Nobody ever called the Mini-14 an example of "the gunmakers art". But, it is nice to see some blued steel and walnut.
I've never owned, nor wanted, a Mini-14, SKS, AR, or AK.
From my vantage point on the range, be it as a target shooter or working range officer, they all serve pretty much the same purpose. That is, blasting away through large quantities of cheap ammo while (
hopefully) keeping the bullet impacts within the general area of the range backstop.
Funny thing, all these guns, in their own time, have attracted the same array of cheesy, aftermarket plastic accessories and attachments.
One of the constancies of the American mass consumer marketplace, I guess?
Still, the OP made a nice score. Great condition and great price.
(Cue soundtrack to The A-Team!)