Mini-14 vs. AK-47-Which to mod?

**2000LS1Bird** · 03-23-2010, 09:49 PM

My friend has a dilemma. He recently bought an AK (the $450 variety, not the expensive milled one), then accidentally happened upon a sweet deal on a stainless Mini-14.

One of these guns he wants to mod-out, with the folding stock, red-dot sight, and some other toys.

He already has a 75-round drum for the AK-47. He has also heard that the Ruger's start to suck with accuracy after the barrel heats up. I don't have enough experience with mine to offer input on this.

He's leaning toward modding the Ruger, but isn't sure. The .30 caliber bullet the AK fires would be more devastating at longer ranges, thereby making him believe the .223 Mini would be better suited for a folding stock, thus making it the close-quarters, "urban warfare" weapon, whereas the AK would be the 100 to 200 yard gun.

Like me, he has a scoped .308 for 200+ yard applications.

Now I can't hit much of anything at 200 yards with my Mini-14, so I'm in agreement that it should have the folding stock and red-dot sight, and the AK should be left alone.

But if the accuracy of the Mini-14 fails miserably after 30-rounds or so, he doesn't even want to mess with modding the gun. Both would make great guns with the folding stock and other goodies, so if you guys did (or do) own both guns, which do you spend the money on?

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**Modulistic** · 03-23-2010, 11:07 PM

AKKKKKKKK

oh god please the AK. The ak is just begging to have a folding stock put on it.

**Huskerz1** · 03-23-2010, 11:14 PM

Couple of things here imo.

The AK it self is pretty badass at close range. As far as being the better long range weapon? I'm not so sure. Recent Ruger Mini 14s have an upgraded heavier milled barrel. With a scope, I've seen the newer Rugers hit consistent at 300+. The initial problem with the older style was the barrel flex due to a thinner milled barrel. Whether it was heat related or not, I can't answer that off the top of my head.

Just opinion here but if it was me, the AK would be my weapon of choice out of the two for urban combat. Not only is it a proven weapon system in that environment but why wait for the enemy to expose themselves from an obstacle for .223 shot when you quite could possibly shoot thru the obstacle? Walls, windows, cars, trees...yup AK for me.

As far as optics go, I would start with a replacement top cover with the integrated rail found at any gun show. I wouldn't drill screw holes in the original to mount a rail. Just me I guess. Probably go with a Trijicon RX series on either rifle.

**bamaz28** · 03-24-2010, 05:39 AM

AK, had a mini 14 also very poor shooting wouldnt waste money on it.

**Sarge** · 03-24-2010, 05:46 AM

I never shot/saw nor heard of an accurate Mini-14. I have always heard of inaccurate AK's. Then I got into Saiga's. Inaccurate is about as accurate as Obama. Saiga's are very dependable and accurate. Cheap to modify.

**cuervo25_1** · 03-24-2010, 09:28 AM

AK, the possibilities are limitless. plus the sounds that come from the AK are easily reconized,and feared (damn libral pansies) so you might as well make that AK look as evil as the librals want everyone to think they are.