Re: Garand vs Mini 14 vs SKS

kmittleman · Aug 1, 2014

Got 'em all!! :party29:

Dar · Aug 1, 2014

Garand all the way. I love mine

Blacksmith101 · Aug 1, 2014

kmittleman said:
Got 'em all!!

Since you got them how about a review of each since you were the OP and asked for the advise. A review may help others decide.

Threeband · Aug 1, 2014

kmittleman said:
Hi all,

I'm turning 40 in a few weeks and was given the ok to get one of the above. As we all know the semi auto rifle selection for our state has diminished. But I want to get one before they're all gone.

Here's the thing, I have a C&R so could get the Garand, SKS, etc delivered to the front door. I already have ammo/mags for the Mini (but no gun). If I got the SKS, I may add a K31/K11 to the bill since they're all cheaper. The Garand sounds nice (CMP $625 model), but I hear they're about 2 MOA rifles and require lower pressure ammo or a new gas plug and some experimentation.

Having a hard time deciding.

kmittleman said:
Got 'em all!!

In the best MDS tradition! Well done, man.

(Pictures or it didn't happen.)

Jasonshooter · Aug 2, 2014

My opinion , the mini-14... Just my 2 cent ..

nathanbmiller · Aug 2, 2014

I would go with the mini-14. Cheapest ammo, least recoil (if that matters), customizable, detachable mag.

Garands are great, and like others have said the supply will eventually run out. I think that makes it less likely that you will want to shoot it since it will become more collectible. Unless you want something collectible, then get the Garand.

Pinecone · Aug 2, 2014

There are a LOT of Garands out there. So unless it is something special, shoot it.

If I had to buy only one, it would be the Mini 14. But best is to buy them all.

byf43 · Aug 2, 2014

Mickey the Dragon said:
I would recommend getting the Garand and then picking up a used Mossberg 500, Remington 870, or similar pump-action shotgun for around $200 to use as a defensive weapon. None of your listed options really knock my socks off as a defensive choice, but of the three I would probably go with the Mini 14.

joppaj said:
Agreed in whole.

+1

Personally, "I" have no use for an SKS or Mini-14.

I bought a Russian SKS years ago, for $159.00. Never fired it.
Sold it a few years ago.

I've seen Mini-14 rifles that would hold "Minute of Pie Pan" groups at 100 yards.
That's not for me.

Buy the M1 Garand (from CMP) and get a piece of real history, then follow the first quote (above).

:thumbsup:

Pinecone · Aug 2, 2014

byf43 said:
I've seen Mini-14 rifles that would hold "Minute of Pie Pan" groups at 100 yards.
That's not for me.

Minute of pie pan is sub-minute of man.

joppaj · Aug 2, 2014

Pinecone said:
Minute of pie pan is sub-minute of man.

Unless he's standing sideways.

Mark75H · Aug 2, 2014

joppaj said:
Unless he's standing sideways.

Depends on how "well fed" he is

Magnumite · Aug 2, 2014

Last three posts, +1!

Mark75H · Aug 2, 2014

kmittleman said:
Got 'em all!!

Blacksmith101 said:
Since you got them how about a review of each since you were the OP and asked for the advise. A review may help others decide.

Let me know if you need help :thumbsup:

Ironnewt · Aug 2, 2014

Pinecone said:
Minute of pie pan is sub-minute of man.

Under "Ideal" conditions. In a high stress situation with adrenaline rush, tunnel vision and fine motor control that took a vacation, that "pie pan becomes an over-sized sheet cake.

kmittleman · Aug 2, 2014

Blacksmith101 said:
Since you got them how about a review of each since you were the OP and asked for the advise. A review may help others decide.

Ok - I'll try to get pics later on.

M1 Garand

I got a service grade from CMP for $650 and it's the best of the lot. I believe it's a 1955 HRA with a Springfield stock and new Springfield barrel. CMP was great to deal with to say the least and they had lots of info as well. They told me I could call back and get load data from from one of the armorer's as well. It seems very accurate and shoots 1/2" groups at 50 yds when I'm doing a good job. I can't imagine ever getting rid of this.

Mini 14

This is the lightest, best balanced and handiest of all three. It came with a broken hand guard from Bud's but Ruger sent me a new one. So far with the 2 factory loads I've tried, it shoots about 1" at 50yds. The rear sight was a bit off and I was only able to get the windage right by moving it all the way to the right. Maybe Ruger can fix that or I'll get a tech sight for it. So far it seems very reliable.

SKS

I got a 1952 Russian on GB and it is the least accurate of all three, but it will still shoot 1-2" at 50 yds. I do really like the 7.62x39 round though. At $5-6 a box, there's no reason to hand load for it and this gun seems very reliable. The stocks are really short on SKS's so at 6' 2" I needed to add some length to it. I got a $10, 2" butt extension - problem solved. The SKS pretty much seems to be in the same catagory as the Mini 14/30/ Pistol Caliber Carbine category. But they're cheaper and I wouldn't mind having another since parts are cheap and available.

Magnumite · Aug 3, 2014

Of the military rifles I have shot the Garand is my favorite.

1" groups at 50 yards that Mini 14 is a keeper!

Blacksmith101 · Aug 4, 2014

kmittleman said:
Ok - I'll try to get pics later on.

M1 Garand

I got a service grade from CMP for $650 and it's the best of the lot. I believe it's a 1955 HRA with a Springfield stock and new Springfield barrel. CMP was great to deal with to say the least and they had lots of info as well. They told me I could call back and get load data from from one of the armorer's as well. It seems very accurate and shoots 1/2" groups at 50 yds when I'm doing a good job. I can't imagine ever getting rid of this.

Mini 14

This is the lightest, best balanced and handiest of all three. It came with a broken hand guard from Bud's but Ruger sent me a new one. So far with the 2 factory loads I've tried, it shoots about 1" at 50yds. The rear sight was a bit off and I was only able to get the windage right by moving it all the way to the right. Maybe Ruger can fix that or I'll get a tech sight for it. So far it seems very reliable.

SKS

I got a 1952 Russian on GB and it is the least accurate of all three, but it will still shoot 1-2" at 50 yds. I do really like the 7.62x39 round though. At $5-6 a box, there's no reason to hand load for it and this gun seems very reliable. The stocks are really short on SKS's so at 6' 2" I needed to add some length to it. I got a $10, 2" butt extension - problem solved. The SKS pretty much seems to be in the same catagory as the Mini 14/30/ Pistol Caliber Carbine category. But they're cheaper and I wouldn't mind having another since parts are cheap and available.

Very good review. Each one has it's good points.

erwos · Aug 4, 2014

I've always liked the "no bayonet" SKS 16" paratrooper rifles. They balance really nicely, and lose a fair bit of weight from a normal SKS. I love using 20rd AK mags in my SKS-M, feels like a really nice scout rifle.

Re: Garand vs Mini 14 vs SKS

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