Just curious what the folks on this forum think about these 2 choices. I've been debating getting a .223 and occasionally see a good deal on a Mini 14. I rarely see a good deal on an AR 15. I would be using it primarily for varmint hunting and maybe some plinking around. I don't need it by any means but I thought I would get some opinions on what you like or dislike about the 2.
Thanks, Nathan
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Live on 51 acres in Lubbock county.
Own and hunt on 160 acres in Fisher county.
I'm not a huge "black rifle" guy. I would say that it depends on who the AR is made by as to exactly how much better than the Mini-14 it will be. The Mini 14 it seems is what I would describe as a "so-so" gun. About one in ten will be DEADLY and one in ten will be junk. Other 8 will just be "so-so". Please understand thats a generalization... but you don't hear about many of them shooting lights out. I'd go with an AR if you are after a semi-auto... they are fun to mess around with. Good luck!
__________________ You get what you put in, and people get what they deserve. - Kid Rock
This was what brought my curiosity up on the subject.
Add in a local paper today:
Quote:
RUGER MINI 14 Ranch rifle. Stainless, syn., 6x24 scope, 30 rd. SS mag, 20 rd. Ruger mag. Hard case and sling. Good for hunting or tactical. Steal $700.
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Live on 51 acres in Lubbock county.
Own and hunt on 160 acres in Fisher county.
generally speaking the mini 14 is supposed to be as rugged and reliable as they come, but not known for great accuracy, a lot of people use them for truck guns where "minute of milk jug" accuracy is all that is needed. AR 15 is generally a much better built gun and more accurate but usually more expensive. Although i just read an article fairly recently that the new mini 14s are supposed to be much more accurate.
My suggestion would be to piece together and AR15. You can build the lower yourself and save some mucho $$$$s, or you can buy a standard lower for around the $250 area. And buy an upper of your choice from 400-infinite ammount, depending what you want.
I would suggest saving up a bit and buying a new accurized AR15 from one of the bigger names. If memory serves correctly, some are guaranteeing less than 1MOA.Even a standard AR15 is probably going to shoot fairly well. I like the AR platform because it is extremely modular and you can swap in any number of different uppers, cange the fore-end, and it has a plethora of different sighting options available.
It's much more fun to plink away with a gun accurate enough that you can attribute a miss only to yourself.
The AR15 I have is just one of the standard carbine length AR's, so I haven't personally shot the accurized ones. I have to believe, however, if a manufacturer claims they can get MOA or less accuracy out of it, they'd stand behind such a claim, or so one would think.
I picked up a new AR that the local surplus store puts together for $629 last week. Superior lower, 6 position stock, douglas barrel and flattop upper. I like it a lot.
The only solid reason I've heard for getting a Mini-14 is is if you live in Cali, where its easier to buy a l Mini than to go through the hassles to get a legal AR-15.
Quote:
Steal $700
For about $100 more you can get a really nice AR, and it will be 10x the rifle the mini could ever be.
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Obamanfreude - 1. taking pleasure from the misfortunes of an Obama supporter as he or she is adversely affected by the policies of their Dear Leader.
Got burned on a Mini 14 once....basically only good for using mass quantities of .223 ammo. They never jam, but if you stand inside the barn you may be able to hit the side of it. I can think of 700 things I would spend $700 on before a Mini14 even got on the list. Buy an AR..............
Mini 14 vs. AR 15
