The Mini-14 would be your better choice, because you have a wider selection of ammo and larger factory magazine capacity. Most of the aftermarket mags I've seen suck, and I don't believe Ruger ever made a Mini-30 factory mag higher than 10 rounds. The newer Mini-14s are a little better for accuracy too, now that they have a 1/9 twist rate for the barrels. For 7.62x39 it's better to stick to the AK variants.

Mini 14 for the reasons laid out above. Is there a reason that you have not looked at the AR system? I have been noticing the price on them have been dropping big time lately. I saw where CDNN in Tx has CMMG rifles for about 8 bills. Considering the price of mags for the AR vs the Mini 14, you come out ahead with an AR.

I’m reviewing all options at this point. I really appreciate the input from everyone. The depth of knowledge on this forum continues to amaze me.

AK for 7.62X39--Check out Classic Arms. They usually have a good deal.

.223, go with AR. Even Ruger has come out with an AR. The Ruger 556.

Mini 14 mags are expensive. Cope's has them for 40.00. I'd rather have 3 PMags. There is a new Mini 14, tactical looking, but AR's rock. Lots of choices, can even get a 22LR conversion for it.,

You know, my new Mini-14 (the so-called improved one) is no more accurate than my oldest one. Only my ARS heavy barrelled custom one will shoot moa (on a good day with the moon just right). I paid nearly $800 for the new one. I like Mini-14 Ranch Rifes fine, but now that Ar-15s are available for not much more, that is THE gun to get. One lower and you can get additional uppers in 7.62 x 39 or 9mm, or whatever. Magazines are readily available. Accessories are infinite. Unless you can find a good used Mini-14 for a lot less, go with the AR-15.

I would agree if you're comparing the Mini-14 and AR. Plus, the last time I checked the Mini-14s around here were going for around $650-700 new. Wow! That's almost the price of an AR. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I have a Bushmaster AR-15, but never owned a Mini-14. I love my AR and its super accurate and it never jammed on me, even shooting wolf ammo. I havn't heard too many good things about the mini-14.

The virtue of the Garand action in the Mini-14 is its reliability. It is less sensitive to dirt and simpler than the Stoner design. None of my Mini-14s shoot as accurately as my AR-15s, but they are as accurate as my AK-47. Also, the "Ranch Rifle" has a more PC look to it than the M-16 looking Ar-15. Back when the Mini-14 was $400 and the AR-15s were $1000, buying a Mini-14 made sense. Today, with some basic model AR-15s priced close to some Mini-14s, I think the AR-15 is a better deal.

I have a mini-14 and I just don't use it any more. My friend in CA told me he just got a CA legal AR-15 lower reciever. Since I don't live there, I don't really know what that means, but the AR platform would be my first choice for something that shoots .223. As far as 7.62x39 goes, an AK would be key. I don't believe that's possible in your neck of the woods. With the magazine capacity restrictions in place there in CA, I would just opt for a different style gun altogether. Not sure what you are looking to do with it, but a nice lever action rifle would do you well for most situations I can think of.

I would go the AR route for 223...the Minis are historically not the most accurate.

So 762 if you must go Mini. They are tough and realiable though!

There are some good deals on ARs now if you know where to look.

Oh, darn, I forgot about the California laws. In that case, get the Mini-30. Bigger bullets and PC.