FiremanBob

I'm going to put a rifle in the truck for SD use. In a SHTF scenario, a handgun may not be adequate. Having it means I'll never need it, right?

After briefly considering a Marlin 1894 in .44 mag, I wrote up some criteria for the decision:

1. Semiauto
2. Takes hi-cap mags
3. Reliable
4. Short, light, quick-handling
5. .357 mag, .44 mag, or rifle caliber
6. Prefer American-made

My first thought was a Mini, but LGS suggested an AK. I know there are many brands of AK and some have good reps, others terrible, but they are supposed to be dead reliable and shoot dirt-cheap ammo without being picky. I've never tried an AK.

Other than practice and testing, this rifle will ride in my truck where it will be subject to workingman's, not collector's, treatment. Cosmetic condition is therefore not an issue.

I expect most here will say Ruger. But what are the real advantages of a Mini compared to the AK, and does the AK have any advantages over the Ruger?

KCOG

WASR 10 AK 47 - Cheap, reliable, powerful, short, shoots cheap ammo and holds 30 rounds. They don't call them mud guns for nothing. For your stated purposes you can't go wrong with the AK. Just MHO. Good luck.

TMB

I like my Mini its reliable accurate & it fits my M1 Garand leather scabbard like it was made for it with 5&10 rnd mags could carry extra 20&30 rnd mags but not legal here in California..The SKS is a good choice also it is reliable accurate & has ability to use high capacity mags. The AK is good also I just prefer the looks & feel of the Mini &SKS.

Lead Slanger

I absolutely love my Mini, but if I had to choose one.....AK.

Buzzsaw46

I like my mini but would probably go for the AK for this job.

Mayor Al

Let me toss in an interesting alternative. I use a Saiga 12 semi-auto shotgun for my SD gun. It is basically an AK 12 ga. I put on the collapsible TAPCO stock so it fits in a nice 'pocket' in my truck and the mags run from 5 round factory made thru the 10 & 12 round 'sticks and the drums that hold more weight than I care to tote around. I figure if I am in a difficult situation the bad guys will be in range of my slugs and buckshot.
Price range is about even with many of the AK's

Ruger1422

You said Mini and then Ak...how about a AK in 5.56?

RAC55

Banging around in the back of a truck, I would probably go with a stainless Mini 14 with a poly folding stock and stainless mags. No worries about rusting or heat / cold issues. When I lived along the coast, I knew a couple of fishermen and lobstermen kept them on their boats because of the salty environment.

Redleg

A Mini 14 is a much better self defense weapon than an AK. The .223/556 round is designed for anti-personnel terminal effects while the AK round is designed to penetrate structures and whatnot. The AK is designed as a "pray and spray" rifle. Not what you want in a home defense scenario. Plus the Mini is a plain better rifle, supported by America's leading firearms company. Mini 14!!

Rivers2k

I am an AR fan but I would choose a mini over and AK any day of the week. My bro n law has and AK I really don't care for the set up at all.

Why not stick with the 44 mag lever? Out standing self defense gun great for riding in the back of trucks. As silly as it sounds it would probably go over a little more favorable with LEO or god forbid a jury than an AK would.

bearcatter

Yep, just like an umbrella. The first time it's not in the truck, you'll get jumped by fifty Zombies.

I don't own any large rifles, but my 2 cents: Considering it will be banged around in a truck, I wouldn't buy new. A good mil-surp gun will already be a little dinged and scratched and not break your heart when it gets a few new ones.

Sr40ken

For SD, Mini 14 loaded w hollow points or soft points. If you want better penetration NATO M855 rounds.jmho

qcarr

I would go with the Mini-14. Compact, reliable, 100% American designed and made. Ruger even calls them "Ranch Rifles," ideal for riding around in the truck. Also extremely fun to shoot at the range!

bwinters

Mini 14 with a wood stock as it looks less assault rifle style.

Sr40ken

none of em are assualt rifles, unless someone is assaulted with one! LOL