Two rifles.....

[SIGman Freud]

Hi All! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey, I saw a Ruger Mini-14 Stainless Steel Ranch Rifle advertised for $669.99. Is that a good price? I've been interested in picking one up for a long time, but didn't know about getting one because of the rifle's checkered history (by that, I mean in terms of accuracy mainly).

Also, what can you tell me about Lancaster Arms AKM-Russian Red-stained wood in 7.62? I saw one advertised for $799.99, and it comes with 1 10-round magazine and Prince Mag lock. Is this a good AK variant? Is this better than a Century built AK rifle?

Looking forward to getting the skinny on these two rifles.
Thanks!

[Bud Fox]

Mini-14 aren't as accurate as an AR and for that price I'd pass. Dunno about that particular AK.

[reidnez]

The mini is a good rifle for what it's designed for. They are accurate enough for their intended purposes: plinking, pest control, and self defense in a pinch. You'll never shoot a match with one, but then most of us don't shoot matches anyway.

That said, I don't think they're *great* rifles for almost $700. They would be great rifles for $400, perhaps. You could build a very solid entry-level AR15 for not much more than that if you shopped around for parts, and the AR15 is the better rifle of the two because it is almost infinitely customizable. While there is a decent aftermarket for the mini, it doesn't hold a candle to the black rifle's.

The Lancasters are very highly-rated AK's, if that's what you're in the market for. The cost does reflect that, of course.

[X-NewYawker]

The mini is a good rifle for what it's designed for. They are accurate enough for their intended purposes: plinking, pest control, and self defense in a pinch. You'll never shoot a match with one, but then most of us don't shoot matches anyway.

That said, I don't think they're *great* rifles for almost $700. They would be great rifles for $400, perhaps. You could build a very solid entry-level AR15 for not much more than that if you shopped around for parts, and the AR15 is the better rifle of the two.

The Lancasters are very highly-rated AK's, if that's what you're in the market for. The cost does reflect that, of course.

You can build an accurate AR for $400? Tell me how!

[Linh]

I have a Lancaster rifle and it works as advertised.

Other than that there really isn't anything else to say.

As for an AR I'm way more picky on that due to previous experience with it.

[SIGman Freud]

I have a Lancaster rifle and it works as advertised.

Other than that there really isn't anything else to say.

Ok, so is that considered a good price, what with all the various makers of the AK?

[Bud Fox]

You can build an accurate AR for $400? Tell me how!

he was referring to the mini-14

[WeekendWarrior]

WWRTW

[damndave]

Lancaster is a very good brand of AK

and along with the rest of people here...build a AR instead of getting a mini 14. complete AR you can get for the 700-900 range depending on what parts you want

[jmf_tracy]

pass on the mini-14. i have been there, done that & sold it. it is antiquainted technology and MOB (minute of barn) accuracy.
i would also vote to pass on the AK. i have never owned an AK, but i don't like em. maybe it is just because i am a patriotic american or maybe it is because they are sloppy commie guns, i don't know.

do yourself a favor and buy a stag rifle kit over at the legal transfers group buy at ar15.com. it is $609 shipped for a complete rifle kit minus the stripped lower. i beleive that you can add a stag lower for $100, but you will need to confirm if that is still availible. i bought the more expensive stag 2T kit because i like the quad rail and i am super happy with mine. here is a linky:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=121&t=636628

[ivanimal]

Say what you want. I still love the mini. With handloads they have acceptable accuracy and are reliable as heck. The Landcaster AK's are beautiful to see. I never shot one.

[seal20]

It's a fair price. If you want an out of the box fun to shoot detach mag rifle it's a good option. Trust me...once you go with the AR there's no way you will keep your build under $1000...they are like the Jeep Wrangler of rifles...a bottomless pit of aftermarket add ons to customize it your your liking/style.

[SIGman Freud]

It's a fair price. If you want an out of the box fun to shoot detach mag rifle it's a good option. Trust me...once you go with the AR there's no way you will keep your build under $1000...they are like the Jeep Wrangler of rifles...a bottomless pit of aftermarket add ons to customize it your your liking/style.

That's too bad; I'm not nor ever have been much of a fan of Jeep Wranglers.

In all seriousness, though, I have limited fundage but am definitely interested in an AR type rifle. The thing is, I get easily distracted when I see a decent rifle at a fairly reasonable price. It takes the aim (so to speak) out of my desire to pick up a good, mid-market rifle. Nevertheless, I've always wanted an pistol-gripped AK variant---just mainly for the ease of use/maintenance and coolness factor (I know, the latter reason is kinda dumb, but, whatever).

Anyhoo, I am probably getting more interested in the gas piston AR (if I get one). I know that Stag Model 8 is coming out soon, and would like to check that out. But, aren't gas piston ARs more expensive than DI's? I guess, my research continues........