I agree about the AKs. Got one of the civilian models-semi auto only- and its become my favorite rifle. Accurate, fun to shoot, totally unbreakable, good for anything up to smaller bears, field strips in a minute, and half the price of the .223s. Had a mini 14, but the noise of the .223 was so bad I just didnt enjoy shooting it. The AK is actually my wife's rifle, but she lets me use it now and then.
Zeke