SHTF SKS vs. mini 14

[jimmy_ftwayne]

I want to buy one of the two, but can't make my mind up.

[BobDaniels]

How about a SKS and a Mini-30?

In all seriousness, for now, the SKS is less expensive.

[Hammer]

Neither, I want my AK

[Go Devil]

If the **** hit the fan I would want something chambered in the most readily available ( trucked around by law enforcememnt and military) caliber; in the continental US I believe that would be 5.56 .

Mini's are inexpensive. You will hear alot of negative bias about the min's accuracy from 'would-be' snipers, but just remember... "Center of Mass" works 50-300 meters.

[wtfd661]

I really my Mini 14, its one of the new ones with the all weather stock. Shoots great and for me plenty accurate. They are extremely rugged and well built. I highly recommend, but in all honesty I have zero experience with the SKS. One last thing, according to the ruger manual you can shoot both the .223 & 556 rounds through it.

[Disposable Heart]

Originally Posted by Go Devil

If the **** hit the fan I would want something chambered in the most readily available ( trucked around by law enforcememnt and military) caliber; in the continental US I believe that would be 5.56 .

Mini's are inexpensive. You will hear alot of negative bias about the min's accuracy from 'would-be' snipers, but just remember... "Center of Mass" works 50-300 meters.

+1, as a former owner of several good Minis!

If I had my choice, the Mini (as much as I LOVE the SKS)
The SKS is a fine rifle, but the Mini-14 is an American gun, seen a little bit better in an anti- light. The Mini CAN be an accurate rifle, but your desired accuracy can be way different. It is not (at least the non-Target models) a MOA rifle, but MUCH more accurate than the AK. Biggest thing is several companies offer gas port ajustments that GREATLY improve accuracy as the bolt carrier tends to slam into the back of the reciever (actually cracked the older guns). Adjustable gas blocks are a must if you fire a range of handloads, milsurp or foriegn ammo. Also, avoid the scope mounts that utilize the bolt hold open cover plate; they never keep a zero due to constant movement (like the reciever cover scope mounts for the SKS).

A good red dot instead of a super precision scope is all the Mini needs. Better yet (for a longer situation), a scattergun scope due to their ruggedness and lower magnification (read faster aquisition in the bush).

Also, some of the older ones (you may have to look this up, I dont have it on the top of my mind) have 1/7 twist rate in the barrel. This allows for some serious heavy .223 fun. The rest of the older models are 1/10 (limits you to about 60 grains max going fast or specifically the 1/10s have good success with the 69gr Sierra Matchking, but not the 68gr Hornady OTM). New ones have the 1/9, not bad, but bring in a copy of the twist rates in relation to serial numbers before buying. You will have MUCH more fun with a 1/9 compared to a 1/10 (finding a 1/7 in good condition is hard, but SUCH A JEWELL!!)

Quality mags are hard to find for the Mini. The factory 5 rounders you will have no issue with, but that is no fun. The only "full capacity" mags I have found that are worth a damn are Ruger factory, McCoy Mobile mags (ducks teeth) and some John Masen Black Warrior mags. Promags can work, but here's the skinny: Their springs and followers stink. But, get a good Wolff mag spring and a factory 5 round mag follower, you have a mag that beats the snot out of the others, nipping on the heels of the expensive Ruger factory 20.

Stocks: Dont fart around with tacticool black plastic. The rifle was not designed for that. Every folding stock (except the ACC556 style folding stocks) suck and SEVERELY throw off the rifle's balance. Dont even think of the Bullpup situation, more trouble than it is worth and turns your rifle into a surrender device.

The SKS has it's good spots but the following has made me sell mine:
1. Terrible ammo for accuracy (unless you handload and getting the brass cased stuff for that is expensive). The steel stuff is okay, but accuracy is severely hindered (my handloads made my old Norinco really sing, 1.5-2.5 MOA)
2. Most of the "accesories" for the SKS are junk (reciever mount scopes are terrible, dont hold zero). There are some good ones, but few and far between.
3. Ammo compatibility: Difficult to find a PD or US based Army that uses 7.62x39. You would have to have a LOT of the stuff around just to feel comfortable.
All in all, its a great rifle, but has some limits, more so compared to the Mini in a true (Bigcraig credit!) OMGWTFSHTFBBQ.

The Mini is hindered by subpar accuracy (compared to other rifles in similar caliber) and it' thin barrel heats up on the double quick, but for handling, weight and ease of use/maintenance, you cant find anything better (unless you have my SLR106FR! ).

All in all, its up to you. Best thing to do, find someone that owns both and shoot them to see what you like. But the money saved going the SKS route, count on spending that on blamunition!!

[Justus]

parts?
future ammo availability?

magazines instead of stripper clips......

I'd go with the mini-14

[spirit390]

Ruger On-line Store - Ruger® Mini-14® Magazine 20-Shot

I received my mags in 10days but the price seems to go up every week in January I bought mine for $31 that included shipping. These IMHO are the best hands down no questions asked mags for the mini. I have tried every mag known. These are exactly the same as the LEO mags without the stamp. At least I can't tell the difference. Good Luck Wes

[jimmy_ftwayne]

+1 Disposible Heart.
Thanks for the info everyone. I think I'll probably go with the mini 14. Plus I already have about 1000rds of .223 to go with my Rem 700, so I don't have to have another caliber to haul around. I know the SKS is cheaper is the short term, but I'll probably be happier if I spend the money and get the 14.

[Josh Smith]

SKS.

It can be dropped in mud, stored underwater, beaten, used as a hammer, and still work.

When it needs cleaned, tie knots the length of a shoelace, dip the shoelace in oil, and drag it through the bore.

It was made to be extremely simple. You get any simpler and you have a Mosin Nagant that my lil' brother can shoot with 30 seconds of instruction (he's not a gun guy).

Thing is, I want to like the Minis better, but they are just too complicated to be reliable if you put one head to head against an SKS, I think.

I would take an M1 or M1A over either of those. In a pinch I'd take a NEW AR with all the improvements over the old styles. I don't particularly care for the design, but it works and will hit what I'm aiming at. I just don't find the design comfortable.

Josh <><