[Rex in OTZ]

Ive had good luck with the circa 1992 mini, seems to fit the stock ok (no bedding) for reliability I carry it hunting since 1997 hadent any function problems, conditions- used primarly in the winter.

[bigbad-ratman]

not trying to keep a dead thread going or anything, but has anyone tried/purchased the newer "target version" mini-14? i know that i love my mini-30, but wouldnt consider buying just a mini-14. let me know. thanks in advance.

[Kaptin]

This is going to be my next Mini-14 Dont know about the target version, but the 6.8 spec is a good hunting rifle. I have NRA Mini-14 and it rocks!

Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifles & Mini Thirty Rifles*Autoloading*Rifle (M-14/20CF) Overview

[wildbillfromca]

In the U.S. you can buy high reliable and affordable Soviet-era SKS rifles. They fire the potent 7.62x39mm cartridge, they are totally reliable and can be quickly reloaded with stripper clips 10 shots at a time. I have two and I love them.

[Laufer]

My old Mini 14 ('90) is the most reliable semi-auto rifle I've had.
The Mini 30 comes really close, except for a ftf now and then. The SKS has had just one mis-feed in 1200+ rounds (happened to a buddy's AK next to me). Shooting both are old-fashioned fun.

The original poster might want to wait several weeks and watch ammo price trends/availablity.
If he has lots of x39 ammo (bought before the election), one of these other rifles might be a better option than having one that uses pricey .223.
A very popular gun auction website always has four full pages of Mini 14s, and these will not ever become scarce, unless a number of Demokratik Senators decide one day that they want to risk Not being re-elected.