Looking for a solid Mini 14 equivalent rifle

Hi, long time lurker. Need some recommendations on a new purchase.

I own a Henry .30-30 and a Ruger .22LR but I need an in-between all around performer, medium range, rifle. The Henry is a battleship cannon used for taking out buildings and scaring all wildlife in a 10 mile radius and the .22, although very fun and really pretty, doesn’t do everything I want it to.

I’ve always liked the Ruger Mini-14 but they’re apparently pricey! My budget is $800-1,000.

After some research I think I’d prefer a 5.56/.223 but 7.62 is fine. I figure 5.56 is more readily available and cheaper? Maybe I’m wrong about that. Correct me if I’m wrong!

And last thing I’d note is that I’m not super jazzed about the AR-15 platform. I just don’t prefer the look of it. Unless there’s a wood stock version? Maybe the AK route. Are AK’s easy to maintain? I like a wood stock and something with some character. I’d be using it for target practice and local militia readiness purposes.

Maybe I just need to suck it up and get a Mini-14 or Mini-30.

Help a brother out, thanks all!