Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

I have the opportunity to grab a ruger mini 14 from a friend (private deal no paperwork which is a PLUS) for a couple hundred bucks (he owes me).

I know nothing about them.

It is in excellent condition he keeps his weapons very clean and well cared for it is all METAL no wood furnishings, real well made with FOLDING BUTSTOCK.

It is chambered in 7.62 x 39, just like the AK-47

It feels to me like it is built like a tank. But again I know nothing about them.


I am investing in ONE GOOD BATTLE RIFLE to add to my collection of many and varied other firearms and I want THE BEST.

I have been focusing on an AK 47, I like EVERYTHING about them.


Here are some questions that I would like INPUT ON:

Please tell me PROS AND CONS of mini 14.

How does the mini 14 compare to the AK 47 as far as RELIABILITY, FIRING UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS LIKE WHEN DIRTY WITH MUD OR SAND ( I know the AK is famous for this, how does the MINI 14 compare to that)

IF I go with an AK which one do I want to focus on?

I found a ROMANIAN for 425 at local gun shop, it is a STAMPED RECIVER.

I have read MILLED is better than STAMPED, but is there REALLY A DIFFERENCE and how important is it to get the MILLED over the STAMPED.



PLEASE ADVISE.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

It's kinda like apples and oranges but I'll do my best.

Mini-14 = .223 caliber
AK-47 = 7.72x.39

I don't own a mini 14, but everything I've read and heard seem to say that it's really a POS stock, and the amount of work that they need to make them decent costs about the same as a good AR-15

AK-47 larger caliber, pull trigger and it fires every time. I had a Romanian and it's OK, I hear the Bulgarians are awesome.

I think before you buy anything, you need to decide what is your life worth, what is your families life worth and then you'll have a budget. If this is your first gun I'd get the cheaper Mini-14 so you can get use to safety etc. Then upgrade to something that will fire every time you pull the trigger, and is accurate to at least 400 yards...

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

mini 14 is.... a fun little poodle shooter.
They are not known for great accuracy.
If you are looking at a defensive arm to stake your life on, may I recommend a 12 gauge pump shotgun, either mossberg500 or remington 870. Either one is an ideal fight stopper.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

I think your friend has a Ruger Mini-30...caliber 7.62x39...They have been around for years and early ones have a well-earned reputation for poor accuracy...and as far as I know, quality high capacity mags are non-existent. It may only be worth a couple hundred for all the aggravation it will cause you trying to make it shoot.

However, the newest versions of both Mini-14 and Mini-30 have been improved and accuracy is a bit better...but I doubt your friend's is the newest version. If it is, it's a bargain at $200. And you should be able to mount a scope much easier than an AK.

I have looked at the Ruger Mini's over the years...even the latest versions, and decided to pass. Go with the stamped Romanian AK...Kalashnikovs are battle proven, 30-round mags are solid and cheap, and you will be happier, IMO.

RESALE VALUE of the Romanian AK will be better...something people don't always take into consideration.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Stamped AKs are very good.

Most are stamped.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Mini 30 is as accurate as any AK.

Don't let people bull$hit you, its a fine weapon.




.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

I'm not living up to my avatar here so.....my advice is don't do it!

As all the above posters have told the truth. It is crap, barrel heats up and point of impact has been know to walk 4" in three rounds in 50 yards.

Shotgun first....then a AK. You will regret depending on the Mini, and your life may depend on it.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

For $200...grab it! The Mini 30 is a very reliable and versatile weapon.
(I like it better chambered in .223)
Not the most accurate, but very acceptable.
I am partial to a standard type stock and 20rd. magazines.
Pick up a nice laminated or walnut stock, finished or finish it yourself.
(throw away the folder)

Stocks http://www.gun-parts.com/rugerstocks/

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Your being offered a Mini-30, a Mini-14 is .223,anyway a mini is not real accurate, its in the M-1 Carbine category with its short barrel, i own both.but a .223 coming out of a Mini is just as nasty as out of an AR same with the 7.62x39 and the AK., the Minis have garand type actions,durable and easy to service, weak point is the operating rod(the charging handle is part of this) just like the rest of the Garand family.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Well is it a Mini-14 or a Mini-30, big difference. The 30 doesn't suck as much as the 14.....:ok:

Kinda like saying I've got a AR-15 that shoots a .308, well WTF is it?

