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.