AR vs AK vs Mini 14/30 Reliability

Snal~

Snal~

I Run A Tight Shipwreck (Tragic Boating Accident)
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Just curious about those of you that have experience with ALL of these.
I've never owned or fired an AK, but I have several Mini's and several AR's, I want an AK!

First off, I have 4 AR's that I built that are still unfired, so they are out for this topic.
I have 5 AR's (not counting the previously mentioned 4), 3 Mini 14's, and 1 mini 30.
Of those, I have never had a failure of any kind with any of the Mini's.
I have had failures with all of the AR's except one (feed/eject)
Now, the failures cannot be blamed entirely on the gun....coulda been a magazine thing, but I use
milsurp and magpul mags exclusively in my AR's and only factory Ruger mags in the Mini's.

What's your experience?
 
S4f said:
I think accuracy would be more of a measuring tool than reliability.
I've owned all of them and reliability was never the issue but for me the ars were way more accurate.
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This isn't about accuracy.
But since you brought it up, the Mini's are as accurate as they were designed to be, and they don't have the aftermarket parts availability like the AR platform does to be much better.
 
S4f said:
I think accuracy would be more of a measuring tool than reliability.
I've owned all of them and reliability was never the issue but for me the ars were way more accurate.
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The AK74 can lend a bit more accuracy if that is a concern. (5.45x39) Bulgarian and Polish 74’s are fun.
Considering the stuff you already have I wouldn’t be too concerned with that though.
I have no issues being solid with a AK-47 @ 50-75yds w/ dry sights. (My eyes aren’t great)
Those concerns from my understanding are more about the 7.62 round than the gun for what it’s worth.
IMO use foreign ammo.
With that said I love a Yugo 47 and they are tanks, but it always pays to look at the rifling and gas system in those variations because they used corrosive ammo with those weapons frequently.
These days most are good to go because they don’t have their original barrels.
As an AK lover I like the feeling of Mil.Surplus history you get with a nice imported AK.
 
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I currently own AKs and ARs , and I previously owned a Mini 14 ranch.
The Mini 14 was reliable , but wasn’t very accurate. Proprietary mags are expensive and not a lot of options. Internal parts are not easy to find. In terms of production numbers, a fraction of the other 2. This was in 223
Ive owned ARs the longest. Quite a few factory and custom builds have passed through my collection over the years. A lot of benefits - this is Americas rifle. Endless parts support , low cost easy to find mags. Off the rack guns are as accurate as they need to be. These have been in 5.56mm/ 223. Longevity and reliability come into play when you shoot them a bunch with questionable maintenance ( clean once and awhile is about it) This has been my favorite for most of my adult life. That is until the last few years
AK - I now own several including both US and coveted Russian and Chinese imports. I am going to address accuracy first - anyone that says these rifles aren’t accurate only has experience with a worn out AK with a shot out barrel. I can easily group 2-3” at 100 yards with every AK I own including the much maligned PSA “cheap” AK . This is with whatever cheap surplus ammo I can find. I can improve accuracy a little better with quality ammo. Ammo sensitivity is not an issue with AKs like my ARs. ARs tend to be more finicky and likely to jam on cheap ammo. I have fed my AKs steel cased ammo that was corroded with rust and it worked. More reliable , mags are easy to find as long as you aren’t buying into the whole ( gotta have it crowd buying Bakelite ) Plenty of options for stocks , handguards , triggers these days as they have became more popular. I don’t use 5.45 due to cost of ammo and mags and the fact that 7.62x39mm is a great round. In my opinion a better overall do anything round than 5.56mm. It is a 30 cal round that is more effective on larger game animals. My 17yr old daughter shot a match at Gryphon Group in Maxton and made hits at 400+ yards with her PSA AK Pistol in 7.62X39
I have both and am proficient with both platforms, but I will pick up one of our AKs first if given the choice
 
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Ive had 3 Arsenal AKs.

My first was a milled gun and the ejector was too short. It wouldn’t run through a full magazine. They replaced the gun with another and it has been flawless. Actually, that replacement gun is a real gem. Hitting IPSC sized steel at 400 with irons is easy and doable at 500. The gun shoots awesome.

My second was a stamped gun that lacked some final machining operation and would hang up, again it wouldn’t get through a full mag. I sent it back and when it came back it ran fine. I sold that one off on the other forum as I just don’t need two AKs.

I’ve had basically no problems worth mentioning out of any of my ARs.

I did have a mini 30 a long time ago and never had a single issue with it. I’m a big dummy for selling that one.

I suppose the point is that AKs can be tough to get right.
 
