So it's not often I post these. I have already done research out the wazoo, but sometimes simply the act of committing it to writing helps me think more clearly.
I currently own an SKS-M. For those unfamiliar with it, it's one of the models designed from the start to accept standard AK magazines. I'm here in CT, and under our crazy new AWB, this was actually one of the few rifles of its type that did NOT need to be registered. I purchased at a gun shop, so it's still "on the books," but not part of any registry.
My LGS is running a great deal on the Mini 14. ($699 NIB with 30 rounds of ammo, and two mags). I'm considering selling the SKS and buying the Mini. At this point, with the demand for a rifle like this in CT, I think i could get $650 for it. Reasons listed below:
-Mini would offer better sights. (I HATE the sights on my SKS.)
-Mini would offer better ability to mount optics.
-Mini is offered by a company with CS so I have backup should anything fail or break.
-Mini is a more refined, nicely made gun.
-By selling the old Chinese made SKS, I am getting a piece of really nice American craftsmanship for essentially an even trade. I also bought the SKS for $450 a few years ago, which means I'd have even less money tied up in the Mini than it's cost.
-Mini is likely more accurate (these are new ones where the accuracy issues are fixed).
-And the big reason- My wife is going to be getting a 5.56 rifle and this way she and I have compatible ammo.
Reasons not to make the trade:
-I already have thousands of rounds of 7.62x39 and it means selling that ammo to buy 5.56. It's a PITA.
-I do like the SKS.
-It has proven reliable.
-It's a rifle that is likely to appreciate in value more than the Mini will, as it's a gun that was "overlooked." and will perhaps be more valuable as a transferrable gun in years to come.
Things that are not a worry to me:
-Capacity of magazines.
-Caliber wars between 5.56 and x39. I'm happy with either and accept he tradeoffs of each caliber.
Ultimately, as a new father, my interests have shifted to being deadly serious about having effective defensive tools. While I have no doubt that the SKS would offer tremendous potential in that regard, I just wonder if the lighter recoil, optics, etc... might be something worthy of consideration and make it worth an upgrade/lateral move. I would just get an AR15, but can't here in CT.
I currently own an SKS-M. For those unfamiliar with it, it's one of the models designed from the start to accept standard AK magazines. I'm here in CT, and under our crazy new AWB, this was actually one of the few rifles of its type that did NOT need to be registered. I purchased at a gun shop, so it's still "on the books," but not part of any registry.
My LGS is running a great deal on the Mini 14. ($699 NIB with 30 rounds of ammo, and two mags). I'm considering selling the SKS and buying the Mini. At this point, with the demand for a rifle like this in CT, I think i could get $650 for it. Reasons listed below:
-Mini would offer better sights. (I HATE the sights on my SKS.)
-Mini would offer better ability to mount optics.
-Mini is offered by a company with CS so I have backup should anything fail or break.
-Mini is a more refined, nicely made gun.
-By selling the old Chinese made SKS, I am getting a piece of really nice American craftsmanship for essentially an even trade. I also bought the SKS for $450 a few years ago, which means I'd have even less money tied up in the Mini than it's cost.
-Mini is likely more accurate (these are new ones where the accuracy issues are fixed).
-And the big reason- My wife is going to be getting a 5.56 rifle and this way she and I have compatible ammo.
Reasons not to make the trade:
-I already have thousands of rounds of 7.62x39 and it means selling that ammo to buy 5.56. It's a PITA.
-I do like the SKS.
-It has proven reliable.
-It's a rifle that is likely to appreciate in value more than the Mini will, as it's a gun that was "overlooked." and will perhaps be more valuable as a transferrable gun in years to come.
Things that are not a worry to me:
-Capacity of magazines.
-Caliber wars between 5.56 and x39. I'm happy with either and accept he tradeoffs of each caliber.
Ultimately, as a new father, my interests have shifted to being deadly serious about having effective defensive tools. While I have no doubt that the SKS would offer tremendous potential in that regard, I just wonder if the lighter recoil, optics, etc... might be something worthy of consideration and make it worth an upgrade/lateral move. I would just get an AR15, but can't here in CT.