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

AK i not known for stellar accuracy eiether,Russian and Hungarian AKs are a whole different ballgame than Romanian gypsy built trash.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Nah I have plenty of firearms, I just dont have a battle rifle and want to invest in a good one. Money isnt an issue and wont buy something just because its cheaper.

The mini 14 BTW is chambered in the same round as the AK. 7.62X39, not all of them are but this one is.

But thanks for the info, very helpful and good stuff to know. I appreciate it.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

I have the shotgun already.

I have many 1911 colt .45, I collect those.

I have several Glocks.

I have 5 bolt action rifles and a Winchester model 1894 30 30 lever action.

I have 3 Remington 870s.

Just looking for a good solid and reliable battle rifle to add to the arsenal.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

and .. someone from the BATF is watching this and you just told him your whole stash....:banghead:

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Well I am not sure, I only had a few minutes after work to look at it, he said it was a mini 14 but the barrel was clearly marked 7.62X 39. Its all steel and real well made, like a tank, which I have come to expect from Ruger over the years.

I am far from gun illiterate, just dont know much about a wide variety of battle rifles, never had the need for one but was trained and earned sharpshooter status on the m-16 in the USMC and spent several tours in south central America, Panama, Honduras as well as Somalia, shooting it and I dont like them or the AR because they dont fire for shit when dirty and in extreme muddy or sandy conditions.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

I dont give a shit, they are all legal and I am trained to handle them properly. I am a ****ing vet and fought for this country, I am entitled to own whatever the **** I want to own.

But I do see your point.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Mini-14

The Mini-14, Mini-30, and Mini-6.8 are small, lightweight semi-automatic carbines manufactured by the U.S. firearms company Sturm, Ruger. The Mini-14 can fire both the popular .223 Remington cartridge and the similar military 5.56x45mm cartridge,[1]. The Mini-30 uses the 7.62x39mm and the Mini-6.8 fires 6.8 mm Remington SPC. Since 2005, all models are marketed under the name Ranch Rifle.

Ruger also offers a selective fire variant of the Mini-14, the AC-556, to police and military customers. AC-556 models have a slightly longer receiver (shared with early production "series 180" models) to allow for automatic operation. These models are also available with features such as short barrels and bayonet lugs that are not available on the civilian models. The Mini-14GB model is a semi-automatic variant for police and military sale, offering the short barrel and bayonet lug options.[2][3]

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

What dose 'stamped' mean??

T

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

+1000000000

Any of the "alphabet soup" agencies want my firearms???


Sure thing.........

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Stamped receiver instead of a milled receiver...

http://www.ultimak.com/AKReceiverID.htm

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Wasn't allowed to copy without permission. Go here and get a quick looksee at the stamped and milled differences.


http://www.ak-47.net/ak47/receiver2.php

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

If you can get it cheap, get it.

Mags are the downside. They're unique to the Mini-30, same with the Mini-14.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Stamped reciever versus milled reciever. One is stamped, as in seperate peices of sheet metal folded and joined together the other is a solid peice/block of metal cut out and made in to a reciver. Obviously milled is much better but some folks say there really isnt that much of a difference.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

I do not like the mini 14.

Mini 30 well I never owned or shot one (7.62X39).

200 bucks I say take it and trade it if you don't like it.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

I read once that some troops in Jamaica or Haiti or somewhere were armed with Mini-14's (the full auto version 5.56) they were training with the U.S. Army including live fire exercises. Every one of the Mini-14's went down. I would get the AK. Just my .02.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

From a soft memory. Mini-14 was what made the FBI develope the 10MM which turned into the 40 Cal Smith and wesson. ae
There were twoow Bank robbers chased by 4 FBI agents that got into a knock down drag out gun fight. One Bank robber had a Mini-14 and cleaned their clock but good. FBI finally won this fight but not before the FBI had every agent shot and seriously wounded. The rifle evened the playing field against 4 trained agents armed with pistols and a shotgun.

This prompted the FBI to develope high fire power pistols.

Frankly this was a SHTF weapon that proved itself.