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Maintained properly I do not think you can say the AR or AK is better … I know that adding me into the equation (like you said magazine type problem because of user) … I tend to say I am better with an AR along with being able to clear 95% of problems that could pop up easier. As to the Mini-14 … I messed with a couple friends had and one LEO issue. They were nice shooting and handling carbines but the magazines were not quite to best kept and a couple were import crap. I wouldn’t turn one down BUT I want to have proper tested mags that I have vetted.

Personally I have a Mini-14 tucked back because the wood non-folding or telescoping stock version has been on the Exemption List of every AWB bill introduced. The magazine limitation would still apply but a Mini-14 for some reason is not as deadly as an AR … kinda like Nadler saying the M1 Garand is not as deadly as the AR-15 … WTH?
 
NCFubar said:
Maintained properly I do not think you can say the AR or AK is better … I know that adding me into the equation (like you said magazine type problem because of user) … I tend to say I am better with an AR along with being able to clear 95% of problems that could pop up easier. As to the Mini-14 … I messed with a couple friends had and one LEO issue. They were nice shooting and handling carbines but the magazines were not quite to best kept and a couple were import crap. I wouldn’t turn one down BUT I want to have proper tested mags that I have vetted.

Personally I have a Mini-14 tucked back because the wood non-folding or telescoping stock version has been on the Exemption List of every AWB bill introduced. The magazine limitation would still apply but a Mini-14 for some reason is not as deadly as an AR … kinda like Nadler saying the M1 Garand is not as deadly as the AR-15 … WTH?
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That line of thinking almost makes me want to go full A team with my mini just out of spite.
 
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Grew up shooting a 70s Mini, always reliable, no issues. In 2002 I tried some pre-ban magazines of unknown lineage, they were the problem.

Owned a dozen or more ARs (more, definitely MORE), no function issues at all that weren't caused by magazines.

Owned four AKs, own two now, a Zastava M70NPAP, and an Arsenal SLR. No issues ever, both will eat steel cased covered in rust. Never a hic-up.

All I can say do your research, ask questions to the guys you know that own them, then make your decision.

Don't rush into it, and be careful with the way the market is today.
 
If you want an AK, get an AK (a good one). They're simpler in many ways, more complicated in others vs an AR. I am not of the opinion that one is more reliable than the other. I love both for different reasons.

I tend to think if I had one of each beside me, and a BG busted in the door, that I would likely get shot before I decided which one to pick up.

I've seen both have issues. I've seen both perform when you'd expect they shouldn't.

If you don't have an AK and can afford a proper one, get one. That's what I say.
 
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I've owned at least half a dozen chinese ak's and around the same in AR's.... I've never seen a cease fire called at a range for a jammed AK. SKS was my first love and being broke as a young lad, I've had a bunch and then gravitated towards the AK. AR is better in every way except reliabilty... but close enough to make it a better choice IMHO because of it's superior manual of arms, ease of mounting optics, reloads etc etc.

Mini's are ok but I can build a better AR for about the same money. Mini 30 supposedly had accuracy issues because it was designed for 308 bullets vs 311 but that may have been early production etc. Either way I've shot my buddies mini's many times over the years. Neat toy but I pull out my yugo sks w/ tech sights and its just cooler in every way.... except sks safety's are not and can't be trusted.

Most AK's are good. Just stay away from most of the century stuff and RAS or whatever they're called etc.
 
Frack N Cylons said:
Ive had 3 Arsenal AKs.

My first was a milled gun and the ejector was too short. It wouldn’t run through a full magazine. They replaced the gun with another and it has been flawless. Actually, that replacement gun is a real gem. Hitting IPSC sized steel at 400 with irons is easy and doable at 500. The gun shoots awesome.

My second was a stamped gun that lacked some final machining operation and would hang up, again it wouldn’t get through a full mag. I sent it back and when it came back it ran fine. I sold that one off on the other forum as I just don’t need two AKs.

I’ve had basically no problems worth mentioning out of any of my ARs.

I did have a mini 30 a long time ago and never had a single issue with it. I’m a big dummy for selling that one.

I suppose the point is that AKs can be tough to get right.
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Ow.... thats some bad luck.

If I may ask, what model was the first milled rifle? And what time frame was it brought in/built?
 
Frack N Cylons said:
It was a SAM7SF bought in 2016 or so. The rifle they replaced it with was the same model and is great.
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Every so often, you get a lemon... or in your case lemons.

I know the quality and QC seem to have been suffering lately. Atleast they made it right. Was the replacement dated the same as the original?

I once knew someone that had a SAM7SF that was canted to such a degree that it couldbt be zeroed... it was sad. That was around 2017-18ish I believe? He Lost total confidence in Arsenal and ended up going Rifle Dynamics kit build ( bleh)

My own has been a delight but may fall into a similar range as your "lemon" date wise.
 
