I have always loved the Mini 14 because of their reliability and 'real rifle' handling characteristics. The 580+ changes cured most of its actual deficiencies.

If like me you are one of those optimistic souls who thinks a reliable semi with 4-5 mags is all you'll ever need, the Mini 14 fills that role as well as anything and better than most.

Rob, as events move along, I find that 'old stuff' seems to be more usable than the the 'latest'. The AR platform has been 'because it's necessary', to me. However, it is not 'shotgun' reflexive -- mostly due to me not having put in time and more time to make it so. SA's & classic DA's- yes, SxS shotguns - levers and bolts and pumps-- yes, and ye auld etcetera. I have the AR's and mags and sights and do know how to 'shoot'. However, it is rarely the gun[s] that i pick for fun. yeah, it is a gas to rip off a mag and to shoot stuff to pieces.

Your comments rang the bell however, that as I downsize and simplify, there may be options to lighten the load. No radical 'sell it all' and start over, but some nephews and nice family may benefit from the process. Thanks for the idea.

Is that your rifle? I kinda want to add a hardwood/blue version to my stable one of these days. You can get a plain blue/hardwood version at Walmart without the flash hider and such for $650 or $695 or so. It would be a fun iron sight rifle.