E-A

s aoeNb

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

They were packing Mini-30's ... and you are right, the FBI boyz were shooting 9 mils and bouncing off of windows ... the bank robbers were dicing up the Fed boyz trying to take cover behind their autos .... didn't work out for the Feds ...

AK's ... SKS's ... Mini 30's ... all bad a$$ weapons.

.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

If you want the best, forget the mini. Get either a quality AK or a quality FAL depending on what caliber you like best.

Firearms
 

A firearm is a tool that projects either single or multiple projectiles at high velocity through a controlled explosion. The firing is achieved by the gases produced through rapid, confined burning of a propellant. This process of rapid burning is technically known as deflagration. In older firearms, this propellant was typically black powder, but modern firearms use smokeless powder, cordite, or other propellants.
__________________________________________________ __________________
Carhartt Work Gloves investment real estate

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Okay....

A mini 14 for $200 is a no-brainer. Like other posters have said, you can trade it if you wish. If you're wise, the same ammo can be used in an AK 47 (which you will want to purchase at some point down the road) or a good hp deer rifle. Same ammo for different guns, buy in bulk- good idea. When the SHTF, you can give cousin Bob the mini 14 and he can man the back window, while Aunt Clara picks them off long range from the roof- all of you sharing ammo. And if the S doesn't HTF, you can still hunt and recycle your stash.

AR-15 is pure shite. They've jammed up on me several times, and have always come across as flimsy. When the carbon builds up (after maybe one magazine), it gums up the whole works. You'll be cleaning it as much as firing it. But if you were in the jarheads (as I was), I'm telling you what you already know.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Yeap I would never spend my own money on an AR-15. They do not perform in extreme conditions well.

I wanted the AK all along, just wanted some input on the mini 14 which now turns out to actually be a mini 30 and for 200 bucks it is indeed a bargin that I will probably grab and then go ahead and get the AK too.

Thanks for the info.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

yeah, if that's the case take the mini 30, buy a few hi cap magazines for it, and stick it in the closet. then go buy an AK.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Ok gun, easy to modify.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Tough decision but I'd probably go with the AK over the mini 30. Mini 30's are notoriously inaccurate but so are the AK's. The AK's look better though.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

I wouldn't look for better than 5 inches at 100 yards with either. I've never had a mini-anything but I've been around them a bunch. I consider them to be good weapons. A mini-30 for $200 is almost as much a no-brainer as SLV's free ones that he got the other day.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

The cheap gun you have is better than the expensive one you dont. Take it now and when you're ready to upgrade, sell it if you need to.

GIM, Guns is Money too.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Rugers don't break ...

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

I believe that "milled" was originally a woodworking term. Milled furniture is always more valuable. Milled means that the object was carved from one single block of wood. A milled table, for example, can be very expensive. Imagine a sculpture, they start off with a rectangle of rock, and work away layers until it is art. This could be considered milling, as well.

As far as stamped, I believe this refers to a sheet of metal that a die is pressed upon. Usually at great force, at the shop I work in, we have a couple that do 12 and 15 ton "clamps". So basically you have a flat piece of metal being bent (weakened) into a certain shape. Then you solder the various shapes together to make your object. Obviously bending metal without tempering weakens it, and if you're soldering, the joins are always going to be weak points as well.

Milled objects are almost always more expensive because they are quality.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

By the way, this guy here, is correct.

We are counting the SHTF in *days* at this point. Get it NOW. Then get more later, especially if money is no object.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

Stamped = receiver is made from sheets of steel that are bent into shape and held together with rivots.

Milled = the receiver is made from a single block of steel which is hollowed out.

It is easy to tell the 2 apart just by looking at them. The Norinco AKs [chinese] are the best ones since the sheet metal is thicker than any of the European models. The Norinco also has a double hook trigger which makes the trigger pull smoother. However the Norinco guns are no longer imported so they are harder to find than the European models.

Milled or stamped these guns are very tough and you are not likely to wear one out.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

A few things

Milled from a block of steel

The stamped receivers are bent into shape, heat treated to a certain hardness, and then welded or riveted onto the barrel trunnion.

1.6mm receivers are on many european AK's recently built.

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

You have a Mini 30 not a 14

Heres mine:

Re: Ruger Mini 14 VS Ak-47
 

He is broke take the gun or get nothing later. Shoot it and decide if you like it.