I was at the local toy store yesterday where I found Ruger mini 30 stainless rifle with the black plastic stock for $465. I have kind of always wanted one of these and, I already have 2 ARs. I like them and the mini 14 mostly for their size. I have also considered buying a Saiga in the past just because of all the good things I have heard about them. With the current political climate such as it is and the cost of 223 ammo these days I was thinking I might ought to buy one of these rifles while I can. While I was looking at the mini 30 a guy comes up to me with rifle case in hand and tells me has one for sale for $300. I assumed that he meant a mini 30 or at least a mini 14 since they look alike. It turned out that what he had in the case was a scoped Saiga in 7.62x39. Initially I was pissed but I got over it and thanked him for the offer and I politely declined. I put a deposit on the Ruger and a Remington 870 HD. On the way home, I stopped at the local Cabelas and ran into the same guy. We talked a little more and I asked him what his bottom dollar was and he said $250.. I got his name and number.
Obviously, the Saiga is a great buy especially with the red dot scope on it. The Ruger mini 30 is probably a real good deal as well especially if another ban comes along. No, this is not a preban gun with the bayonet lug. I could possibly buy both guns and may do that so lets take that off the table right now. Another thing I am not really worried about is accuracy, that is to say that I am not looking for a tack driver, I have lots of those already. I suppose that I would like to know which is the more accurate of the 2 for comparrisons sake but, if they will both stay under about 3 inches at 100, I don't think I really care all that much. What I am most concerned with is reliablity and shootability. I know that the Saiga can be coverted to accept AK mags but I doubt that I will do that. The cost of factory mags for the Saiga and High caps for the Ruger are both gonna be pricey, I can accept that. While I am on the subject of mags, which aftermarket mags work the best in the Ruger? Do the high caps that are available for the Saiga work well? Just one last thing, this rifle will be carried in the car most of the time and might double as a house gun occassionally, though I already have an AR and a Mossberg 590 for that purpose. It will primarily be used as a plinker when I just want to shoot a lot of rounds without having to reload for it. Again, my biggest concern is reliability. How does the Ruger Stack up agianst the Saiga? I do have to say that I like the look of the Ruger better than the Saiga.
Obviously, the Saiga is a great buy especially with the red dot scope on it. The Ruger mini 30 is probably a real good deal as well especially if another ban comes along. No, this is not a preban gun with the bayonet lug. I could possibly buy both guns and may do that so lets take that off the table right now. Another thing I am not really worried about is accuracy, that is to say that I am not looking for a tack driver, I have lots of those already. I suppose that I would like to know which is the more accurate of the 2 for comparrisons sake but, if they will both stay under about 3 inches at 100, I don't think I really care all that much. What I am most concerned with is reliablity and shootability. I know that the Saiga can be coverted to accept AK mags but I doubt that I will do that. The cost of factory mags for the Saiga and High caps for the Ruger are both gonna be pricey, I can accept that. While I am on the subject of mags, which aftermarket mags work the best in the Ruger? Do the high caps that are available for the Saiga work well? Just one last thing, this rifle will be carried in the car most of the time and might double as a house gun occassionally, though I already have an AR and a Mossberg 590 for that purpose. It will primarily be used as a plinker when I just want to shoot a lot of rounds without having to reload for it. Again, my biggest concern is reliability. How does the Ruger Stack up agianst the Saiga? I do have to say that I like the look of the Ruger better than the Saiga.
