My buddy wants to swap my 1999 model Mini for a Saiga 223

[BigPimping]

I am thinking of swapping my bone stock stainless mini 14 with a few mags for a Saiga 223 converted. The Mini is a 1999 model. Any thoughts????

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I have both rifles and love them both. If I could only have one it would be the Saiga because it will function perfectly when dirty or with crap ammo. The Mini-14 may need a bit more TLC to keep running properly. The Mini also has way more parts and is far more complicated to field strip.

My .02

[sholling]

Not even close, I'd keep the Mini. I'd stick an Accu-Strut on the mini and maybe invest $35 in a trigger job and be happy.

[Jackson_DKMG]

I'd go for the saiga since it's already converted

[highpower]

I have owned both Mini 14's and AK 47's. I no longer have any Mini's, but I still have my AK's. My opinions are, however, based on the Mini 14 as produced thirty five years ago, not on one produced in the late 90's.

All of the short comings of the Mini 14 (short LOP, crappy sights and indifferent accuracy) are also in the Saiga. IMO there is no practical difference in them except for the look of the rifle.

The AK is a more robust rifle and will absorb abuse with no decrease in functionality. Magazines may be easier to get for the Ruger than the Saiga if the Anointed One and his minions in congress are able to block further importation.

Nevertheless, I'd say get the Saiga....and lots of spare magazines.

[jeffrice6]

Keep the Mini! Especially in today's climate ~

[sd_shooter]

Keep the Mini! Especially in today's climate ~

I'd say, "Get the Saiga, especially in today's climate." It's quite possible the Saiga won't be imported after a ban, but the Mini will still be available.

[bombadillo]

You could sell the Mini, buy a Saiga, and put the rest of your money into ammo. He's coming out way ahead on that deal.

[toby]

Keep the mini and don't follow the so called in crowd.

[cantcme]

I had a mini and sold it. I have 3 saigas i will never sell. The mini uses expensive mags and is not designed for easy take down and reassembly. The saiga is 100% reliable, easy to take down and reassemble and uses 15 dollar mags. Css has tapco 30 rounders in stock for. 15 right now.

[sd_shooter]

You could sell the Mini, buy a Saiga, and put the rest of your money into ammo. He's coming out way ahead on that deal.

You could... before Obama and Difi opened their mouths! Saigas are hard to come by today, about $800 for one that's bone stock. If you sell your mini you'll end up with a pile of bills but won't be able to get another rifle very easily.

Keep the mini and don't follow the so called in crowed.

The AK action is the simplest, most durable and popular in the world. Like a Glock in the world of pistols, it's the one gun I would pick.

[toby]

is[/B] the simplest, most durable and popular in the world. Like a Glock in the world of pistols, it's the one gun I would pick.

And that's your choice but that does not in any way mean it's a good one. My reply to keep the Mini was a sensible one.

[sfm12]

Solve the whole AK vs AR vs Mini debate by buying all three.

[brianm767]

All depends on what you like better, here your going to get a split, many prefer the Mini, and many will prefer the Saiga.

Personally I'd never trade off a Mini for a Saiga, and there's lots here who feel just the opposite.

[mswanson223]

Saiga