I have a Mini-14. I like it really well. It is light, fairly easy to handle, shoots the current American military caliber, and, best of all, people don’t freak out when they see it. It doesn’t look so “military.”
I also have a Romanian AK47. It is a very dependable firearm. Although it shoots a foreign designed caliber, at one time there was plenty of it around for very good prices. I used to buy it by the case. I also like it very well. It is not too heavy, it always fires when you pull the trigger, the caliber is powerful enough to do the job, and, it is fun to shoot. However, some people DO freak out when they see this gun! It is better not to show it around too much.
So, I like both of them. I feel that I would be well served carrying either of them if TSHF. They are both dependable. They don’t have extreme target accuracy, but they will both get the job done. I have ample ammo for both. So, I can get some practice. What I have to decide is: If I had to grab one and run, which would it be? I think either would do the job.
The AK47 has a reputation of ALWAYS firing! That’s a plus. The AK plus a certain amount of ammo would weigh more than the Mini with the same number of cartridges. And, I think that-within 200 yards-the AK probably hits a little harder. But, does the AK have a big edge over the MINI?
The Mini-14 also has the reputation of shooting every time you pull the trigger. Some people say that they have shot thousands of rounds without even cleaning it and it keeps going. I like handling this gun. It shoots a good caliber that should do the job. I think that its range is close to that of the AK.
The number one thing that would determine my choice is, probably, the availability of spare parts. The AK wins this one hands down. You can find all the spare parts all over the place. A good place to start is the Shotgun News. They almost always have advertisers selling AK parts. Some parts for Mini-14s are available, but, firing pins-which are vulnerable-are not. Except for after market parts. I plan to order 2 Glend made Mini-14 firing pins. Then I will have complete faith in my Mini.
However, I still believe that the AK is the best “first choice” tactical firearm.
I also have a Romanian AK47. It is a very dependable firearm. Although it shoots a foreign designed caliber, at one time there was plenty of it around for very good prices. I used to buy it by the case. I also like it very well. It is not too heavy, it always fires when you pull the trigger, the caliber is powerful enough to do the job, and, it is fun to shoot. However, some people DO freak out when they see this gun! It is better not to show it around too much.
So, I like both of them. I feel that I would be well served carrying either of them if TSHF. They are both dependable. They don’t have extreme target accuracy, but they will both get the job done. I have ample ammo for both. So, I can get some practice. What I have to decide is: If I had to grab one and run, which would it be? I think either would do the job.
The AK47 has a reputation of ALWAYS firing! That’s a plus. The AK plus a certain amount of ammo would weigh more than the Mini with the same number of cartridges. And, I think that-within 200 yards-the AK probably hits a little harder. But, does the AK have a big edge over the MINI?
The Mini-14 also has the reputation of shooting every time you pull the trigger. Some people say that they have shot thousands of rounds without even cleaning it and it keeps going. I like handling this gun. It shoots a good caliber that should do the job. I think that its range is close to that of the AK.
The number one thing that would determine my choice is, probably, the availability of spare parts. The AK wins this one hands down. You can find all the spare parts all over the place. A good place to start is the Shotgun News. They almost always have advertisers selling AK parts. Some parts for Mini-14s are available, but, firing pins-which are vulnerable-are not. Except for after market parts. I plan to order 2 Glend made Mini-14 firing pins. Then I will have complete faith in my Mini.
However, I still believe that the AK is the best “first choice” tactical firearm.