to the cost of the ammuntion. Everyone needs to practice to become proficient and it's easier to practice when the ammunition costs less. Also, how easy (fast) are follow up shots with .308 semi-autos? If you're using a scope you may lose the target completely.
Needless to say, I chose the Mini-14 in the poll for all the reasons given plus it's fun to shoot.
Before I forget, .223 ammunition is cheaper to reload (or buy) than .308 ammunition and that may translate into a lack of familiarity or practice with an M1A or similar due to the cost factor. I wonder how many here have an M1A that rarely gets out of the safe due to the cost of the ammuntion. Everyone needs to practice to become proficient and it's easier to practice when the ammunition costs less. Also, how easy (fast) are follow up shots with .308 semi-autos? If you're using a scope you may lose the target completely.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
I sold my 188-series mini-14 Ranch Rifle and kept my Century AK. The AK was a bit more accurate, magazines are far cheaper, and IMO it looks better. And you can actually buy spare parts for an AK, whereas Ruger requires you to actually mail them the rifle if you want a spare bolt, etc.
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