Unless your state doesnt allow AK's, there's really no tangible reason to buy a Mini over one. Accuracy is about the same, ease of scoping is about the same, AK has $10 good quality steel mags. Sights are different design, both about as mushy / inarticulate to adjust. Ruger has a good warranty, a decent AK will never need one. It really boils down to whether you want a pistol grip or not and if you dont mind dropping $30 per magazine. Also with the Mini, if your bolt ever fails, the rifles going back to Ruger, whereas with an AK you can have a stack of them as spares. While I certainly do like Mini's, the AK is a better choice for most folks. Bottom line: If you ever plan on making your Mini "tactical" (god I hate that word), then just buy an AK.