I once had both a Mini-14 and an SKS. They were both rock solid reliable guns. The reason I don't have either anymore? The complete lack of accuracy. I have an AR now and wouldn't go back. The Mini, regardless of what ammo I fed it was lucky to shoot dinner plate size groups at 100 yds. The SKS was about the same although the only ammo it ever got was that crappy steel case stuff. The AR is a tack driver by comparison.. Just my two cents..