guns

When I lived in California I looked at getting one for the same reasons. I only didn’t because work took me to a state where I could buy an AR instead

damn this thing is sleek, I don't even see a trigger or where to load the cartridges

Yeah, it's a pretty decent substitute. It can shoot 5.56 just as well as an AR-15, and there's a theory that it looks less scary (especially with wood) than all those all-black AR-15's, so it'll hold up better in court. An AR is just better though, a lot of those banned features like the pistol grip are good. AR's tend to be cheaper, since there's just so many parts manufacturers, some very focused on getting the price down so they can sell more. AR-15's have objectively better magazines, but it's not a huge deal. Tbh generally guns that are better than a Mini 14 are banned if you're in a state where the AR-15 is banned, so the Mini 14 might genuinely be your best option.

A handgun might be a good option instead, for two simple reasons. Pistol ammo is way cheaper, and you go through it slower, so you can spend way more time at the range. Prices fluctuate, but it's generally about half the price for 9mm vs .223/5.56. The other reason is it's way better for personal defense, since you can keep it a lot closer and pull it out quicker in your house, and unlike a rifle, you at least have the choice of carrying it outside your house. If you're in an AR ban state, concealed carry might be tough. There's some states where you can concealed carry as an inherent right, no paperwork or police visits, it's very cool. Pistols are also almost never banned, unless you're in California lmao. A Ruger 10/22 might similarly be of interest, for ammo pricing.

Consider training with Stop the Bleed and First Aid, and getting an Individual First Aid Kit from somewhere like North American Rescue. If you can make holes, you should be able to patch holes. Also, head over to your local gun store, you probably shouldn't tell us where you live, but your local gun store will know the good legal stuff.

I'm going to the range with friends in a few days, we're lucky enough to live in a state with decent gun laws. We've got AR's, shotguns, a bolt-action rifle, and pistols that some of us conceal carry. We can manufacture our own firearms legally and easily. It's awesome.

been looking at mini 30s for the same reason

I wish I had bought one of those lynx 12 shotguns when they were like $350 and before all the import bans/my state banned everything cool lmao

I would honestly recommend a cheap AR and get you some wood furniture. Mini 14s are very picky about what magazines they like.

Big fan of the mini 14, family has 3. Can't get an AR so this was the next best thing. Best to get overpriced ruger brand mags. Mounted optics options are kind of limited

it's probably a fine rifle. i dont want anything that cant take a 30 round mag but maybe thats banned for you too

nice and simple, yeah.

Definitely a high quality rifle, with a very good reputation. If you're in a place where you can't get an ar-15, but can get a mini 14, it's a fine choice.

I always wanted one but can't justify the price. I think they're very pretty.

CA i assume

Harder to fix if it breaks and less accurate that an AR, other than that they're conpetent guns. Pistol caliber carbines like the Ruger PC Carbine might also be worth a look as those cost half as much to shoot for blasting/plinking. The mini-14 would have more defensive utility however as rifle rounds are far more effective than pistol rounds.