AK in 223 or Mini-14?

[Jim NE]

I chose the Mini over the AK as my first center fire semi-auto mag rifle. Should be in today or tomorrow. Time will tell. As someone on another thread said, AK's can cover the quality spectrum, but a mini is a mini. I certainly noticed it while looking at other folks' guns. .

 

[sansone]

easy one...mini 14

 

[JustinJ]

I would choose the Mini 14 in that caliber if reliabilty is crucial. They run dirty all day long.

If reliability is the determining factor an AK would be the clear choice. Few would argue agasint this.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I would choose the Mini 14 in that caliber if reliabilty is crucial. They run dirty all day long.

Wait, what? You do know you are comparing the Mini 14 to an AK right?

 

[jodavk]

Had Saiga's in .223 & x39. Both operated flawlessly with OEM mags. The .223 was much more mag sensitive than the x39 and the .223 mags were more money and hard to get. At the range, I've seen various AK47 clones operate flawless and some barely operate. If you buy a quality manufactured AK47 it probably will be as flawless as the quality of mags you use in it; x39 would probably be the cheapest, most available for "quality" mags -vs- the .223. As far as the mini goes, my mini shooting friends mostly love em. And they have had problems running inferior quality mags too. I guess even a cheap mag can ruin a $1000 AK or mini.

 

[22-rimfire]

I understand the the 5.56 AK's don't run as well as the normal chambering. But I don't have hard experience to back that up. I do with the Mini 14.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Wait, what? You do know you are comparing the Mini 14 to an AK right?

I've seen the 556 Saiga choke, ONCE, on Tula. It's simply a rifle that runs über reliable with tapered cases.

When it comes to 556, I stay with the rifle they were originally chambered for or designed for. In this situation, I'd feel more comfortable with a Mini.

Now, that being said, if you were asking me to choose between an AK74 (545x39, a tapered cased round) and a Mini 14, watch how fast I'm grabbing the 74.

 

[JustinJ]

There is far more to the AK's reliability than just chamber dimensions.

 

[meanmrmustard]

There is far more to the AK's reliability than just chamber dimensions.

Yes. Loose tolerances, gas piston operation, and the use of tapered wall cartridges.

Take one of those out, and your gun is now apt to more failure. Not absolute, but apt.

 

[JustinJ]

Yes. Loose tolerances, gas piston operation, and the use of tapered wall cartridges.

Take one of those out, and your gun is now apt to more failure. Not absolute, but apt.

My point is that from an engineering perspective the AK method of operation provides superior reliability to that of the mini.

 

[brnmw]

I am on the fence with this one, I only buy AK's for 5.45/7.62X39mm calibers. I have heard of people not having good luck with the AK's in .223 Rem. I would imagine it would be fine if using good quality mags but I think for this I would just err on the side of caution and stick with the AR/ Mini .223 Rem.----AK 5.45/7.62X39mm setup's.

 

[sansone]

girls girls, the op is asking about reliability, ak & mini are BOTH such..
his second comment was simply he would rather own American. gee wiz

 

[Jeremy2171]

Is the AK in 223 as reliable as the 7.62x39 AK? (All else being equal.)

"Yes"

Is the Ruger Mini-14 "AK reliable"? (with good mags of course)

almost but not quite.

I really like the Saiga/Arsenal AK in 223. But not for the prices they are going for. With the mini, I could get an entirely American made gun for $700 vs around $1000 for the 223 AK.

Well for $700 you could shop around and maybe find one for that (used).

I want the 223 round. Not in an AR15.

For the $700 mentioned its a ruger or an AR....or Kel-tec..

 

[Girodin]

For the $700 mentioned its a ruger or an AR....or Kel-tec..

A daewoo DR200 can be had at that price as well. Personally I'd rather own one of those than a Mini or a Kel Tec SU-16.

 

[Harley Rider 55]

The Ruger has LOTS of accessories to make your weapon the way YOU want it. That alone is my reason to go with the Mini.

 

[JustinJ]

The Ruger has LOTS of accessories to make your weapon the way YOU want it. That alone is my reason to go with the Mini.

Compared to the AK? I seriously doubt the Mini wins in that category.