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I've had a bunch of ARs, mostly Poors builds and they've pretty much all run fine with decent accuracy.

I've had old and newer model Mini 14s and the newer model was definitely more accurate, but the cost of magazines always ends up giving me a case of the arse and I sell them. Optics were a bit annoying getting things set up how you want.

I've had a few AKs and have never had any reliability issues, mags were cheap and plentiful back then, but optics are just a pain in the arse. Accuracy was about the same as the Mini 14.

If I had to choose, I'd want a modern AK with an optics top rail, or a Mini 14 that somehow took AR mags. As it stands, I have multiple ARs (rifle and pistol) because they are just so cheap and flexible.
 
You can't go wrong with either rifle . I have several ARs but really only shoot one. It's one of the original DPMS M4 carbines. I only remember having one failure to fire. A factory Lake city round did not fire . Later tried that round in another rifle . Dud. Zero issues with either AK's. 3 Mini 14's and 1 mini 30. I've had very good accuracy with all of them.Like shooting 6 inch paper plates at 100 meters.. I think the DPMS has the best accuracy. Used it in 3 gun matches with EOTech so I never tried it for precision grouping only fast shooting
 
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I have owned all three.
Mini -14’s IMO are a distant third to AK and AR rifles. The least accurate of the three as well as (depending on model) the most expensive. Combine this with the ease of which it overheats and it is a not recommend.
AR vs AK is like apple vs orange. They both have endearing features and cannot be fairly compared against each other (but I will do it anyway).
AK’s are rugged, accurate and can be poorly maintained and still work. There are no parts to wear out or break. My only replacement part has been a recoil spring and even after 10k rounds still worked!
Down side of AK’s are poor ergonomics, lack of accessories and the platform is a one trick pony-It is an “assault rifle”.
AR’s are as reliable as AK’s AS LONG AS you do the maintenance and use good quality magazines and ammo. Some don’t like steel case, some don’t like sketchy reloads/surplus ammo. Cheap mags? They will be the death of you. I have found my share of AR mags in the dumpster at the range over the years.
Expect to clean every 500 rounds to keep things running smoothly. Replace the gas rings and extractor spring every 3,000 rounds and you will never have a problem.
On the plus side ergonomics are A+. It is very versatile rifle-9mm PCC to long range tack driver and everything in between it can do better than just about anything.
Cost is a benefit. a ~$600 mid range S&W M&P sport or similar mid tier rifles are great values and can provide years of trouble free service.
 
IrishCannon said:
If you want an AK, get an AK (a good one). They're simpler in many ways, more complicated in others vs an AR. I am not of the opinion that one is more reliable than the other. I love both for different reasons.

I tend to think if I had one of each beside me, and a BG busted in the door, that I would likely get shot before I decided which one to pick up.

I've seen both have issues. I've seen both perform when you'd expect they shouldn't.

If you don't have an AK and can afford a proper one, get one. That's what I say.
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I want one just to be familiar with the platform.
 
Snal~ said:
I want one just to be familiar with the platform.
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Once you get used to the peculiar bits it's very easy to fall in love. The last gun I parted with involuntarily from my collection was my primary AK, a modified SAR1. I won't be replacing it with the insane prices these days and I deeply regret that. I was absolutely confident that that rifle would do exactly what I needed it to do in its bailwick.
 
NCLivingBrit said:
Once you get used to the peculiar bits it's very easy to fall in love. The last gun I parted with involuntarily from my collection was my primary AK, a modified SAR1. I won't be replacing it with the insane prices these days and I deeply regret that. I was absolutely confident that that rifle would do exactly what I needed it to do in its bailwick.
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I've pretty much decided that my best bet for my first AK would be from our resident expert builder....I can never remember who that is.
 
Snal~ said:
Agreed!
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During my mini 14 days old bill ruger didn’t trust us with factory high capacity mags. I had one factory 20 round which worked great and some Federal Ordinance 30 rounders which had the disagreeable tendency to fall out of the rifle during firing taking the trigger group with it!
 
keepcalmandcarryon said:
During my mini 14 days old bill ruger didn’t trust us with factory high capacity mags. I had one factory 20 round which worked great and some Federal Ordinance 30 rounders which had the disagreeable tendency to fall out of the rifle during firing taking the trigger group with it!
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Got lucky years ago when a prison employee was asked to dispose of the Mini stuph as they went to AR's. I got a bunch of new 20 rounders for $10 a pop!
 
