Good morning all, I’ve been toying around with this idea for a while now, & think that perhaps I’ve thought myself into an impasse ? Bottom line is, Which model / system should I choose ? I have a beautiful, early Spec. 2 chamber production Stag Model 5, in 6.8 SPC. It may actually be one of the nicest AR type weapon that I’ve ever owned. From the match grade trigger, to it’s quality finish & assembly is is truly a beautiful weapon. HOWEVER, I have always had a soft spot for the RUGER Mini 14 series, although have’nt owned one in many years. The advice I’m seeking regards my swapping the Stag 6.8 ( M4 type, flat top ) for an NIB, or like new Ruger Mini 30 Tactical, GB type, SKU 5854. Am I nuts for entertaining this idea ? As much as I love the Mini 14 / 30’s GB style, I think that the Stag M5 is probably worth more, especially when considering all the 25 rd PRI Magazines & 500 rds of Hornandy Tactical & Urban Tactical loads, all new factory. So, should I actually persue a swap like this, or be happy with the 6.8 & just keep it ? Initially, I was hoping the the 6.8 SPC would be officially adopted by somebody, but it just wasn’t to be. I’ll appreciate any ideas or comments anyone would like to share. THANKS Guys.
Like the guy above me said - I wouldn’t do it. I sort of like the Mini. I bought my wife one of the new Tacticals. But I wouldn’t trade a decent AR for it, unless there was some major problem with the AR.
Using Bud’s prices the Stag sells for 70 bucks more than the Ruger so I’d say an even trade is fine. I am not a fan of either but that particular Stag is pretty much worthless to me in 6.8. It would be worth more in 556.
I have a Mini-14 that sits in the back of the safe and the only time I touch it is when I’m pulling out one of the ARs in the back sitting next to it…
I wouldn’t do the trade unless you feel you need to for strategic reasons - like the Mini-30 is not considered an assault weapon in your state, and you need a plan B. Otherwise I’d buy one used. (Just make sure you don’t get the old pencil barrel version. The new heavier barrel has better accuracy than the old pencil version - at least it does with .223 / 5.56)
THANK YOU Guys, for all the kind replies. Honestly, I sort of knew the type of replies I’d recieve, but it’s always nice to get some vindication. It’s not like I need a 7.62x39 system, as I already have 4 AK’s of various types, ( 3 - 7.62 & 1 - 5.56 ) but I’m just so partial to an M1 type system. My 1st ever LE duty long gun was an old 1943 mfg’d M1 Carbine. Plus, I have an SAI SOCOM that I really love, hence my fondness for that style of weapons system. Don’t get me wrong, I also embrace the AR type weapons & currently have a Colt 6520, 6920, & LMT MWS .308, in addition to the 6.8 Stag. I guess I’ll probably just hang onto the 6.8 unless I happen across a super, can’t pass it up deal on a Mini 30 Tactical. Then, if I ever do pick one up, I’ll have to start looking for one of the early metal & wood Mini 14 factory folding stocks, as they were truly nice units. ( If it will even fit one of the new production Mini 30’s ? ) Well, THANKS again, I appreciate the input.
I already have an M1 Carbine, a nice USGI issue piece. It’s in relatively nice shape, kind of like one of the older DCM releases of the late 1960’s. The only problem I actually have with using / firing it is that it has a good deal of collector value, too much in my opinion to become a shooter. It’s a 1st production run Underwood, mfg’d in April 1943, with ALL original components. It somehow escaped the frequent post-war arsenal re-builds / updates, other than it’s post-WW2 issue buttstock. The women I acquired it from said her husband was an Army Officer during WW2, & that he brought it home after the war. Sooner or later I’ll either pass it along to an M1 Carbine / US martial arms collector, or perhaps I’ll get lucky & turn up an exact replacement for it’s missing stock. Hey, it’s not like I really need the weapon, although I do just love M1 Carbines ! Pair up a quality built M1 Carbine with quality magazines & Cor-Bon DPX loads, you have a very capable close to 200 or so meter light & handy little side-kick. ( Especially when combined with a good folder assy. ) Everyone these days tend to gravitate towards the 9mm / .40 S&W carbines, but the .30 Carbine round has them all beat. Remember, it was purpose designed as a light rifle round, not a re-adapted pistol ctg. You just have to remember it’s range limitations, & it should perform quite well for you. THANKS again Guys !
I guess I could shoot it if I really wanted, or needed to,but why bother. I always keep good magazines & fresh ammo for all my weapons, even the unusual stuff like my 8mm Jap Nambus & 9mm Jap Type 26 Revolvers ! Even though I wouldn’t usually contemplate shooting such pieces, I do insist on having at least a box or two of ammo, otherwise it becomes just another paperweight. If I end passing on my Mini 30 impulses, I’d like to look into one of the newer production Kahr Arms M1A1 Carbines. ( With the USGI type Folding Stock ) To me, that style of Carbine is an ideal choice for an all around little ‘handy gun’. ( Unless of course, the targets start getting bigger, then I grab my other ‘handy gun’ types, a .44 Magnum Win. 94 16" bbl’d Trapper, which I bought fo that very same purpose. So, all in all, I don’t really NEED the Mini 30, BUT, when ‘we’ usually buy another gun, do we actually need it, or more likely do we just WANT it ? THANKS for all the kind replies, they’re much appreciated.