I had a newer Mini-14 Ranch .223

The only thing I didn’t like about it, no matter what magazine used (5, 20, or 30), if you inserted a mag with the bolt closed, the shape of the bolt would dent the shoulder of the top round. If you downloaded the mag by a round or two and gently clicked the mag in place it would minimize damage but muscle memory says “seat the mag!”

Otherwise…I loved it.

I’ve owned several AKs (all in x39)…a Russian Saiga and Yugoslav M70AB2s. I know they’d function, the end, no discussion, but I just didn’t like them.

I have seen just about every issue or malfunction with an AR15/M16/M4 that you can imagine (basic trainees and officers do some insanely stupid things) but I still choose the platform 10/10 times.


If you get an AK…get an AK. Not a PSA. /endrant
 
Snal~ said:
I want one just to be familiar with the platform.
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If you're getting one off the assembly line, I'd look at WBP or Zastava. - WASR's can be good but they're hit or miss right now like a lot of stuff. Even Arsenal has had issues. I haven't heard anyone complain about their WBP's. If you get one built, @digitalpaladin10 is the man to see.
 
I own both multiple ARs and AKs so I may get some hate for this but I have overheard in numerous AK forums to bring a mallet when working on an AK because they can take a beating and keep ticking. I can attest to that. Cant say the same for an AR15. Dont get me wrong, I love my ARs. I am sure ARs can take a good beating but if I HAD to choose at the end of the day I would go with an ak47 for a few reasons:

- ammo is dirt cheap and in some instances cheaper than 556
- AKs are meant to shoot extremely dirty and keep running, they arent finicky or brand whores on ammo
- AKs can be slung around in mud, dirt, sand and water and keep going
- they make for a good heavy bat when you run out of ammo 😂
- you can get a bayonet if you absolutely need one in a survival setting, now you have a spear! 🤷‍♂️

The accuracy may be a different debate here but all in all you really cant go wrong with either, I just wouldnt go with a mini 14 personally, easier to find parts for an AR or AK.

I prefer my Zastavas because of the bulged trunion, extremely reliable and about half the price of an Arsenal. Check out the Zastava m70 if you want a rifle or a Zastava m92 if you want a pistol, both pictured below.

IMG_7867.jpeg
 
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TheCroatian said:
I own both multiple ARs and AKs so I may get some hate for this but I have overheard in numerous AK forums to bring a mallet when working on an AK because they can take a beating and keep ticking. I can attest to that. Cant say the same for an AR15. Dont get me wrong, I love my ARs. I am sure ARs can take a good beating but if I HAD to choose at the end of the day I would go with an ak47 for a few reasons:

- ammo is dirt cheap and in some instances cheaper than 556
- AKs are meant to shoot extremely dirty and keep running, they arent finicky or brand whores on ammo
- AKs can be slung around in mud, dirt, sand and water and keep going
- they make for a good heavy bat when you run out of ammo 😂
- you can get a bayonet if you absolutely need one in a survival setting, now you have a spear! 🤷‍♂️

The accuracy may be a different debate here but all in all you really cant go wrong with either, I just wouldnt go with a mini 14 personally, easier to find parts for an AR or AK.

I prefer my Zastavas because of the bulged trunion, extremely reliable and about half the price of an Arsenal. Check out the Zastava m70 if you want a rifle or a Zastava m92 if you want a pistol, both pictured below.

View attachment 506565
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Really like that furniture on the rifle!
 
I've been an AR guy for a long time. My first was a preban Colt Sporter Match Hbar big pin, back in the day. With the right handloads, it would consistently shoot sub moa groups at 100 yds. I was, and am still hooked. I've owned several others in the years since, with only a very few minor issues that I was able to resolve myself. I'm still a fan.

One day, talking to @amnesia , I mentioned that I had never shot a AK. He offered to help me out, and one day we went to my makeshift range in my pasture. Turns out what he brought along was one of @digitalpaladin10 's Carolina Hammers. He even brought plenty of ammo!!!!! After about 200 rounds of Tula steel case, I was very impressed. Nice smooth shooter, good trigger, good accuracy, and never missed a beat. Sweet.

My only experience with a mini is a sample size of exactly one, a mini 30 in 7.62x39. It belonged to a friend who asked me to help him out with an accuracy issue. It showed typical ruger fit & finish, with an average trigger. We tried several different kinds of factory ammo, multiple handloads, cleaned the barrel, checked the sights, action screws, and took turns shooting. We were both varmit rifle guys and could shoot sub moa with a number of other rifles, but this thing wouldn't consistently hit a paper plate at 100yds. By that I mean that of 10 shots, 5 or 6 would hit a regular paper plate. Very disappointing, and nothing we did seemed to make any difference. He got rid of it not long after our experience. To it's credit, it ran like a top with what ever we fed it, using factory mags.
 
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